It’s not a word you hear too often.
But it is a word that has an air to it of . . . well, um, dignity.
Dignity is defined as a “bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect; nobility or elevation of character.”
Dignity is the theme that runs through this week’s features.
Shaindy Jacobson talks about what dignity means, and the special dignity of the Jewish woman. In our Women of Distinction column we discover a great woman from the past, Kimchit, who merited to mother sons who all served as high priests because of her one dignified act.
In our Parshah section, we watch how Joseph maintains his dignity and serenity despite his trying circumstances, and we learn the secret to avoid becoming bitter in our own lives. Our infertility blogger eloquently demonstrates a real-life example of finding dignity despite her challenges and feelings of entitlement.
On the psychological front, Fruma Gottlieb teaches us how to acquire dignity through greater emotional intelligence. And Miriam Adahan provides three practical tips on how not to lose ourselves in anger.
And, finally, we feature Menucha Levin’s poignant and personal story of how she provided dignity to her beloved mother when she said her final goodbye.
This week, let’s explore the properties of dignity in our lives. Why is it such an unpopular word, and why do we hear it so infrequently nowadays? What does being dignified mean to you?
Wishing you a wonderful and dignified week!
Chana Weisberg,
Editor, TJW
