Sarah: Our Matriarch of FaithSample

Sarah: Our Matriarch of Faith

The nation of Israel traces its roots to exceptional men and women who we refer to as Patriarchs and Matriarchs. The Talmud, Judaism's oral tradition, states: “There are only three Patriarchs and only four Matriarchs,” referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as well as Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah. These four Matriarchs, or imahot (תוהמא) in Hebrew, are recognized as co-founders of Israel.

But what makes a mother a Matriarch? When we speak about our Matriarchs, we are not speaking about biological mothers; we are referring to our spiritual mothers.

Sarah Imeinu, Sarah our mother, was the first of the Matriarchs. Even though she spent only 37 years as an actual mother to her only son, Isaac, she is the Matriarch of all the other Matriarchs, perhaps the most important woman in history.

Yet, who was Sarah really? How well do we know her? In addition, what can we learn from her? We will study Sarah’s life in-depth and gain a greater understanding of this monumental figure in both the Jewish and Christian faiths.

How did Sarah come to know God? Jewish tradition teaches that Sarah was born a prophet. She had a profound relationship with God from the very beginning of her life.

And Sarah had unique challenges in her lifetime. Despite being barren until age 90, she remained steadfast in her faith, unwilling to give in to the doubts and disappointments that certainly must have plagued her. She would not relinquish her faith under any circumstance, and in doing so made it possible for each of us to do the same.

It is my hope and prayer that through this study, you will be encouraged in your faith and be inspired to persevere in whatever challenges may come your way.