"And Avram took his wife Sarai...and the souls they made in Haran...." Bereishis 12:5
"The souls" refers to the souls which he had brought under the sheltering wings of the Shechinah, for Abraham converted the men and Sarah the women, and Scripture accounts it to them as if they had made them...." (Rashi)
Who was sarah imenu?
According to the Rambam, all converts to Judaism may consider themselves descendants of Avraham Avinu and may recite the phrase “G-d of my Fathers” when they pray. Everyone who converts to Judaism and believes in the unity of G-d according to the Torah’s principles is considered a follower of Avraham Avinu. Just as Avraham Avinu elevated his generation with true beliefs and character refinement, so he is credited with the rectification of all future converts to Judaism. He is considered the father of those of his offspring who emulate and follow him and the father of every convert to Judaism. (Hilchos De’as 6)
Sarah Imenu is likewise considered the mother of every convert to Judaism. The home of Sarah Imenu was no ordinary tent. It’s doors were open to everyone. There was a blessing in her dough. Her Sabbath lamp remained aglow all week long. A cloud of holiness hovered overhead. When Sarah died, these miracles ceased.
Through Sarah’s open doors passed the women who would come closer to G-d and abandon idolatry. Those who ate at her table left with an abiding satisfaction and protection, having absorbed the holiness of the food. The holiness of the light of her Sabbath lamp survived the striving of the week. Each week, her lamp brought new holiness, enhancing the holiness of the preceding week.
The Shem MiShmuel teaches us that because G-d’s Presence was in Sarah Imenu’s tent, on her table, and on her Sabbath lamp, He set His cloud atop her dwelling.
Ohel Sarah Imenu’s purpose is to bring sincere, righteous converts to Judaism under the sheltering wings of the Shechinah as true daughters of Sarah Imenu.