Who was the mother goddess of the ancient religion of Israel, the spouse of the god Yahweh? Archaeological and literary-biblical studies refer to her as "Asherah," yet, they cannot explain why this name is not mentioned in the book of Genesis, a book that portrays the formation of Israel's religion. In this groundbreaking book, Dvora Lederman-Daniely provides an answer to this enigmatic question. Based on meticulous research she argues the goddess's name does appear in the book of Genesis but it is concealed within the name of the first human matriarch of the people of Israel: Sarai. Deciphering and identifying the forgotten and censored name of the divine spouse of Yahweh opens the door to a revolutionary understanding of the relationship between Yahweh and the people of Israel, as perceived during the formation of the Hebrew people. Moreover, biblical images and metaphors are stripped back and their outrageous mythological content is laid bare. Through careful argument Lederman-Daniely excavates the very origins of Jewish customs and decrees exposing how they embody the ancient worship of a goddess who was Yahweh's spouse.

Introduction Did Yahweh Have a Consort-Wife? -- The Biblical Story Of Sarai Containing Mythological Fragments -- Canaanite Narratives and their Link with the Narrative in Genesis 12, 18 and 20 -- Sarai as the Name of Asherah -- Could Sarai-Meaning "she who rules"-Be the Name of Asherah? -- Biblical References Portraying a Figure Called Sarai as a Superhuman Being -- The Deir 'Alla Archaeological Discoveries -- The Motif of the Jealous and Punitive Husband in the Bible -- Violent Partnering and Parenting -- The Mythological Version of the Binding of Isaac -- El Shaddai as El Sarai? -- Has the Name "Sarai" Indicating the Name of the Mother Goddess been Eradicated from the Religion of Israel?.