Michael, Michael, why do you hate me?

by Michael Esses

The story of a Jewish rabbi who becomes a believer of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction

167 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this book sitting on my bookshelf for years. It is the story of a boy raised by Orthadox Jews and then turning his back on God after loosing several family members and his eventual return to God and conversion to a born again pentacostal Christian. This book goes over the diffrent sects of Jews and where they came from and what Orthadox Jews believe and how the live. I thought it was very interesting and a quick read.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably out of print, but a book that is hard to put down if you are lucky enough to find it! It is the autobiography of Michael Esses and his life long journey of running from God to running to God and the intense struggle between the two points.

[Arthur Berm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael, Michael, why do you hate Me? by Michael Esses.
Fascinating story for a man to go from Rabbi to unbeliever to Christian pastor. His Hebrew training to become a Rabbi, as heavy as it was, shaped his life to serve God and when he strayed God brought him back kicking and screaming, always getting in more trouble and always God was there to bring him back on track. Enter his wife as she stood with him when loved ones were lost and it becomes a story of love and drama and determination, Betty's love for her Lord and Saviour and the love for her husband Michael and children is so solid, an example for many of us.

[Diane Stultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir was published in 1973, so it has been around for a while. It was suggested by our Bible Study Teacher. It tells the emotional story of a family with a troubled boy named Michael. Michael was very defiant, angry, and manipulative, even at a young age. His parents were very strict Orthodox Jews...in fact his father was a Rabbi. His dad expected Michael to follow his footsteps and become a Rabbi. He struggled to follow all the rules of the household, but eventually he studied and became a Rabbi.

The Lord directed him to head to California to get established and find a place for his ministry. His younger brother, David, was to come a few weeks later to live with him. Tragedy hit when his brother was killed in a car accident on his way to California. Michael became very bitter and was not even sure if he believed in God anymore. He vowed never to speak to God again.

From here the course of Michael's live changes. He is "rescued" by God many times...God had given him many chances. However, Michael was in a spiral downward until he accepted Jesus after a vivid dream. His Christian wife had a lot of influence on him too. Still, Michael drifted in and out of his devotion to Christ. Tragedy after tragedy occurred including, more death, separations from his wife, addictions, being down and out etc. The largest part of Michael's story is his spiritual journey. This is quick read with many good lessons and reminders of how much God loves us and how many chances He gives us to repent. I see many parallels to the relationship to God and the Jews as they wandered the desert.

[Nonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd time I have read this book. I thought it was fabulous when I was about 23. Then I would have given it 5 stars. This time I didn't think so highly of it-- therefore it gets 3 stars from the older me.