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From the Coffee House of Jewish Dreamers: Poems on the Weekly Torah Portion and Poems of Wonder and Wandering

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From the Coffee House of Jewish Dreamers contains two collections of poems: Poems of the Weekly Torah Portions and Poems of Wonder and Wandering. Poems of the Weekly Torah Portion offers a highly original slant on well-known Bible stories. The poems are light and often humorous, and will surprise readers already familiar with the traditional stories.

Poems of Wonder and Wandering is an autobiographical account of Isidore Century's life. Carefully chosen, expressive words bring the author's experiences of life to life, from early childhood to later years of spiritual struggle on his way to self-discovery. The poems evoke strong emotions of remorse, confusion, wistfulness, and ultimately hopefulness, mingling and fusing past and present. It is easy to identify with these unexpectedly touching and haunting poems, regardless of your religious or cultural background. Many Yiddish words are used throughout, lending depth and authenticity to the poetry. A glossary of these words is included. Gevaldik!

From the Coffee House of Jewish Dreamers: Poems on the Weekly Torah Portion and Poems of Wonder and Wandering... by Isidore Century
I must begin by stating a disclaimer. I am not a sophisticated reader of poetry. However, I absolutely love Isidore Century's collection. It is set up in a manner which some may consider somewhat kitschy, unless the reader is familiar with the Jewish emphasis on balance in all areas of life. For instance, after a funeral, one eats an egg to remember life as well as death. So, too, is this collection arranged. When I read the "Poems of Wonder and Wandering", I was awash in a sea of sadness and longing. Flip the book over and read ""poems of the weekly Torah Portions", and it is laugh out loud funny, full of tongue in cheek wit. It is the balance between sadness and humor, anger and joy, longing and acceptance, which make this collection such a treasure.

Century's poems read like prose. They each tell a story, whether poignant or humorous. It is the story of a life, of a people, and a man. Please take the time to enjoy this collection. ( )