To Madam Valverde Gomes,
I only recently heard of your predicament with regards to your dear child and the Mahamad. I write to you now, as a mother myself, and furthermore, a woman of conscience and empathy. As I learned of the Mahamad’s rulings, I must note my own astonishment at their rash punishments meted out against your son. I hope my words will bring comfort to the whole rather shameful situation.
With recent revelations regarding the Hazan, himself, I know a woman in your position might find herself in a fair rage. While I will not shame you for such a response, I entreat you to respond with temperance and restraint. Your cause is righteous and just. To see the Hazan’s own indiscretions being treated with such indifference by the same men who condemned you in no uncertain terms cannot be easy. You alone will decide where to go from here. However, please know, you are not solitary and alone in the face of injustice.
Wishing you all the best in these trying times,
A Concerned Congregant of Nidhe Israel
Deirdre,
I love how women in the congregation reach out to her in empathy. Interestingly, women did play a crucial role in bringing down the Hazan after his misbehavior, as women who lived in the synagogue yard (such as the mikveh attendant) were interviewed about his behavior and any rumors they had heard. They also included in their testimony things they had overhead from the servants in the yard, even though technically neither testimony by women nor enslaved people should have been allowed according to Jewish or Barbadian law.
best,
Laura