The inspiring life stories of fifty-nine remarkable Jewish women from past and present come together to create the perfect gift for young girls on the brink of their teenage years as well as the adults in their lives. Over the course of history, Jewish women have served as leaders, changemakers, teachers, scholars, and revolutionaries. Their actions have made the world what it is today; their stories model for us how much can be accomplished when one has the vision and determination to pursue a dream. With Iconic Jewish Women, girls will set off on a powerful journey to become part of the world of Jewish women. They will learn about steadfast Golda Meir, brilliant Rita Levi-Montalcini, incisive Ruth Bader Ginsburg, dedicated Queen Esther, fearless Sarah Aaronsohn, and many more inspiring Jewish women who rose up and changed the world around them—and be encouraged to engage with their legacies in concrete ways. Focusing on the deeply meaningful occasion of a Jewish girl’s bat mitzvah, author Aliza Lavie crafts an uplifting experience to connect girls to their heritage and spark a generation of heroines.
Aliza Lavie, PhD, is a renowned author, former Member of the Israeli Knesset, and expert on Jewish culture and gender equality. She is a lecturer, writer, and advocate for women’s rights, having chaired the Committee on the Status of Women and Gender Equality in Israel’s Knesset. Dr. Lavie is the founder of Shaycha, a groundbreaking educational technology venture, and has worked extensively to strengthen connections between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora. Dr. Lavie’s leadership roles include chairing the Committee to Combat Women Trafficking and Prostitution and serving as chair of the Israel Film Council. She has received the Outstanding Parliamentary Award for her contribution to gender equality and social justice. Her book, A Jewish Women’s Prayer Book, won the National Jewish Book Award and is part of her broader mission to expand the Jewish-Israeli bookshelf. Lavie’s public work emphasizes Jewish identity, Israel-Diaspora relations, and the intersection of religion and state, while fostering unity through shared culture, history, and values. Her expertise in Jewish history, women's empowerment, and social change makes her a respected voice in the ongoing conversation about gender equality and Jewish heritage. As CEO of Shaycha, Lavie leads a first-of-its-kind virtual journey connecting individuals to their Jewish heritage, promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and cultural education.
