Last week marked the anniversary of the passing of Rachel who, along with Sarah, Rebecca and Leah, is one of the matriarchs. Although her sister Leah and their handmaids also gave birth to the leaders of the tribes of Israel, Rachel is considered to be the mother of all Jews. Throughout her life, Rachel faced many challenges and showed persistent faith and self-sacrifice which the hallmark of Jewish women. Rachel was the daughter of Laban who was not a righteous man and who tricked her husband Jacob. Laban promised him the privilege of marrying Rachel if he worked for him … Continue reading →