If It Weren't for the Women, We'd Still Be Stuck in the Desert

by Mollie Gordon

Naomi Bensoussan is a fifth-year rabbinical student hard at work on her thesis about Rahab, the Tanakh's favorite sex worker. Naomi’s journey to complete the project is aided and interfered with by several patriarchs and matriarchs, a potential lover, and of course, Rahab herself.

Naomi Bensoussan is a fifth-year rabbinical student hard at work on her thesis about Rahab, the Tanakh's favorite sex worker. Naomi’s journey to complete the project is aided and interfered with by several patriarchs and matriarchs, a potential lover, and of course, Rahab herself.

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If It Weren't for the Women, We'd Still Be Stuck in the Desert

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: If It Weren't for the Women, We'd Still Be Stuck in the Desert by Mollie Gordon
    “

    This play is set in Philly so that hooked me from the very beginning. This is a very good play. I loved the ways that it explores Judaism and queerness but I appreciated that this isn't a play solely focused on oppression. It has higher goals. It's an immensely intellectual piece of theatre. I was very moved by the human drama but I also walked away having learned something about Rahab and the Jewish faith. I loved the supernatural elements of this play and how seamlessly they fit in the narrative. PRODUCE THIS PLAY!!!

    This play is set in Philly so that hooked me from the very beginning. This is a very good play. I loved the ways that it explores Judaism and queerness but I appreciated that this isn't a play solely focused on oppression. It has higher goals. It's an immensely intellectual piece of theatre. I was very moved by the human drama but I also walked away having learned something about Rahab and the Jewish faith. I loved the supernatural elements of this play and how seamlessly they fit in the narrative. PRODUCE THIS PLAY!!!

    ”
NAOMI BENSOUSSAN: early 30s, she/her, hardworking and bright but a little feisty on the inside, rabbinical student at Rosh Hodesh Rabbinical College
RORY MAXWELL: early 30s, they/them, outgoing and amiable, possibly working at Google
PATRIARCH (plays RABBI EZRA HOROWITZ, RABBI BENJAMIN BENSOUSSAN, STRANGER, STEPHEN BLAU) 60s, he/him: as Benjamin: Naomi’s father, stern, as Ezra: Naomi’s teacher for Judaism and Ethics, a tad pushy, as Stranger: a random creep, as Stephen: representative of Oak Lane Synagogue
MATRIARCH (plays LEAH BENSOUSSAN, RABBI DEBORAH LEVINSON, MRS. FITZPATRICK) 60s, she/her: as Leah: Naomi’s mother, a little tight-strung but well-meaning, as Deborah: Naomi’s advisor at rabbinical school as well as her teacher for Women in the Torah, dedicated, as Mrs. Fitzpatrick: one of Naomi’s neighbors, nosy
RAHAB: 30s, she/her, from the Tanakh, pissed as hell
**Although Rory is the only explicitly trans character, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming actors can and should play all of these roles. Actors of color can and should play all of these roles. The pronouns of individual characters may be adjusted as desired by the director and actors, as long as the changes are made to promote inclusivity.

Development History

  • Reading, The Bechdel Group, 2023

Awards

  • MOXIE Lamoise New Works Festival
    MOXIE Theater
    Finalist
    2025
  • Scribe Playwriting Award
    Winner
    2024
  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2024