In the midst of the modern world, we often look to our matriarchs and patriarchs for moral guidance. Just as we look to them as role models to be emulated in our lives and in the resolution of our own moral dilemmas, so do we learn from them when they falter and we may then learn how not to act.

When thinking about significant influence in my life my mind often wonders to Sarah Imeinu, the mother of the Jewish people. Sarah Imeinu's life was anything but easy. She faced many hardships that could have sent anyone fleeing from the right derech. Yet, throughout her entire life she stuck with the light of Hashem, the flame only growing brighter as time went on. Sarah connected every movement to divine service, even in the midst of the most challenging circumstances.

Our first real encounter with Sarah is her journey with Avraham down to Egypt during a time

All throughout her life, 3 miracles surrounded her tent. According to the midrash, the Shabbos candles used to burn non-stop from Shabbos to Shabbos, the dough she kneaded would produce more than was prepared, and a special cloud enveloped her tent (reminiscent of the special Clouds of Glory that would later envelope the Jewish people during their forty years in the desert after leaving Egypt).(7) Once Yitzchak brought his new wife, Rivka, into his mother's tent, and was comforted after the loss of his mother. There and then, Rashi points out, all the miracles that had happened for Sarah, and had ceased upon her death, resumed once again for Rivka(Bereishit Rabbah 60:16).(7) It was as if she was the spiritual heir of her deceased mother-in-law.

of famine. We learn that a person can risk his life to save another from Sarah Imeinu saying that she was Avraham's sister thereby risking herself to save Avraham. Once there, her beauty is noticed by the people and she is taken to Paro's palace. When Paro realized Sarah was indeed Avraham's wife, he returned her and ordered them both to leave Egypt. (Bereishis 12:14-20)

How does one rule over all that and manage to "dominate events"? Only by maintaining one's serenity and equilibrium throughout it all. That is what the life of Sarah was. For a woman to remain barren for 90 years and experience so many the trials and tribulations was not a simple matter. And yet we see the same Eishes Chayil, the same Ba'alas Chessed, the same Matriarch Sarah throughout. This is indeed a person who ruled over the entire world.

Sarah was a role model for all, and her death was a great loss. People abandoned work to pay respect to this great pillar taken from the world. Amongst those at the funeral, were the 2 sons of Noach, Mamrei, Eshkol, Anair, Avimelech and Eiver, along with many other great people of the generation. Sarah was laid to rest with Adam and Chava.(6) Sarah was a shining example of how beautiful it is to serve Hashem.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Sarah Imeinu, Nissan Alpert, Whatever Sarah, , Kiryas Arba, Egypt Bereishis, Matriarch Sarah, Third Sarah, Life Sarah, Hagar Ishmael, sarah imeinu, life sarah, role models, kiryas arba, sarah sarah, abraham earned, commitment sanctifying, death burial, hagar maidservant, service hashem,
Approximate Word count = 1963
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)