Discover the Untold Stories of Serach Bat Asher and Iranian Jewish History
Title: MamaSara: Chronicles of Serach Bat Asher, Matriarch of Iranian Jews
Author: Mosa M.
The story of MamaSara—known biblically as Serach bat Asher and revered in Iran as Sarah Khatoon.
From the House of Jacob to the synagogue of Pir Bakran in Esfahan, her extraordinary legacy bridges Jewish history and Iranian heritage.
About the Book
MamaSara reimagines the life of Serach bat Asher, Jacob’s granddaughter. Though briefly mentioned in the Bible, her legend spans millennia. This collection of illustrated stories highlights her role as a guide to leaders, a prophetess who identified Moses, and a peacemaker who shaped her community’s destiny.
Her wisdom and supernatural gifts offer a powerful symbol of resilience and faith for the community.
Why Read MamaSara?
Discover the untold story of a legendary Iranian Jewish woman
Be inspired by her resilience, wisdom, and courage.
Experience a rich blend of spirituality, history, and empowerment.
In a time of global tensions, Serach’s story reminds us of the enduring power of faith and peace.
table of contents
MamaSara: Chronicles of Serach Bat Asher, Matriarch of Iranian Jews
Part I: Serach Bat Asher in Biblical Context
Chapter 1: Israel and His Sons: Introduces Jacob and his family, including Serach bat Asher. Recounts Jacob’s journey, his wrestling match, his love for Joseph, and Serach’s role in revealing Joseph’s survival.
Chapter 2: Migration to Egypt: Details the migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt due to famine, highlighting Serach’s presence as the only woman named. Explains how the Israelites thrived until a new Pharaoh arose and hid Joseph’s coffin in the Nile.
Chapter 3: Search Identifies Moses: Focuses on Serach’s role in identifying Moses as the redeemer of the Israelites, confirming his authenticity and instilling hope for the Exodus journey.
Chapter 4: Serach and the Hidden Coffin of Joseph: Recounts the discovery of Joseph’s coffin during the Exodus. Serach, with her ancient knowledge, guides Moses to the coffin hidden in the Nile, fulfilling Joseph’s final wish.
Part II: Serach Bat Asher in Rabbinic Tradition and Legend
Chapter 5: Crossing the Red Sea with Moses: Explores rabbinic traditions about Serach’s longevity and presence at the parting of the Red Sea, including a story of her resolving a debate about the Red Sea walls.
Chapter 6 Connects Serach to King David's time.Details her intervention in preventing the destruction of a city
Chapter 7: King David and the Cornerstone of the Temple: her role in helping David choose the Temple Mount for the future Temple.
Chapter 8: Jeremiah Hiding Temple Artifacts in Jerusalem: Places Serach during the destruction of the First Temple. With her knowledge, she assists Jeremiah in safeguarding the Temple’s artifacts, ensuring the preservation of Israel’s heritage.
Chapter 9: Migration to Iran: Discusses the Persian King Cyrus’s edict allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem and the influence of Persian culture on Jewish practices. Sets the stage for the migration of some Jews, including Serach, to Persia.
Part III: Serach Bat Asher in Iranian Jewish Tradition
Chapter 10: The Day of Thunder over the Synagogue: Explores Serach’s life in Isfahan, recounting the legend of a fiery chariot descending upon a synagogue where she was present, leading to her disappearance and the belief in her ascension.
Chapter 11: Shah Abbas and the Cave: Details the legend of Shah Abbas the Great encountering Serach in a cave. Describes Shah Abbas’s relationship with the Jewish community and his meeting with Serach, who challenged him to treat Jews with compassion.
Chapter 12: Grandma Nieyma and a Superhero: Reflects on the significance of Serach bat Asher for Iranian Jewish history, connecting her legacy to the author’s grandmother. Explores Serach as a powerful female figure and the importance of preserving her story.
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