The Passions of the Matriarchs

As we read the parashot of Sefer Bereshit, we all look to understand the roles of the imahot in the foundation of the Jewish people. What we can learn from their experiences and to what extent we can take them as role models for our very different lives today? While the biblical text itself gives us very little detail of their lives, this book delves into Talmudic and Midrashic sources and an impressive range of traditional commentators to expand our understanding of the biblical foremothers. From their close reading of the text, the authors skillfully raise many questions and suggest answers based on classical and modern sources. They make accessible many commentators who have not been translated into English, including Chizkuni, Alsheich, the Kli Yakar, the Netziv, and the Meshech Chochmah, as well as the more familiar Rashi, Ramban, Sforno, and Hirsch. The historical context of all the commentators cited is explained in the glossary. The writers also draw on the writings of Nechama Leibowitz, Rav Soloveitchik and Aviva Zornberg. The insights in this book make it particularly valuable for women’s studies groups, and it would make an excellent Bat Mitzvah gift. It is also vital reading for all teachers of Tanakh, since it is so important that both boys and girls learn to explore the inner lives and experiences of the matriarchs.