By Rachel Lee Garofolo, Office Manager and Marketing Specialist at Jewish Federation of Delaware
Community member Michelle Glazier never thought a six-week trip to Israel as a teenager would spark a flame that fanned into a lifelong passion of helping others. There she saw young female soldiers and citizens acting beyond their years and contributing to society in many ways. She noticed the strength of these women: the fortitude in their actions, the sincerity of their words, and, most of all, their love of their Jewish culture and community. It awakened a desire to become “a strong, outspoken Jewish woman, who could help draw other young women to the importance of our religion and what good could be done with this knowledge,” Michelle states.
The start of Michelle’s journey of practicing tikkun olam began with creating a Philadelphia area USY (United Synagogue Youth) chapter with two other young women to expand their Jewish experiences and philosophy. Her burning commitment intensified throughout her adult life—fundraising for various organizations through biking, walking, and running events; managing a weekly program for young children through the Special Olympics; developing and overseeing one of Delaware’s largest 5k race events in support of Stand Up to Cancer; and reviewing grants for organizations that support women and girls throughout Delaware. In 2020, Michelle selflessly donated a kidney to a Ministry of Caring coworker. Throughout the years, she has been a board and committee member of the Kutz Senior Living Campus, the Siegel JCC, and Jewish Family Services. “[Serving] allows me to do what I feel is most important—helping others through actions,” Michelle explains. “My inclination to volunteer in so many different areas has its foundation in my beliefs in the values of Judaism and my compassion for people.”
Like many women in our community and all over the world, Michelle’s public service work fills the mold of someone who represents personal strength, courage, and accomplishment, or in other words, a person of valor. “The word ‘valor’ can be defined as personal bravery, and recognizes someone who speaks and acts with intent; is able to keep the needs of others in perspective to their own needs; and who is dedicated to improving the world.” (jewishcleveland.org).
The Eshet Hayil, a poem from Chapter 31 of the Book of Proverbs, means “Woman of Valor” and is a moving and beautiful tribute to Jewish women. Traditionally sung on Shabbat by men to their wives, this ancient text is a celebration of feminine strength, wisdom, courage, and dignity. The Eshet Hayil has transformed through generations from praising the ideal domestic mother and wife to honoring and appreciating the strengths of modern women who successfully hold diverse roles.
“I do know that, when I complete a voluntary task, I feel that I have put a little more ‘air in my happy tire’ (from The Science of Well-Being) . . . I feel it is in a woman’s nature to want to help or assist where one sees something lacking or to step up to do good when something is needed,” Michelle expresses.
What goals can we set for ourselves to fulfill G-d’s desire for the Jewish people to repair the world? Can we be kinder, less selfish, or volunteer in our community? There are several approaches to this significant Jewish concept, and each one of us can find our niche. May we take a chapter from Michelle’s book and actively work to make the world a better place.
