THE GOAL OF CREATION IS THAT THIS PHYSICAL, PRACTICAL world should become a dwelling for the Divine, a domain in which real human beings express holiness in their daily lives. Jewish teaching tells us that women and girls have special power and responsibility in this process. The Sedra speaks of two special women: Sarah and Rebecca.

The traditional name of the Sedra is “The Life of Sarah”. Although she passes away at the very beginning of the Sedra, the name “Life of Sarah” indicates that in some sense she continues to live. Her body was buried in Hebron, but the effect of her goodness and holiness did not cease. She was equal with Abraham as founder of the Jewish people.

In fact, earlier in the Torah we learn that G-d instructed Abraham to follow Sarah’s advice even though this went contrary to his own feelings. She was a full partner in the task to spread the idea that G-d is the Creator of the Universe and that G-d is One. While Abraham would teach men these profoundly spiritual ideas, Sarah would impart them to women.

The Sages tell us that Sarah had a deep spiritual power. Each week she would light a flame in honour of Shabbat, as women today light Shabbat candles. In a mysterious way, Sarah’s flame continued to burn, and gave light throughout the week. When she made dough for bread, there was a blessing of unexpected increase. Further, an unusual cloud over her tent, giving shade from the hot sun, hinted also at her feminine modesty and purity. It is not surprising that millions of women through the ages have carried her name. Sarah lives in each one, and in every Jewish girl and woman.

The Sedra begins with Sarah and continues with the account of locating a suitable wife for her only offspring, Isaac. This was Rebecca. In the description of this young girl we see again an example of spiritual strength.

Rebecca was a member of the wider family of Abraham and Sarah. However, her parents, like those of Abraham, were idol worshippers. Rebecca saw the folly of this. She jumped at the chance to marry Isaac, despite her parents’ attempt to slow down the proceedings. She would join the special clan of Abraham and Sarah, which would eventually become the Jewish people.

The Torah describes how she first saw her future husband Isaac. At that moment he was standing in solitary, meditative prayer. Later, when she joined him as his wife, moving into his tent, she too acquired the spiritual power that Sarah had shown. She too lit a flame for Shabbat, and it would last all week.

In fact, every Jewish woman and girl has a similar power. Each one has a unique role to play in making the world a dwelling for the Divine. That moment on Friday afternoon, before sunset, when the Shabbat candles are lit, reveals this potential. The flame may not be visible all week long, like that of Sarah and Rebecca, yet it has comparable effect. Every Jewish girl, from three years old, lights one candle, saying the blessing, while a married woman lights two. The Zohar tells us that these Shabbat candles bring peace to the world. Thus spiritual feminine energy is harnessed in order to bring us all closer to the goal of Creation.