Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom [Hardcover]

David M. Bader (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 1999

Why is this haiku book different from all other haiku books?

For centuries, the Japanese haiku has been one of the world's most dazzling poetic forms. In just three short lines, it captures the sublime beauty of nature--the croak of the bullfrog, the buzzing of the dragonfly, the shriek of the cicada, the scream of the cormorant. Now, with Haikus for Jews, there is finally a collection that celebrates the many advantages of staying indoors.
        
Inspired by ancient Zen teachings and timeless Jewish noodging, this masterful work is filled with insights that will make you exclaim, "Ah!" or at least "Oy!" Whether you are Jewish or you simply enjoy a good kosher haiku, these chai-kus (so called because of their high chutzpah content) are certain to amuse. What's more, with each poem limited to seventeen syllables, Haikus for Jews is perfect for people in a hurry. Find out why God has made these The Chosen Haikus.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Of all the many forms of Jewish-Japanese poetry, the Jewish haiku is perhaps the most sublimely beautiful," begins the foreword to the wickedly funny and tirelessly bizarre Haikus for Jews by David M. Bader. If you can't abide a little fun with stereotypes, read another book. But if you don't mind a little ribbing, take a look at the following haiku, which gives only a mild taste of the yummy-as-lox treats gathered in this collection: "Jewish voodoo tip -- / mention an acting career, / then watch for chest pain." And if you liked that, you'll love this: "Lightbulb out again -- / how many of us must meet / to change it this time?" And they just keep getting better.

Review

"A work of genius"
—Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic

"There is no subject whatever that is not fit for haiku."
--basho

"This you call poetry?"
--yiddish proverb


From the Hardcover edition. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Harmony; 1 edition (September 7, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 060960502X
• ISBN-13: 978-0609605028
• Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 0.5 x 6.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #328,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Jewish-Japanese Gem!, April 1, 2000

By 

Alvin M. Chanin (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom (Hardcover)

As an author of Jewish humor, I hate admitting anyone but me is funny, but Haikus for Jews had me roaring with laughter, and so did everybody that I gave a copy of the book to. This is a perfect gift to bring the hostess when you're invited to dinner. It's a lot cheaper and will last longer than a good bottle of wine ... unless one of the other dinner guests steals it. It is a perfect gift for anyone with a sense of humor. I loved it.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious, Quirky, Fun Book, February 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom (Hardcover)

This is a unique book. I haven't seen another one like it! Japanese imagery is intertwined with Jewish themes to create some highly original humor. It doesn't rely on stereotypes. It parodies old stereotypes and it includes new areas in its haikus. "No fins, no flippers... the gefilte fish swims with...some difficulty" or "Seven-foot Jews in ... the NBA slam-dunking... my alarm clock rings." Some of the poems are downright hilarious. All have a certain fun quality. I have given the book to countless people at this point, all of whom enjoyed it. Almost any intelligent reader will get it and sometimes even laugh out loud.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The poetry of Jewish Neurosis, October 29, 1999

By 

Larry Mark "editor of MyJewishBooks.com" (nyc) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Haikus for Jews: For You, a Little Wisdom (Hardcover)

So you thought I would / Write a Jewish haiku to / Sell this book. Guess not.

Bader, a Hahvahd Lawyer, and the author of"How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew" provides the essence of the faith in 5-7-5 / 17 syllable portions. Like the Japanese ahiku, the Jewish haiku (or CHAI-ku) includes 'a kigo', or a 'season word' hinting at a time of year. It is sheer genius. My favorites were one about a mohel pruning the growth in his garden and: Heimlich. Is that a / Jewish name? I wonder as / a diner turns blue.