5 inspiring quotes from Jewish women in positions of power

Last week, a group of engaged and passionate women gathered at Bet Shalom to learn from four inspiring Jewish women in politics. Ballots and Bellinis was the latest offering from MJF’s Women Repair the World series, presented in partnership with NCJW Minnesota.

Our favorite part? The conversation between panelists Rep. Heather Edelson, District 49A; Deb Calvert, Minnetonka City Council; Stephanie Levine, District 197 School Board; and Judy Cook, Cook Girard Associates; moderated by Bet Shalom Associate Rabbi Jill Crimmings. A few of our favorite nuggets:

On how Judaism and politics are intertwined:

“Being Jewish, I have a certain set of values that values humanity.” — Deb Calvert

“Questioning and exploration. We read something, we read it again. We turn it upside down and inside out. That’s what makes really good public policy.” — Judy Cook

On feeling empowered after being elected

“When you’re elected, you get to say things other people can’t say. You can tell truth to power because you aren’t going to lose your job. It’s very liberating.” — Stephanie Levine.

On whether it’s hard for women to decide to run:

“I never saw myself as someone who would run for office. Three people told me I should, and I thought it was crazy. I read a statistic once and I think it’s probably true: women have to be asked seven times to run for office.” — Heather Edelstein

On the visibility of women

Rabbi Jill Crimmings shared a personal story about her work with kids at Bet Shalom. This group of kids, she says, interacts exclusively with her as clergy. Recently, they met Bet Shalom’s other rabbi, Rabbi David Locketz. One boy, remembers Rabbi Crimmings, was shocked.

“I didn’t know boys could be rabbis!” he exclaimed.

“It was such a beautiful moment,” said Rabbi Crimmings. “Maybe one day we’ll reach that in politics.”