Rav-Elations!: Reflections on Golda

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

I begin this reflection by acknowledging my bias when it comes to Golda Meir. Each day, as I sit at my desk, I am greeted by a sizable portrait of Golda that hangs on the wall opposite me. In my eyes, she stands as one of the preeminent leaders in modern history and holds a revered place in Jewish history.

I had the privilege of attending the advance screening of the film “Golda,” which chronicles her experiences during Israel’s Yom Kippur War. The screening featured an interview with the film’s director and Helen Mirren, who portrayed Golda.

Summing up this movie in a single word, I’d choose “authentic.” This authenticity extends not only to the remarkable performances of the actors portraying figures like Golda, Moshe Dayan, and Ariel Sharon, but also to the film’s utilization of meticulous research, interviews, and archival footage to accurately capture the essence of Golda Meir’s leadership style.

Her courage, strength, determination, and strategic acumen shine through. She exemplified a brand of leadership that is regrettably scarce in today’s world. She embraced accountability, shouldered blame, and shared credit. Every individual of the Jewish faith should consider watching this film, if only to immerse themselves for an hour and a half in the presence of Golda Meir.

Rabbi David Gerber is the senior rabbi of the URJ’s Congregation Gates of Prayer (Sha’arai Tefillah) in Metairie.