Capturing the Moon: Classic and Modern Jewish Tales [Hardcover]

Edward Feinstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2008

It is through stories that we express our hopes and our fears. Stories convey to others what is in our hearts, what we feel is the essence of our life experiences. They transmit our culture, inform our values, and educate our children. Stories have been essential to Jewish life from the time of the Bible itself, and they continue to hold a special place in our hearts today.
In this new collection of classic and modern folktales, Rabbi Edward M. Feinstein reminds us why stories are so important. Capturing the Moon brings together thirty-six beloved Jewish folktales in six thematic sections: What Really Matters in Life?, Doing What s Right, It s Up to You, Teachers and Friends, Hidden Truths, and The Miracle of Jewish Life. Each section explores Jewish experiences and values, and each story is followed by commentary and questions for thought or discussion.
In these pages you will discover how Yekel, the poverty-stricken Jew in The Treasure, dreams of riches for years, only to discover a treasure that s been under his feet all along. Dinah, in The Maccabees Sister, teaches us the importance of activism in such times of persecution. Other stories, such as The Knapsack, are poignant tributes to Jewish perseverance against all odds and the miracles that have made Jewish survival possible.
Those stories and the others in this collection will inspire and inform you, and prompt you to question and contemplate the big picture of your life. The perfect book for bedtime reading and group discussion alike, Capturing the Moon is sure to be a family favorite for generations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rabbi Edward M. Feinstein is senior rabbi of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California. He serves on the faculty of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies of the American Jewish University and the Wexner Heritage Program and teaches at the Shalom Hartman Institute. Rabbi Feinstein is the author of Tough Questions Jews Ask and editor of Jews and Judaism in the 21st Century, both National Jewish Book Award finalists. He lives in the San Fernando Valley with his wife, Rabbi Nina Bieber Feinstein, and their children, Yonah, Nessa, and Raffi. Every Friday afternoon he bakes brownies from a recipe revealed to his ancestors at Mount Sinai.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Behrman House Publishing (July 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874418402
• ISBN-13: 978-0874418408
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any Jewish family, September 6, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capturing the Moon: Classic and Modern Jewish Tales (Hardcover)

Stories are a child's first exposure to ways of life outside the confines of their own home. "Capturing the Moon: Classic and Modern Jewish Tales" is an engaging and entertaining anthology of stories specifically intended for Jewish parents and children to share together at story time. These are stories that will inspire and educate readers, stories that are enhanced with Feinstein's deft pen in his retelling of these classic tales. Simply stated, "Capturing the Moon" is a must for any Jewish family and a welcome addition to community library multi-cultural collections for children as well.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Master Story Teller Tells Stories, September 28, 2008

By 

Selwyn Gerber (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capturing the Moon: Classic and Modern Jewish Tales (Hardcover)

Rabbi Feinstein is a master at the ancient craft of story telling.
Jews have told stories for thousands of years - and Rabbi Feinstein's retelling of classic tales fills each one with relevance and meaning. He carries on a fine tradition with erudition and nuance - he knows his characters intimately and makes every story come alive.

5.0 out of 5 stars unbeatable!, April 7, 2010

By 

Repertor "EN" (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Capturing the Moon: Classic and Modern Jewish Tales (Hardcover)

This book has a unique selection of very inspirational stories drawn from depths of Jewish Storytelling. It is a great guide for the whole family and has something for every occasion.