Today, the first day of March, we mark the beginning of Women’s History Month. This official recognition of women in our nation began 41 years ago, when Congress passed the first in a series of resolutions that led to the designation of the month of March as a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements women have made to the United States. Since 1995, presidents have issued annual proclamations declaring March as the month to recognize the specific accomplishments made by women over the course of American history in all varieties of fields, despite facing many challenges and obstacles.
In an ideal world, we would take time every day to mark the accomplishments of the artists, scientists, and leaders of every gender, but I greatly appreciate these four weeks being specifically set aside to acknowledge and commend the special contributions of the female pioneers in every discipline. As a cantor, I am grateful for the women who bravely walked this path before me, so that the appropriate opportunities and education would be available to me as I sought to answer my own calling to become Jewish clergy.
One can find daily inspiration from the female teachers, senior staff, lay leaders, and students here at Wise, who are themselves shifting history in ways great and small as they work, study, and bring their full selves to everything that they do in our community.
Who are the women in your field, your family, and your life that you will take extra time to honor and celebrate this month?
—Cantor Emma Lutz
View the special exhibits and collections from our National Archives honoring Women’s History Month.