In Jewish tradition from Biblical times, emphasis has been placed on men as the prime actors with women having only a secondary role. This can be seen in the language of the traditional prayer book and the fact that only the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) are mentioned and not the matriarchs (Sara, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah). Modern society demands equality of the sexes and the prayer book attempts to redress the balance by the use of gender neutral language.