Spiritual Lighthouses

I climb into the taxi, slam the door and, breathless, ask the driver if there’s traffic in the direction of the Kosel.

“Am I the son of a prophet?” he grumbles. A quintessential Israeli answer. As he fiddles with the radio I think about how no NY cabbie or British black taxi driver would reference the spiritual concept of prophecy when they could simply refer to the traffic report.

Prophecy, it seems, is not merely the domain of disgruntled taxi drivers. It’s a phenomenon deeply ingrained in our nation’s psyche. And for good reason. Although only 55 neviim (48 neviim, 7 nevios) are mentioned in Tanach, the Gemara tells us that the number of Jewish prophets was double the population that left Egypt! Which means that we’re talking hundreds of thousands of prophets — such a feature of everyday life that prophets were the first address when something was lost (think donkeys, or in our lexicon, wallet).

But a prophet was much more than a living, breathing lost-and-found center. Prophecy was attained only after an intense process of spiritual refinement. Prophets were in a sense like the gedolim of our generation: both inspirational leaders and living role models who demonstrated the lofty spiritual levels a human being can achieve — the soul refinement that Hashem envisions for mankind.

Joyous Connection

These levels were not the exclusive purview of men — far from it. Not only were there numerous prophetesses, according to the Netziv, women have a special affinity toward ruach hakodesh, a lower level of prophecy. He notes that Sara Imeinu excelled in ruach hakodesh. And it is no accident that Sarah was known for “dwelling in her tent.” She spent significant time in the confines of her tent; away from the rush of everyday life, she was able to turn her thoughts to inner contemplation. Her lifestyle allowed her to develop a rich inner world and a profound — and joyous — connection with Hashem.

Regarding Sarah, Rashi says that “All her days were equally good.” It’s an astounding statement when we consider the suffering she underwent as Avraham journeyed through the ten trials. Sarah’s name Yiskah hints to the secret of her inner equanimity. Yiskah is related to the word suchin — to be surrounded and permeated by Divine spirit. We can hear, too, the echo of the word succah, of which an integral part is the sechach, all connoting the experience of being surrounded and enveloped by Hashem’s love. Despite the travails of her life, Sarah’s deep well of ruach hakodesh — her exquisite sensitivity to the world of internality — kept her within Hashem’s embrace.

Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz brings the example of a mother making a train journey, infant in tow. Ask the mother where she is, and she will point to the nearest station. But where is the baby? His geographical location is irrelevant. Wherever he is, he is within his mother’s arms.

Wherever Sarah Imeinu was geographically, emotionally, and spiritually she was “in her tent.” Surrounded by Hashem’s goodness, profoundly tuned in to His Ratzon, she was the ultimate matriarch to all her spiritual-seeking daughters.

Heralds of Truth

All the Imahos experienced prophecy — we are told that matriarchs Rochel and Leah had prophetic knowledge of how many children would be born to Yaakov — and yet only Sarah is included in our Sages’ list of the seven prophetesses. While Rochel and Leah’s nevuah was borne of their piety and refined character, the specific prophecies they received were limited to personal circumstances. The seven nevios, in contrast, were messengers of timeless and universal lessons.

The haven of spiritual contemplation created by Sarah Imeinu may seem a luxury concept light years away from the frenetic pace of our lives as 21st-century women. We are wives, mothers, workers, home managers, shoppers, meal planners, and simchah organizers. We counsel, listen, clean, cook, exercise, and try to juggle the tens of batons that need to be kept airborne.

But many of the chores are simply physical actions, leaving our minds free. We can fold laundry and stack dishes while our thoughts turn to our relationship with Hashem. We can consider the bounty Hashem bestows on us, and attempt to refocus on the deeper meaning and priorities of our lives.

Sara Imeinu also models for us the ability to discriminate between good and evil — and the wisdom of how to use that knowledge to protect the members of her household. The other nevios, too, have unique roles. Miriam Haneviah modeled belief in redemption against all odds. In encouraging her parents to reunite and have children, she fought for the continuity of the Jewish family, and ultimately the Jewish people. Devorah Haneviah modeled leadership, and scholarship, and the place of motherhood within that equation. In addition, through the wicks she prepared for her husband to bring to the Beis Hamikdash, she taught generations of women how to nurture their husband’s spiritual strivings. Chana Haneviah establishes for us the paradigm of Jewish tefillah and dedication to Hashem. Avigayil Haneviah used her special womanly binah, understanding, to save others from unfortunate consequences. Through Avigayil, we learn how to take the initiative to save others. Chuldah Haneviah’s womanly nature is reflected in her prophecy and teaching. The last prophetess mentioned is Esther Hamalkah, whose mesirus nefesh for Hashem and the Jewish people is legendary.

Guiding Us Home

The seven nevios are not mere historical figures. Spiritual lighthouses, they tower above the waves of history, emitting a light that both shows us the direction in which to travel and fills us with hope. The ocean may be stormy, the night dark, the rocks treacherous — but the lantern’s beam guides us home.

Each of the seven nevios lived in a different period in Jewish history (Sheva Hanevios, Rav E. Yedid, introduction). Sarah Imeinu was the foundational pillar of the Jewish people. Mother of monotheism, together with Avraham Avinu, she inspired people to recognize Hashem. Miriam Haneviah lived through the redemption from Egypt. Her role was that of the ultimate midwife — integral to the birth of the Jewish nation. Devorah Haneviah served in the time period of the judges. Chana Haneviah’s role focused on the centrality of the Mishkan and the power of tefillah. Avigayil played a crucial part in the life of Dovid Hamelech and influenced the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. The end of this glorious period of the Davidic line is highlighted by Chuldah Haneviah and her prophesying prior to Churban Bayis Rishon. Esther lived during the period of the exile after the destruction of the Temple.

These seven women span Jewish history, from our nation’s infancy until the period preceding the Second Temple. At each critical moment, as each tide turned, these women radiated a special message and example. Their names are mentioned in the Gemara because their light — their legacy — is still discernable today.

Prophecy, visions, spiritual contemplation — words and concepts that may seem irrevocably distant from our lives. And yet, these towering women, each in her own way, were recorded for us. For you and me. Has it ever been more difficult to live as an authentic Jewish woman? And yet, from across the aeons of time, seven women extend their helping hands. To rejuvenate our individual connection to ourselves and to Hashem, we would do well to examine their lives. “In the merit of the righteous women we were redeemed, and in the merit of the righteous we will be redeemed in the future.”

As history marches inexorably toward destiny, seven towering figures provide us with the insight and inspiration to meet the challenge head-on. Over the next few months, we will follow their light, examine their ideals, and capture something of the messages they bequeath to us from over the ocean of the ages.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 412)