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The Jewish people have three patriarchs and four matriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah. We will briefly summarize their lives and legacies.
Abraham and Sarah were the first ones to introduce belief in monotheism to the world. They had a firm faith in one God and they personified kindness. They welcomed travelers into their tent, supported their family in times of trouble, and attracted many to believe in the one God. Unfortunately, Sarah was unable to give birth and she and Abraham endured many childless years. This was a tremendous test, since these models of faith did not seem to merit what ordinary people do. Abraham was not interested in taking an additional wife despite it being common practice at that time. God revealed Himself and made him a promise: “‘Look toward heaven and count the stars . . . So will your offspring be.’ And because he put his trust in the Lord, He credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:5-6).
Many years passed and realizing that she had still not conceived, Sarah brought her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham. Sarah hoped that Hagar would bear a child whom they could raise together, an early form of 'surrogacy'. When Ishmael was born, however, Sarah’s hopes that Hagar would continue to act respectfully and raise the child in accordance with Sarah's values were not fulfilled.
Abraham and Sarah continued teaching faith and kindness to everyone. God had also commanded Abraham to undergo circumcision. One hot afternoon, God sent three angels disguised as travelers and Abraham and Sarah invited them in to eat and drink, as usual. Jewish tradition explains that the angels arrived three days after Abraham had been circumcised and when he would have been in great pain. Since it was also a particularly hot day, we would have expected him to be resting in his tent. Yet, Abraham was unwilling to miss the chance to welcome guests out of the heat into the shelter provided by his tent. Therefore, he was sitting and waiting at the entrance and when he saw the three travelers he ran to greet them and invite them in. During the meal, one of the guests revealed he was an angel and relayed the news that they would give birth to a boy next year.
After their son Isaac was born, his half-brother Ishmael was drawn towards perverse behaviors and culture. Sarah saw that he was likely to be a negative influence on Isaac and destroy their spiritual endeavors. She therefore demanded that Ishmael be expelled, along with his mother Hagar, who had been responsible for his education. This request greatly pained Abraham. However, God appeared to him and said, “Do not be distressed over the boy or your maidservant; whatever Sarah tells you, do as she says, for it is through Isaac that offspring shall be continued for you. As for the son of the maidservant, I will make a nation of him too, for he is your seed” (Genesis 21:12-13). Sarah’s initiative ensured that Abraham and Sarah’s legacy would continue.
