Where I live, women- especially young ones, are treated as inferior. Their main purpose in life is to be enslaved by their male counterparts, produce children and be keepers of the household. It isn’t much different being part of a Hebrew family. Our future has been mapped out for us without our having a choice in the matter. I’m only thirteen years old, but my husband has already been selected for me. I don’t even know what he looks like or what kind of person he is, but I will spend the rest of my life with him. I will bear his children and tend to all his needs before my own. I will follow the Jewish traditions that have been handed down for centuries.

My name is Hadassah. I was named for one who became a queen. Like all women, she was considered a second-class citizen, but she possessed great beauty. She was paraded before her king and would become his wife by virtue of that particular asset. She was renamed Esther when she entered the palace. Over the years her name was remembered. My parents chose to bestow me with Esther’s Hebrew name, Hadassah, which means “Myrtle” – a fragrant wild flower which symbolizes peace and justice.

Like all young women in my part of the world, I have grown to accept my station in life. I’ve heard of a man named Jesus, who considers women in a much different way. He reminds people of the creation story in scripture – explaining the fact that men and women are equal under God. It was clear to me that this rabbi was different than most men. He respected women. He spoke directly to them, even though it didn’t follow tradition. He healed many women of their infirmities. He comforted them when they grieved, accepted those of every rank, profession and status. He had the same love and concern for every human being. When his disciples tried to shoo the little children away, Jesus reprimanded them, noting that the kingdom of heaven was filled with those who possessed a childlike faith. He called Jewish women ‘daughters of Abraham’ which gave them equal status with men.

It was clear to me, that Jesus is the Messiah we’ve longed for. He came to save ALL people from their sins. He didn’t come only for Jewish men. He didn’t come for one specific age group. He ministered to the rich and poor and helped all he came in contact with. He would be despised by many, but his love for everyone couldn’t be questioned.

When I think about my name, I realize that I have been blessed with a far greater gift than I could ever imagine. My King, Jesus, loves me as a precious gem, worthy of dying for. I will follow his plan for my life and know in my heart that he will be alongside me through all of it.