Women of Valor: Six of them Salovey did find

By Eva Trieger

SAN DIEGO- A woman of valor, who can find?  Apparently, Todd Salovey found six of them, right here in our own backyard! Eshet Chayil, a twenty-two verse poem found in the Book of Proverbs (Proverbs 31) pays tribute to a woman of valor for her energy, her righteousness and her capabilities.  The Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival amazed and humbled the audience of the Lyceum Theater on Tuesday night with its poignant portrayal of our own local Eishes Chayil.  Six of San Diego’s women of valor were saluted and honored for their commitment and dedication to Judaism and Zionism.

Under Salovey’s sensitive direction, we were profoundly touched and at once, inspired by stories of women of all ages, backgrounds, and a common courageous spirit.  Six gifted actors and one singer related the unique lives and missions of these women.

We recognize the song “Eishes Chayil” from our Friday evening Shabbat dinner tables, but now we were “meeting” these valorous women and celebrating their massive contributions to our Jewish communities here and in Eretz Yisroel.  Each story illustrated bravery, overcoming obstacles and persevering.  The evening was as empowering as it was moving.

“She is like merchant ships, from afar does she bring her bread..She stretches out her hand to the distaff, and her palms hold the spindle.”  Leslie Caspi, a passionate Democrat and indefatigable Zionist, was portrayed by D. Candis Paul.  She spoke of her heritage and her unwavering support for Israel and Israeli causes.  This feisty woman was also one of the endowment builders of the San Diego Women’s Foundation.  An avid fund raiser and tireless worker, Caspi, and her husband, Shlomo, raised money for Israeli bonds and have always been staunch Builders of Israel.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”  Jennie Starr’s powerful story was delivered by Sarah Price Keating.  This young woman shared her passion for bringing Jewish education to children living in Galut.  She wanted her own kids to learn Hebrew, and she, herself, wanted to become fluent.  With this in mind she created the Tarbuton Israeli Cultural Center.  What began as a small playgroup for Jewish kids and moms of young kids, grew into a community of families who are connected to Israel through their love of the culture and shared devotion to Eretz.

“Realizing that her merchandise is good, her light is not extinguished at night.” Audrey Jacobs’ tale was conveyed by Susannah Peredo.  Audrey set to work early on to cultivate a zeal for support of Israel.  She headed the Stand with Us San Diego chapter.  This organization is a global Israel advocacy and educational frontrunner. The actress shared Audrey’s Houston roots, and her youthful, innocent belief that Israel is a Jewish homeland.  She described her disgust and horror at her visit to UCSD’s Israel Apartheid Week, following the flotilla. This affront fueled her to act and seek out community support to set the record straight.  She refused to sit idly by, and reached out to others who she hoped would speak out against the anti-Israel voice. Clearly, she has succeeded!

“Many daughters have succeeded, but you have excelled over them all.  False is charm, and vain is beauty.” The next actress shared a tale that impacted me on visceral level.  And I know I was not the only one in room crying.  Ali Viterbi embodied Marla Bennett, the young student who was killed in a bombing at Hebrew University.  Speaking as Marla, Ali shared how grounded she felt in her move to Israel.  She loved being a part of the populace, buying groceries, riding Egged busses, making all exchanges in ivrit. But despite her obvious delight in sending letters to her boyfriend and family, she was well aware that the Intifada was going on and she wasn’t safe, even in Jerusalem.  Finally, she decided to return to her family in San Diego…but she was two days too late.  She was killed in a Hamas attack at the unconscionable age of 24, while dining in the cafeteria of Hebrew University.

“Her attire is strength and dignity, and she will rejoice on her last day.” Judith Handler’s story was as incomprehensible as it was beshert. Rosina Reynolds tackled the role and accent of this Romanian woman, who, by the grace of kind neighbors and Hashem, evaded deportation to a camp.  As a very young girl, Judy knew that the police came by each week for a payoff to leave the family alone.  When, one day, this payoff was insufficient, they were arrested and taken to the police station.  A kindly Christian neighbor vouched for them and they were released to his recognizance.  This would prove to be just the first of incredible encounters of their heinous journey.  Next, Reynolds told us of getting stuck on a barbed wire fence near the border between Romania and Hungary. A pair of pants later, our eishes chayil was freed, but wearing only her underpants.  The family was rescued, amazingly, by a Hungarian farmer, and we were able to hear her heart stopping story.

“She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.” Finally, Rebecca Myers took the stage as Shir Hebron.  Shir had known since elementary school (or earlier!), that she wanted to serve in the Israeli army and be a part of the country that held her soul.  Growing up in San Diego Jewish day schools fueled her passion and led her to follow her dreams.  She has served as a role model for many young women and continues to model what a Jewish American can do to show support for our homeland.

These remarkable, yet humble women were accompanied by singer, Sam Brogadir, whose sweet melodic voice celebrated their achievements and honored each unique and glowing neshama.  I would like to believe as we all shared in their stories, every soul was elevated.

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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer who specializes in the arts.  She may be contacted at eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com