In 1993, Cantor Sarah Sager of Ohio addressed the annual assembly of what would later be known as Women of Reform Judaism. In her talk, she shared her dream of a Torah commentary that would fully capture women's perspective on the Bible and tradition.

Lynn Magid Lazar recalled the impact of that address.

"She said it's time to have a women's commentary," said Magid Lazar, first vice president of Women of Reform Judaism. "There were almost 1,000 women attendees, and they supported Sarah's challenge. We all realized that Reform Jewish women were best qualified to handle this project — there is no one better.

"It was a long process because there was a lot of history to research and examine. But we knew the outcome would be incredible and very historic."

The result is The Torah: A Women's Commentary, a 1,500-page collaboration of 80 biblical scholars, including archaeologists, rabbis, cantors, theologians, and poets — all women.

On Oct. 12-13, Magid Lazar was scheduled to introduce the volume during a weekend study program at Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon.

"Jewish history has traditionally been written by men, and men wrote the history of the Torah," Magid Lazar told NJJN. "Women's voices were in the background. They just weren't considered, in terms of representation. Now we can learn about women characters in the Torah. Women's voices were just not codified, but research shows that those voices were there."

Sponsor of the weekend event was the Beth Miriam Sisterhood, which is a WRJ affiliate.

The WRJ contributed to and raised funds for the book project and publication. The Torah: A Women's Commentary will be released officially in December, following the WRJ Assembly and the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial Conference in San Diego. A chapter of the book, focusing on the Torah portion "Hayei Sarah," has been released by the Reform movement, Magid Lazar said.

Each chapter of the book will provide an overview, followed by the Hebrew text, a linear translation, and a central commentary from one of the 80 contributors. Along with commentaries on the weekly parshiot from a variety of viewpoints, a selection of creative writing and poetry that reflect the theme of that portion will be presented, Magid Lazar said.

Magid Lazar, who lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Dale, (the couple has three grown children), was slated to deliver the sermon at the Shabbat service on Oct. 12 and lead Torah study the next day.

Magid Lazar told NJJN her talks would include information on the book and its evolution. Discussions would cover "biblical passages that mention women and how Jewish women used their own scholarship and insights to gather the information that the book contains. There is always a connection among the women, who are eager to study the Torah from a different perspective. That's really what traditional Torah study is all about — coming up with different perspectives is why we study the Torah over and over."

The concept of placing Jewish women on a level of religious equity with men is an empowering experience, she added.

"There were many strong and opinionated women in biblical times, and some of them, like Sarah, are considered matriarchs," Magid Lazar said. "We need to learn about them and ensure that they assume a proper place in the historical record. Their contributions are finally being recognized, and today's Jewish women can be very proud of all those who came before them."