The Paradox of the Mother of Seven and the Concept of Jewish Self-Sacrifice

The article deals with the concept self-sacrifice as revealed in the story "Mother of Seven" (also known by the title "Hannah and Her Seven Sons"). Examination of the image of this mother of seven indicates the paradox inherent in the very situation in which the main character finds herself, a situation of self-denial resulting from her role as a mother. This category of self-sacrifice is extolled by the story.