Jacob: Unexpected Patriarch (Jewish Lives)

This is a useful book in that it reflects the various stages of Jacob's life and behaviors. I used it in putting together a sermon, and plan to use it again in looking at what we can learn about ourselves from the personalities in the Old Testament.

Fresh approach to a story that does not get enough attention. This book is both scholarly and human a rare combination.

What an interesting book! New aspects of Jacob.

excellent picture of revered patriarch. proves that jacob was human and not saintly. pictures jacob as a real person, someone to respect. prof. zakovitch does an excellent job making biblical account of jacob's life real and truthful.

Very disappointing both in content and organization of the book.After reading it very carefully I have no idea why it was written; there are no new insights or points of view.

Excellent writing. Comprehensive. Very interesting. Worth the read. Ideas covered in depth, and easily understood. Author expresses some of my own feelings, but, goes on to explain these "feelings" with data taken from the actual texts written about Jacob.

While Professor Zakovitch does not subscribe to the traditional Jewish religious viewpoint of single authorship of the Chumash (which I do), there is much to learn from his keen insights and analysis. This book offers a critical view of Yaakov (Jacob), our Patriarch. While at times uncomfortable to read ,Professor Zakovitch's describes in harsh terms troubling decisions made Yaakov Avinu. While difficult for us to pass judgment of the Patriarchs, since the time frame and conditions they lived in were much different than our own (and almost certainly harsher), I think the criticisms the book offers are valuable lessons to learn. Professor Zakovitch's book increases our knowledge and understanding of of the sections of the Chumash that it addresses--"it is a book that makes one think." Also of note, the book has a pleasing style of writing and very readable given the complex subjects addressed.

Really helped me understand more about this great patriarch and the literary structure of this part of Genesis. Enjoyed reading a Jewish expert on the Old Testament who was able to open up the ironies, symmetries and lessons of the story in a readable way.

An excellent book about the life of Jacob that offers numerous incites by the author for anyone interested in studying the character and life of Jacob.