There are those who express resentment at the term "'Ezer Keneghdo" (a helper to him, [Bereshith 2:18]). The term, is mentioned in reference to the creation of woman (Eve). Perhaps they associate the term "'Ezer" (helper) with the modern term "'Ozereth" (maid). However, looking at our sources, we will find that this term refers specifically to spiritual help as opposed to physical or material ones which have other terms to describe them.
In one of the most famous Psalms (121), King David writes, "From where will my help ('Ezri) come? My help (will come) from G-d who made Heaven and earth". King David uses the root of the word 'Ezer when he asks for G-d's help, demonstrating that the term 'Ezer refers to spiritual help.
Rabbenu Bahye (Kad HaQemah) compares the lack of perfection in the world, prior to the coming of Mashiyah, to the state of a man prior to his marriage. Man is complete only once he marries a wife, in the same way that the world will attain its ideal state when Mashiyah comes. The view of the Torah is that a man and a woman complement each other and are of equal importance and value, though different in strengths capabilities.
I often hear husbands who, especially at the time of a family Simha, make the following statement: " I couldn't have done it without my wife!". What more powerful declaration is there than the comment of the great sage Ribbi Aqiba, who said to his disciples, "Mine (my Torah) and yours, is hers (his wife's)". "'Ezer Keneghdo" is a description of us women, which we should wear with pride.
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