Womens Three Mitzvot......

At the core of life exists three things: Food, Shelter, and Family.

At the core of Judaism exists a question: is life about me, or something beyond myself?

The Jewish woman is privileged to take the helm of three Mitzvot which demonstrate that life is not about me, but about something greater than myself.

The Three Mitzvot are:

1. The Mitzvah of Challah. When baking bread, before having any for yourself a section of the dough must be set aside for the priest, the Kohen. By doing so, the woman demonstrates her appreciation to G-d for giving her food; and only after, does she tend to her own needs.

Challah says: Food is not about what I need; it is about helping me live to fulfill what I am needed for.

2. The Shabbat Candles. All mitzvot bring light to the world but the light is not necessarily visible to the naked eye as it is with the Mitzvah of lighting a Shabbat candle.

Every Jewish home is a miniature Temple. Like the High Priest, the woman is charged with illuminating her miniature Temple. Shabbat is a testimony of G-d’s creation and G-d’s love for the Jewish people. And the Shabbat candles are a testimony that G-d is present in this home.

The Shabbat Candles say: This is not just a house. This is a Sanctuary in which the Divine resides.

3. Family Purity: Family purity laws teach us that physical intimacy is a holy activity and a way of serving G-d.
This Mitzvah sets the rhythm to make marital relations holy. At the core of these laws is the Mitzvah of Mikvah, the waters of purity and life. Observance of this Mitzvah brings blessings to the entire family.

Family purity says: My body is Divine, it enables me to create, nurture and give.

Judaism is a mission. We were employed by G-d to reveal the Divine in nature, and to bring heaven down to earth.

These three Mitzvot remain at the forefront of insuring Jewish continuity and expedite the Jewish journey toward the Promised Era of the righteous Moshiach!