28 Shvat: The First Feminist

THE FIRST FEMINIST Dinah, the daughter of Leah… went out to see the daughters of the land. (Genesis 34:1) She is called “the daughter of Leah” because she was outgoing. Leah, too, was outgoing, as it is written, “ Leah went out to greet him” (Genesis 30:16). Regarding her, it has been said, “like mother, like daughter.” (Rashi, ibid.) Our mother Leah is described as outgoing. This is hinted at in the name Leah, which means overflowing. Moshiach descends from Leah because the Redemption requires that we go out and influence others for the good and actively make the world a better place. We must be so excited and passionate about Moshiach that we cannot contain ourselves, and we must share the idea of Moshiach with others. This is especially true of women, because their soft and pleasant nature gives them a greater ability to influence others for good. Toras Chaim Bereshis pg 28b