Rabbinic Fantasies: Imaginative Narratives from Classical Hebrew Literature (Yale Judaica Series) (Paperback)

~ Professor David Stern (Editor), Mark Jay Mirsky (Editor) "The mashal, or parable, is the most common narrative form used by rabbis in midrash to interpret the Torah..." (more)
Key Phrases: ten sages, rabbinic fantasy, ten martyrs, Holy One, Ben Sira, Sefer Zerubbabel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This remarkable anthology of sixteen narratives from ancient and medieval Hebrew texts opens a new window on the Jewish imagination. Sometimes pious, sometimes playful, in some cases almost scandalous, the selections present a captivating world of rabbinic storytelling and reveal a surprisingly deep connection between the values of classical Judaism and the art of imaginative narrative writing. Nearly all the narratives are here published in English for the first time.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press (March 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300074026
• ISBN-13: 978-0300074024
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #561,310 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #15 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Middle Eastern > Hebrew
  #74 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Jewish

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Clever, June 10, 2000

By	Joshua Villines (Atlanta) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book belongs in any library of Jewish folklore. The stories are well-written and delightful; and often provide a new spin on a familiar tale. Excerpted (and cited, of course) they make excellent anecdotes. Woven together, they provide a sense of the rich and vivid tapestry that comprises Jewish folktales. Sometimes irreverent, sometimes poignant, and always real; there is something for everyone here.