Synopses & Reviews
The Lost Matriarch offers a unique response to the sparse and puzzling biblical treatment of the matriarch Leah. Although Leah is a major figure in the book of Genesis, the biblical text allows her only a single word of physical description and two lines of direct dialogue. The Bible tells us little about the effects of her lifelong struggles in an apparently loveless marriage to Jacob, the husband she shares with three other wives, including her beautiful younger sister, Rachel. Fortunately, two thousand years of traditional and modern commentators have produced many fascinating interpretations (midrash) that reveal the far richer story of Leah hidden within the text.
Through Jerry Rabowand#8217;s weaving of biblical text and midrash, readers learn the lessons of the remarkable Leah, who triumphed over adversity and hardship by living a life of moral heroism. The Lost Matriarch reveals Leahand#8217;s full story and invites readers into the delightful, provocative world of creative rabbinic and literary commentary. By experiencing these midrashic insights and techniques for reading and#8220;between the lines,and#8221; readers are introduced to what for many will be an exciting new method of personal Bible interpretation.
Review
and#8220;With imaginative insight, Jerry Rabow has placed a human face and heart onto the persona of this biblical drama of love, loyalty, and intrigue. The author endows this ancient romance with empathic contemporary relevance.and#8221;and#8212;Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, author of Conscience: The Duty to Obey and the Duty to Disobey and founder of the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous andand#160;Jewish World Watch
Review
andquot;The Lost Matriarch is a thorough examination of the story of Leah.andquot;andmdash;Fred Reiss, San Diego Jewish World
Review
andquot;This new treatment of the Biblical matriarch Leah is a well researched and a refreshing new look at an old story.andquot;andmdash;Barbara Andrews, Jewish Book Council
Synopsis
Rosen gives a new voice to more than a dozen women of the Bible. She imagines and writes the missing chapters of these womens lives in a witty and engaging collection of stories. In addition, she introduces the book with a lively essay about classical Midrash, its relationship to fiction and the imagination, and the possibilities for new midrashim written for and about women.
Synopsis
Norma Rosen gives new voice to more than a dozen women of the Bible with her innovative midrash (creative interpretations of biblical text). She introduces the book with a lively essay about classical midrash, its relationship to fiction and the imagination, and the possibilities for new midrash written for and about women.
About the Author
Jerry Rabow is the author of
A Guide to Jewish Mourning and Condolence and
Fifty Jewish Messiahs.
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