Review by Judith Fein for Hadassah Magazine
In
this startling and passionate book, Melinda Ribner, a psychotherapist
and teacher of Kabbala, meditation and healing, pushes back against the
domination of men in the field of biblical interpretation. Not only does
she profile the biblical matriarchs and provide ways we can learn from
them and pray to them for Divine intercession, but she gives each of
them a voice and interviews them; she asks them pointed questions about
how we can benefit from their knowledge, wisdom and life stories.From Eve, we learn to enter into dark places in our lives to heal what is wounded. Sarah instructs us to remain true to our visions and walk in grace. Rebecca encourages us to discern truth from falsehood. Rachel, Leah and the handmaidens Bilha and Zilpa call for a new consciousness and greater connectivity to the world. Dina’s spiritual teachings allow us to transform negativity. Miriam helps us to express our own vision and to inspire others. Batya encourages us to follow the truth of our own souls, even when others try to dictate who we should be or how we should behave. Chana instructs us in the power of prayer. Queen Esther gives us courage to do what is difficult by using faith, courage and intelligence.
Sometimes the voices of the women are so clear, transcendent and powerful that it is tempting to believe the author is channeling them. At other times, the book is more informational and didactic. Ribner wants us to form groups to study, read about, learn from and pray to these biblical women.
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