Today on International Women’s Day, I honor my mother Dorothy and the women whose strength holds families and communities together. Mommy cleaned houses and worked three jobs to raise six children on her own and give us a better life. She taught us resilience, faith, and the power of believing in ourselves even when the odds were against us. I say it often because it’s the truth: I am who I am because of my mother.

To our Jewish community across New York City and around the globe, may this Purim be filled with joy, strength, and endless celebration. We stand proud with you as you celebrate resilience, faith, and triumph over evil. A freilichn Purim