Blessing by Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel and Leah

Hi,

Since at least the 19th century (see more on this here), some have blessed their daughters with language that differs from the blessing for sons. Commonly, we invoke Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel and Leah.

Explanations for this choice of models vary:
1. Ruth 4:11 includes a berachah to be like Rachel and Leah;

2. Sanhedrin 105b explained the blessing (Shoftim 5:24), "מנשים באהל תבורך - She should be blessed by the women of the tent," to refer to Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel and Leah.

3. We use this formula already in the mi shebeirach for people who are ill.

4. Like Ephraim and Menasheh, these women came from bad backgrounds and achieved greatness.

5. Rachel and Leah managed to build a home together despite their potential for rivalry; this is similar to our praise of Ephraim and Menasheh for their ability to avoid strife.

Have a great day,
Mordechai