ABOUT US

Women of Inspiration is a global movement dedicated to spreading clarity, dignity, and spiritual strength through the mitzvah of modesty. With daily inspiration, stories, lessons, and heartfelt guidance, our mission is to elevate, empower, and uplift Jewish women everywhere.

The journey toward greater modesty is both transformative and rewarding, but can often feel challenging without the proper support. That’s why we founded Women of Inspiration, a nonprofit organization created by women, for women. Our mission is to inspire and empower women to embrace
modesty and its deeper meaning in their lives, while providing the tools, resources, and community necessary for spiritual growth.

We believe that modesty is a precious value in the eyes of Hashem, one with the power to create miracles. Women who have committed to growing in their modesty have witnessed incredible salvations—be it finding a shidduch, the gift of children, or healing from illness. Through our daily modesty lessons available on our Modesty Hotline at +1(929)325-1964, accessible via phone, WhatsApp, or online at womenofinspo.com, we share three-minute lessons filled with practical advice and spiritual insights. Many women have seen open miracles simply by committing to listen for 40 days or by organizing groups of 40 women to take on this transformative journey together.

In addition to our hotline, we encourage forming support groups in local communities or among friends and family. These groups create a nurturing space for like-minded women to share, learn, and grow together in their modesty. By surrounding ourselves with supportive, inspiring peers, we strengthen our commitment to this mitzvah and build a collective zechut.

Furthermore, Women of Inspiration extends beyond modesty lessons. We also offer hotlines covering Hilchot Shabbat, Shalom Bayit insights, and year-round inspiration tailored to the chagim. From hosting support groups, challah bakes, and kiruv events, to organizing uplifting gatherings, we aim to foster greater connection, spiritual growth, and communal support. Together, we inspire each other to reach new heights in our avodat Hashem.

 

The Power of the Number 40

The Torah teaches us that every number holds deep spiritual significance, and among them, the number 40 stands out as a symbol of transformation, purification, and new beginnings. According to our Oral Toral, 40 is associated with moments of profound change and renewal—a period in which individuals and nations are given the opportunity to grow, reflect, and emerge in a new, elevated state. This concept serves as the foundation for understanding the tremendous power of taking on a 40-day commitment in modesty, learning Torah, or any of our mitzvot. By dedicating ourselves to this sacred period, we align ourselves with the Torah’s teachings, create a tremendous et ratzon, and open the door to miraculous salvations.

As we shall see, this concept is evident in numerous aspects of Jewish history, halachah, and Kabbalah.  

***

The Flood and the Mikvah

The Mabul (Flood) that lasted for 40 days is a prime example. When the floodwaters subsided, the Torah uses the phrase “יקוו המים,”[1] derived from the root word mikvah (מקוה). A mikvah, a ritual bath, purifies an individual, symbolizing a return to a pure, original state. This is no coincidence, as a mikvah must contain  40 se’ah of water to be ritually valid. This requirement links the concept of purification and transformation directly to the number 40.

Formation of Life and Identity

The significance of 40 extends to the formation of life and identity. In embryonic development, the gender of a fetus is set after 40 days. A Heavenly voice announces the soul’s destined partner 40 days before the formation of an embryo.[2] Furthermore, at 40 days, the brain of the fetus begins to develop. These instances highlight the number 40 as a period of critical development and formation.

Furthermore, in Pirkei Avot, it states: “בן ארבעים לבינה” — At forty, one achieves understanding.[3] At the age of 40, a person is considered to have attained a significant level of wisdom, capable of understanding profound truths.

The Mikvah and Rebirth

The entire concept of the mikvah is deeply intertwined with the idea of pregnancy and rebirth. Just as the floodwaters of the Mabul covered the earth and then receded, leaving it purified and ready for a new beginning, the waters of the mikvah envelop an individual, purifying them and allowing them to emerge spiritually renewed. This process symbolizes a return to a previous state of purity, much like the rebirth that follows a gestational period.

Moshe Rabbeinu and the Torah

Moshe Rabbeinu’s descent from Har Sinai after 40 days marks another critical moment of transformation. During this period, Moshe received the Torah, which fundamentally transformed the Jewish people into a nation. This period can be seen as a gestation period, culminating in the birth of a new spiritual reality for Am Yisrael.

Forty Years in the Desert

Similarly, Am Yisrael's 40 years of wandering in the desert represent a prolonged period of national gestation. This time was necessary for them to evolve from a group of liberated slaves into a unified, spiritually elevated nation worthy of entering the Promised Land. Just as a fetus develops over 40 weeks in his mother’s womb, so too the Jewish nation was developed over these 40 years, emerging renewed and purified.

The 40 Days Leading Up to Yom Kippur

When it comes to Yom Kippur, we have 40 days to prepare for the Day of Judgment, beginning from the month of Elul. In Shir HaShirim, it states
“אני לדודי ודודי לי” – “I am my
Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine.”[4] This verse serves as an acronym for the word Elul (אלול), as each word in the verse begins with the letters Aleph, Lamed, Vav, Lamed. This connection hints to the unique relationship of love and closeness between Am Yisrael and Hashem during this spiritually-charged month.

Elul is a time of Divine closeness and teshuvah, where Hashem is described as our “Beloved,” eagerly awaiting our return. This pasuk reminds us of the reciprocal relationship: as we take steps toward Hashem in teshuvah, tefillah, and self-improvement, Hashem reciprocates by drawing closer to us. Culminating with the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah, the 10 Days of Teshuvah from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, these 40 days prepare us for the process of final purification on Yom Kippur.

From all of the above examples, we see that the number 40 signifies a special power of profound change, culminating in a new beginning.

 

The Power of a 40-Day Commitment

When we commit ourselves to take on a kabbalah in modesty or to learn the laws of modesty for 40 days, it holds significant power for change and salvation. Many people have experienced miraculous salvations as a result of committing themselves to a certain mitzvah, prayer, or learning for 40 days. The number 40, steeped in our mesorah (tradition), represents transformation, renewal, and purification. By embracing this commitment, we open ourselves to divine blessings and miraculous interventions.

Many women have experienced extraordinary salvations by joining modesty hotlines such as “Inspiration on the Go” for 40 days or by gathering 40 women to join and commit to listening for 40 days while taking on a kabalah for someone in need.

[1] Bereishit 1:9.

[2] Sotah 2a.

[3] 5:21.

[4] 6:3.