The Matriarchs

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The Divine Purpose Behind Barrenness

MIDRASH

The matriarchs' barrenness was not a mere coincidence but a divine intention to elicit their prayers and deepen their relationships with their husbands. The fifth-century midrashic text, Bereshit Rabbah, explores the reasons behind the barrenness of the matriarchs, emphasizing the role of prayer and divine purpose.

“He consorted with Hagar, and she conceived; she saw that she conceived, and her mistress was diminished in her eyes” (Genesis 16:4).
“He consorted with Hagar, and she conceived” – Rabbi Levi bar Ḥayata said: She conceived from the initial act of intercourse. Rabbi Elazar said: A woman never conceives from her initial act of intercourse. But is it not written: “Lot’s two daughters conceived from their father”? (Genesis 19:36). Rabbi Tanḥuma said: They manipulated themselves, broke their hymens, and conceived as though it were from a second act of intercourse…

Bereshit Rabbah 45:4

Miracles of the Matriarchs

TALMUD

Sarah's ability to nurse many children at ninety years old and Isaac's resemblance to Abraham are seen as divine affirmations of Sarah's maternity and Abraham's paternity even though they were very old when Isaac was born. The Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia recounts these miraculous events, emphasizing the divine intervention in the lives of the matriarchs.

In reference to Sarah having given birth to Isaac, the verse states: “And she said: Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah should nurse children?” (Genesis 21:7). The Gemara asks: How many children did Sarah nurse? Why does the verse use the plural form when she had only one child? Rabbi Levi says: That day when Abraham weaned his son Isaac, he prepared a great celebratory feast. All of the nations of the world were gossiping and saying to each other: See this old man and old woman who brought a foundling from the market and are saying: He is our son…

Bava Metzia 87a:12-13

The Prophetic Matriarchs

MIDRASH

The matriarchs were considered to be prophets. The Midrash Tehillim, an ancient collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Psalms, highlights this aspect.

"They journeyed from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. Speaking about Abraham and Sarah, as it is written (Genesis 12:10), "Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land." No one was allowed to oppress them, these Egyptians. Kings, such as Abimelech and Pharaoh, rebuked them, as it is written (Genesis 12:17), "But the Lord afflicted Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Sarai, Abram's wife." Do not touch My anointed ones, said Rabbi Berechiah; referring to the Patriarchs…

Midrash Tehillim 105:4

Divine Conversations with the Matriarchs and Patriarchs

COMMENTARY

The matriarchs and patriarchs had a unique, direct line of communication with God, receiving guidance and reassurance at pivotal moments. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores the profound and personal relationship between God and the foundational figures of Judaism, emphasizing their deep faith and divine guidance.

That is what the patriarchs and matriarchs had. God spoke to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah intimately, like a friend. He told Abraham and Sarah that they would have a child. He explained to Rebecca why she was suffering such acute pain in pregnancy. He appeared to Jacob at key moments in his life telling him not to be afraid.

Studies in Spirituality; A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible, Teruma; The Gift of Giving 10

The Recognized Matriarchs

TALMUD

Only the wives of the patriarchs are considered matriarchs, excluding Jacob's children from this designation. The Talmudic tractate Berakhot, from the early centuries of the Common Era, discusses the specific individuals recognized as patriarchs and matriarchs in Jewish tradition.

The Sages taught in a baraita: One may only call three people patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but not Jacob’s children. And one may only call four people matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.

Berakhot 16b:13