Isaac Unbound: A Life of Reconciliation
Ebook
Isaac Unbound is a work of fiction that fills in the details of the life and character of biblical Isaac. People read about Isaac in Gen 17:4--28:9, and conclude he is passive and not an independent thinker. Isaac is not the iconoclast or spiritual pioneer as was his father, Abraham. He is not the scheming activist that his son, Jacob, became. As a result of his near sacrifice by his father, he evolves into a sensitive, caring, understanding person who reaches out to reconcile with his brother Ishmael, with the Philistine king Abimelech, and works to align his values with his actions. Isaac Unbound develops out of the author's imagination as well as drawing on interpretations of ancient rabbis. The book raises questions about interpersonal reconciliation in a non-didactic way. It encourages heartfelt seeking by contemporary readers.
“Of the three patriarchs, the Torah says the least about Isaac. Rabbi Citrin has poetically fleshed out Isaac’s life and interactions with his father and brother. This book serves as a guide toward reconciliation that may be applied to our modern day lives.”
—Richard Hammer, medical doctor
“In this creative retelling, the biblical story of Isaac comes alive. Vivid descriptions of the setting put the reader in the moment alongside Isaac as he struggles in his relationships with his father, brother, and offspring. They and the women in his life weave an engaging tale about betrayal, reconciliation, and dedication.”
—Susan Keith, founding director, New Mexico-Israel Business Exchange
“Isaac Unbound is a stunning achievement. Paul Citrin has unveiled the enigmatic biblical patriarch in a new light, chronicling Isaac’s struggles and ultimate resolution with the people in his life. With literary craft and deep emotional understanding, the author examines the inner life of a man burdened with trauma, familial conflict, and a burning search for meaning. The novel is driven by astute dialogue and scholarly detail.”
—Bruce Grosssman, therapist
“Isaac Unbound encourages our search for faith and harmony. When we examine our lives and relationships, we can find reconciliation. Discussing this book with a community of readers will enlarge that quest.”
—Connie Golden, rabbi
- Title: Isaac Unbound: A Life of Reconciliation
- Author: Paul J. Citrin
- Publisher: Resource Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666777499, 9781666777475, 1666777471, 9781666777482, 166677748X, 1666777498
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666777499
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-07-18T22:57:23Z
Paul J. Citrin is a retired rabbi who teaches Jewish history, literature, and philosophy in synagogue and community venues. He is the author of I Am My Prayer (Wipf & Stock, 2021). He has served congregations in New Mexico and on both coasts. He was a cofounder of the Jewish-Catholic Dialogue and has been committed to working for social justice issues. He lives in Albuquerque with his wife, Susan Morrison Citrin.