Jacob (Yaacov) was the third of the Jewish Patriarchs (Avot).

Jacob was the son of Isaac (Yitzhak) and Rebecca (Rivka). He was given the name Jacob because he was holding onto the heel (akev) of his twin brother Esau (Esav) when he was born.

The story of Jacob's life is described in the Book of Genesis. In his youth, he tricks his father and steals his brother's birthright and blessing.  Jacob flees, and then serves his uncle Laban for twenty years in order to marry Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel. He returns to his homeland with his family to make peace with his brother Esau. After wrestling with a spirit, Jacob's name is changed to Israel. Jacob's twelve sons became the Twelve Tribes of Israel. 

Jewish commentary says that Jacob was essentially a good character, but that he sometimes resorted to cunning and deceit to get what he felt belonged to him. God aided him for his goodness, and punished him with bitter experiences (his daughter Dina is raped, his son Joseph is sold into slavery, ...) for his devious ways.