Sisters at Sinai

by Jill Hammer

An anthology of 24 stories about women in the Bible. Drawing from the ancient tradition of midrash, the author brings to life the inner world and livedexperiences of these haracters, weaving both rabbinic legends and her own imagination into the biblical text.

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Feminism, Spirituality, Judaica, Religion, Fiction

294 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Jill Hammer is a celebrated author, scholar, poet, rabbi, ritualist and dreamworker. The Moonstone Covenant, forthcoming in fall 2024, is her first work of fantasy. Like some of her characters, she has a deep love of books, trees, water, and mysterious journeys. She is also the author of Undertorah: An Earth-Based Kabbalah of Dreaming, Return to the Place: The Magic, Meditation, and Mystery of Sefer Yetzirah, The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership (with Taya Shere), The Jewish Book of Days: A Companion for All Seasons, The Omer Calendar of Biblical Women, Sisters at Sinai: New Tales of Biblical Women, and The Book of Earth and Other Mysteries. She lives with her family in Manhattan. You can learn more about her and her books at themoonstonecovenant.net or jillhammer.net.

Reviews

[Charles Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are simply beautiful. But they're also challenging, both for the ways Hammer uses traditional Jewish exegetical tools to create these stories, and for the ways she leaves them behind. Whether you are comfortable delving into this perspective or not, I would highly recommend reading the book, because a) it's really well-written; and b) it will provoke you to rethink the Torah/Old Testament narratives.

[Lisa Feld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. The midrashim (biblical fanfiction) fit within the canon, but felt redemptive of women's stories, giving the female characters not just a voice, but more agency. For example, giving Leah a moment of choosing and being chosen by Israel, even as she's ignored by his alter-ego, Jacob.

[D Dina Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read stories in this book with my now-defunct Chavurah. A lot of food for thought. I loved the author's feminist and progressive take.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome x7000000000000000000000

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the humanity of the women presented in this book...very engaging storytelling.

[Krista]

LOVED this book. If you are interested in Midrash, this is a wonderful collection of stories. Enjoy!