Jacob the Baker

by Noah benShea

Book Overview

This wise little fable tells the story of a baker named Jacob, who scribbled his thoughts no bit of paper as he waited for his bread to rise. One day, a small paper was baked into a loaf and gradually people came by for bread and wisdom, and Jacob's sayings became known. Now they have been gathered into this gentle book for all to share.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394579259
• ISBN13: 9780394579252
• Release Date: April 1989
• Publisher: Villard Books
• Length: 113 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Modern Jewish Wisdom Book

This book, the first in a trilogy, is a great collection of stories, thoughts, penses and ideas. It is a book in the great Jewish wisdom tradition. Jacob is a baker, and each day on his way to the bakery after his prayers he thinks and reflects on God and life. While the ovens are warming up, he jots down his thoughts. One day by accident, one of his scraps of thoughts gets baked into a loaf of bread. The lady who finds it is overwhelmed by its insight and wisdom. She asked the owner of the bakery if Jacob will share more of his ideas by baking one in each of some rolls for a dinner party for her. Reluctantly, Jacob agrees and his peaceful life is shattered. Soon Jacob has no time for himself. When he goes home people are awaiting him, in the morning they are on the path to work, and every day they are in the bakery, asking him questions, seeking advice and wisdom. They soon desire to make Jacob their Tzadik, their wise man. These stories will warm your heart, and open your eyes to the divine in yourself and in others. It will teach you to live with love and grace and mercy towards others

A True Treasure!

This book, the first in a trilogy, is a great collection of stories, thoughts, penses and ideas. It is a book in the great Jewish wisdom tradition. Jacob is a baker, and each day on his way to the bakery after his prayers he thinks and reflects on God and life. While the ovens are warming up, he jots down his thoughts. One day by accident, one of his scraps of thoughts gets baked into a loaf of bread. The lady who finds it is overwhelmed by its insight and wisdom. She asked the owner of the bakery if Jacob will share more of his ideas by baking one in each of some rolls for a dinner party for her. Reluctantly, Jacob agrees and his peaceful life is shattered. Soon Jacob has no time for himself. When he goes home people are awaiting him, in the morning they are on the path to work, and every day they are in the bakery, asking him questions, seeking advice and wisdom. They soon desire to make Jacob their Tzadik, their wise man. These stories will warm your heart, and open your eyes to the divine in yourself and in others. It will teach you to live with love and grace and mercy towards others.

Never gets old!

This book is great. Some people may be reluctant to buy the book because the fact that it is somewhat a religious book, or the fact that it has some "Christian" teachings installed into it, but that should not turn you away from this great book of life lessons. It is a book of many proverbs that the author claims to thought up of himself. That in itself is impressive. Each proverb can be applied to daily life and we can easily apply it to our own lives. One proverb states "A fish cannot describe water until it is caught." It has a lot of depth but is a very light read. It is like "chicken soup for the soul" book series. There are stories that accompany these proverbs. Stories that at first glance may seem pointless, but analyzed, can give you a lot from it. Why not try this book?

beautiful story!

Great words of wisdom, thoughts to ponder. I love the messages of remembering to enjoy the moment as well as others. This book is a real keeper - highly recommeded!

Beautiful story !!

This is a small-beautiful book. Full of profound aspects of life. The Jewish baker tell his stories and answer the questions form the people passed by. Noah Ben Shea is a thinker who knows how to use the word and combine them back smoothly. The book splits into many small sesstions and leave the space for the reader to think along. I would say this is a kind of simplified-philosophy book. But it ain't heavy at all. In contrast, it's ready for reader to digest.