Our Inspiration

There are many Jewish women who inspire us at Shifrah UK; for their courage, their commitment to their families, the Jewish people, and for their chutzpah!

Firstly, our namesakes Shifrah and Phuah, pictured above, who were two brave Hebrew midwives in the Book of Exodus. They defied Pharoh’s order to kill Israelite baby boys at birth, saving their lives by claiming the women gave birth too quickly. Their act of civil disobedience allowed the Israelite population to grow, paving the way for Moses and the eventual libration from Egypt, and they were blessed for their faith.

Jewish Mothers rightly hold a special place in our religion and culture - often stereotyped for being overbearing and fiercely committed to their children. However, Jewish mothers are central figures in the life of the community, from the matrilineal line that passes Jewish identity through the mother, to our powerful Matriarchs (see below). Jewish mothers are also integral to many important religious and cultural rites such as lighting the Shabbat candles every week, and passing on spiritual life through breastfeeding.

If you believe mothering is a verb, then it is not necessarily gender-specific. Providing physical, emotional and spiritual sustenance is a vital part of the life of the Jewish family and wider community, and those that do this need our support and respect whilst carrying out this important role.

  • The Matriarchs are foundational figures and prophets who are considered spiritual mothers to the whole Jewish family. Their stories illustrate values of faith and perseverance.

    Sarah - The first matriarch has come to symbolise universal motherhood. She miraculously became pregnant at aged 90 yrs, gave birth to Isaac and breastfed her son.

    Rebekah - The second matriarch, Isaac’s wife, gives birth to twin sons after initial barrenness, and finally obtains the primary place in the lineage for her younger son, Jacob, who is destined to become ancestor of all Israel.

    Rachel - the second wife of Jacob is symbolised as the “national mother”.

    Leah - sister of Rachel, is the elder wife of Jacob, father of twelve sons who will become the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Miriam is the older sister of Moses and Aaron, a significant prophetess, leader, and poet who played crucial roles in the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, saving baby Moses and later leading women in triumphant songs after crossing the Red Sea, symbolizing female leadership and spiritual authority in ancient Israel.

  • Yehudis stands in Jewish memory as a woman who changed the course of history. Her story, preserved in the Apocrypha and retold over centuries, describes a brave widow who used intelligence, faith, and quiet determination to defeat the enemy general Holofernes and save her besieged community.

  • The Festival of Purim features two important female characters, Queen Vashti and Queen Ester and their defiance against the Persian King Ahasuerus of the last 5th century BCE, and triumph over the evil politician Haman who seeks to destroy the Jewish people.