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The Lost Matriarch takes on the curiously sparse biblical treatment of the Matriarch Leah, a character who paradoxically plays one of the central roles in the Book of Genesis and in the history of the Jewish people. With the help of Midrash (classical commentary) and the application of traditional midrashic techniques to analyze biblical text, you’ll enter into the delightful world of rabbinic and literary commentary that expands—perhaps it’s fairer to say “creates”—the story of Leah. The Lost Matriach is not a book of theology or dogma. It’s a book of literary analysis that will deepen your delight in reading the Bible as an adult. While it reveals Leah’s fascinating story, this book will also effortlessly empower your entire approach to reading the Bible by introducing you to the content and methodology of classical and contemporary midrashic interpretation.

THE LOST MATRIARCH is published by The Jewish Publication Society/Univ. of Nebraska Press. To read a limited preview of the book, click here. To purchase direct from the publisher, click here. Go online at Amazon or Barnes and Noble for the paper, Kindle, or Nook versions.

Belong to a Book Group?  Look at some suggested Questions for Discussion for Book Groups.

For Teachers:  If you’re interested in leading a multi-session adult education or college course on “Crisis and Character in the Story of Leah,” I’d be pleased to furnish an extensive course Syllabus and Study Materials, including excerpts from Talmud, Midrash, and literary commentary, together with an expanded set of suggested discussion questions.

Book Events: I’ve enjoyed leading book talks, study sessions, and book club meetings about Leah for synagogues, colleges, adult education groups, and private study groups. A list of some of my past book talk locations is at the left.

If your group might be interested in a talk (especially if you’re in the Southern California area), or a Zoom call with me, or if you have any other questions about the book, please email me at:

JerryRabow@JerryRabow.com

LEAH BOOK TALKS:

• Book signings, book club talks, and study sessions in private homes in the Los Angeles area.
• Holy Blossom Temple, Toronto.
• Temple Emanu-El, New York.

• Valley Beth Shalom, Encino, CA.

• Yom Limmud, San Diego.
• AJE/Melton Alumni, San Diego.
• Shomrei Torah Synagogue, West Hills, CA.
• University Synagogue, Los Angeles.
• UCLA, Westwood, CA.

• St. Alban’s Church, Westwood.
• Cal State Univ. Northridge, CA.
• Cong. B’Nai Emet, Simi Val., CA.
• Steven Wise Temple, Los Angeles.

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Watch a video of the talks listed

in red on the Media Page.

ADDITIONAL ONLINE MATERIALS FOR THE LOST MATRIARCH

(1) Reading the book and want to learn more? Take a look at the Chapter Notes and the ten Midrash Supplements.

(2) Videos of some of my talks about Leah can be viewed on the Media Page.

(3) And for reviews, postings, and reader comments, go to Reviews and Comments (and consider adding your own comment).