The Lost Matriarch: Finding Leah in the Bible and Midrash

Acknowledgments

191 acknowled gments We often presume that writing a book is a solitary task, and for much of the time it does feel like that. But this book owes its existence to the generous sharing of talents and wisdom by many people. My interest in commentary by the great Rabbis of the Midrash has been nurtured through fortunate opportunities for regular study with many outstanding contemporary rabbis, including Rabbi Isaac Klein, z”l, at Temple Emanu-El, Buffalo, New York, the synagogue where I grew up; Rabbi Harold Schulweis, Rabbi Ed Feinstein, and the current and previous associate rabbis at Valley Beth Shalom synagogue, Encino, California, my synagogue for over forty years; and Rabbis David Neiman, z”l, Benzion Bergman, and Chaim Seidler-Feller. I have also been privileged to pursue university-level adulteducation programs, lectures, and classes at Valley Beth Shalom synagogue (including the Hazak and Keruv programs); to study at American Jewish University (including classical Hebrew language with instructor Sarah HarShalom); and to hear the lectures and seminars generously shared with the public by the Jewish studies programs at ucla (under the direction of Professor David Myers and his successors), Hillel at ucla (under the direction of Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller), and California State University at Northridge (under the direction of Professor Jody Myers). These educational opportunities have been supplemented through the learning and camaraderie I have enjoyed in informal study groups, including Mem-Aleph Havurah and 192 Acknowledgments the Westside Men’s Study Group (led for several years by Professor Arnold Band). I was also helped by the opportunity to explore some preliminary concepts for this book in talks to the Valley Beth Shalom synagogue’s library minyan and the lecture program at vbs-Hazak. I especially want to acknowledge the many insights and delights I have gained through the privilege of participating in the Hirshleifer-Rosett Faculty Tanakh Study Group, hosted by Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller and Hillel at ucla. The group’s extensive and spirited discussions in recent years during our analysis of Genesis, especially the many memorable weeks delving into the story of Dinah, opened for me many fresh possibilities in the text that have both enriched my personal understanding and also contributed to some of the interpretations appearing in this book. Rabbi Harold and Malkah Schulweis each read several early drafts and generously shared their valuable comments, suggestions , and encouragement. Their enthusiasm and warm friendship overcame my inevitable doubts as to whether I would ever be able to make this book a reality. My research could not have been completed without the gracious hospitality and assistance of the library staffs at American Jewish University, Valley Beth Shalom, ucla, Los Angeles Public Library, Hebrew Union College, and the Master’s College. Of course, all the above carried me only through completion of the initial manuscript. Proceeding to publication required more. For that phase, I am deeply grateful to Rabbi Barry Schwartz, director of the Jewish Publication Society, who championed this book and helped me to refine its concepts and execution. That transformation was furthered by the many valuable critiques and suggestions from the publisher’s preliminary manuscript readers, and subsequently by the skills of the professional staff of the University of Nebraska Press, especially Sabrina Stellrecht and Michele Alperin, who brought the manuscript through the copyediting process. Acknowledgments 193 And I cannot express how deeply I appreciate the contributions of Carol Hupping, the managing editor of the Jewish Publication Society. With unfailing kindness and respect, she has lent her great talents and much time and effort to helping me persevere in improving and developing this book well beyond the point where I thought it was probably good enough. Carol has gone beyond editing to become the guide, coach, and collaborator for this project. Finally, my wife, Lola, uncomplainingly put up with many years of intrusions upon normal family life that resulted from my always having the perfect excuse: working on “the book.” Her understanding and support made writing this book doubly a labor of love for me. Jerry Rabow ...