Following the actions of Tzipporah, the parasha shifts focus to Moses and Pharaoh—a well-known story. But between the lines, we find several heroic women operating “behind the scenes,” whose stories are often overlooked. In truth, this parasha is deeply dedicated to the power of women. From its beginning with Shiphrah and Puah, then Yocheved, Miriam (even Pharaoh’s daughter), and finally Tzipporah—each woman plays a vital and courageous role in shaping the future.
The Power of Women in the Parasha
In Parashat Shemot, there is a remarkable chain of women who act with quiet strength and determination—each in her own way—changing reality:
- Shiphrah and Puah – Courage in the Face of Pharaoh
The Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, defied Pharaoh’s cruel decree: “The midwives said to Pharaoh, ‘The Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women…’” (Exodus 1:19).
By risking their lives to save the newborns, they taught us what moral bravery and civil resistance look like—even in the face of tyranny. - Yocheved – A Mother Who Refused to Give Up
Yocheved, Moses’ mother, defied the decree and hid her son for three months: “And when she saw that he was good, she hid him for three months.” (Exodus 2:2).
Yocheved symbolizes the sacrificial love of a mother, protecting hope even amidst destruction and fear. - Miriam – A Sister, Leader, and Visionary
Miriam watched over the basket containing her baby brother, Moses, to ensure his safety: “His sister stood from afar, to know what would happen to him.” (Exodus 2:4).
Later, Miriam would become a prophetess and a leader who cared for Israel in the wilderness. Even as a child, she takes responsibility and watches over her brother. - Pharaoh’s Daughter – Courage and Compassion
Pharaoh’s daughter rescues Moses from the river, despite being the daughter of the very man who decreed all Hebrew boys be drowned: “She saw the child, and behold, a boy crying; and she had compassion on him.” (Exodus 2:6).
Her compassion and boldness show us how even someone raised within an evil regime can choose righteousness and bring redemption. - Tzipporah – A Woman of Action
Tzipporah, Moses’ wife, saves his life by circumcising their son: “Then Tzipporah took a flint and cut off the foreskin of her son…” (Exodus 4:25).
Tzipporah acts with initiative and resolve—she doesn’t wait for Moses but takes matters into her own hands to ensure the divine mission can continue.
The Role of Women in Redemption
These women together represent the essential role of women in both spiritual and historical transformation:
- Courage and boldness – standing up to great forces, like Pharaoh, out of devotion to truth.
- Vision and faith – acting from a deep belief that reality can change.
- Practical wisdom – not just words or feelings, but decisive actions, even at personal risk.
- Behind-the-scenes leadership – while the parasha focuses on the crisis and redemption, women quietly and sensitively set it all in motion.
A Broader Perspective – Women and Redemption Throughout the Ages
The Torah teaches that redemption often begins through the merit of righteous women. As the Sages said:
“In the merit of righteous women, Israel was redeemed from Egypt.” (Sotah 11b)
Conclusion
Parashat Shemot highlights the transformative and leadership role of women. The women in the parasha—Shiphrah, Puah, Yocheved, Miriam, Pharaoh’s daughter, and Tzipporah—show us that redemption is not only led by visible leaders. They acted with faith, compassion, and courage—and thus shaped the destiny of the Jewish people for generations.
