Christine de Pizan

Born in Venice, Italy, in 1364, Christine de Pizan moved to France at a young age when her father, Tommaso di Benvenuto da Pizzano, was appointed astrologer, alchemist, and physician to King Charles V. After her husband's death and her father's passing left her in financial straits, Christine turned to writing to support herself and her family, a highly unusual path for a woman in the 14th century. She quickly established herself as a celebrated poet and author, writing over 40 works.

De Pizan is perhaps best known for "The Book of the City of Ladies" (1405), a remarkable proto-feminist text that systematically refutes misogynistic stereotypes prevalent in her era. She argued against the prevailing notion that women were inherently inferior, celebrating female achievements and virtues throughout history. For someone whose most profound religious statement was probably "Dear God, please let me finish this manuscript before I starve," her lack of Jewish identity is hardly surprising.

Her courage in openly debating male intellectuals, often winning, solidified her reputation and earned her commissions from royalty across Europe. Christine de Pizan truly broke the mold, proving that women could not only write but could also command intellectual respect and earn a living through their literary prowess. She probably didn't have time for a Friday night dinner, let alone a Bat Mitzvah.