Protector of Her People

At the time of the Song of Moses, the Jews were in the midst of a great journey through an awesome desert. They had yet to reach, conquer and establish a Jewish homeland. By contrast, at the time of the Song of Deborah, the Jews were already settled in the Land of Israel. Deborah was called upon to organize a campaign against Canaanite invaders.

Both situations are reflected in the overall mission of our People to transform the world into a dwelling place for G-d. The Talmud states, "It is a man's nature to conquer, not a woman's." To venture out and conquer the world - both materially and spiritually, is the man's task. But once the Jewish home is established, it is the role of the woman to defend it from the "intruder" who seeks to infiltrate with un-Jewish influences. In this, her primary area of responsibility, it is the man’s role to assist her.