Jewish Tales of Reincarnation (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

...I am certain that after reading [this book] you will be amazed to learn that reincarnation is not only a concept that is 'Jewish' but one that has been taught by some of the most illustrious sages of the Jewish people throughout history... In "Jewish tales of Reincarnation, Rabbi Yonassan Gershom has gathered some extraordinary stories and teachings about reincarnation found in Jewish literature."

-Arthur Kurzweil, Editor-in-Chief, Jewish Book Club -- A Jewish Book Club selection! (Jewish Book News, November 18, 1999)

Product Description

The author begins with an over-view of basic themes about the after life, such as the judgement of souls before the Heavenly Court, the mystical significance of the Covenant at Sinai, the process of tikkun olam (repairing the universe), and some reasons why human beings return to earth in new bodies. He then takes you on an exciting journey through many centuries of Jewish tales, where you will meet dozens of saints and sinners, animals and humans, angels and mortals–all attempting to work out their past-life karma through applying the teachings of the Torah in earthly life.

In order to make the classical stories understandable to the modern reader, each tale has been expanded to include clear explanations of cultural and religious details. So skillfully does Gershom weave this material into the narrative itself, that the reader scarcely notices how a gentle form of education is taking place. By the time you have finished the book, you will not only have been entertained, but will have completed an excellent introduction to Jewish spirituality as well.

Both classical and contemporary tales are included here, from sources as widely varied as kabbalistic texts, folklore anthologies, and discussions on the Internet. Of special interest are several new tales collected by the author himself, which have never before appeared in print.

Although the author has avoided footnotes for the sake of readability, he has not neglected the importance of scholarship. This book is well researched, with an endnote commentary for each story, explaining the author's sources and redaction process. A glossary and bibliography are included, as well as a biographical index to the historical characters mentioned in the tales.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson (November 28, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765760835
• ISBN-13: 978-0765760838
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #696,162 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author's reply to Robert Lehr's 1-star review (below), January 6, 2005

By	Rabbi Yonassan Gershom (Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

It was not my intention to "add anything new" to the topic of reincarnation. Nor is this supposed to be a case-history therapy book. My goal was to demonstrate that teachings about reincarnation do indeed exist in traditional Jewish circles. True, the book is primarily a collection of folklore, which is why it is entitled "Jewish TALES of Reincarnation" rather than "Jewish CASES of Reincarnation."

I beleive that the soul of a people is expressed through its stories. These are the teaching tales that Hasidim (and others) tell around the Sabbath table -- whether or not they are "superstitious" depends on your POV. However, having checked out Mr. Lehr's list of reviews and seen that he regularly 1-stars books with nasty comments, I will "consider the source" and not take his insults too seriously.

Rabbi Yonassan Gershom
author, Jewish Tales of Reincarnation

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a genuine contribution from a special rabbi, March 11, 2000

By A Customer

Rabbi Gershom presents a broad and detailed survey of stories and assertions about reinicarnation from many of the most highly respected religious authorities, generally Hasidic, in Jewish history. Gershom presents the accounts in a clear, gentle, respectful, and generous writing style. He expects no wide-eyed gullibility from the reader, and clearly he is not preaching about reincarnation, either to the choir or the skeptics. This is a serious work, and a real contribution from a special rabbi who is emerging as a scholar and a leader in religious renewal, firmly set in Judaism but with real and deep contact with the best in other religious streams. I think many readers will be grateful to Rabbi Gershom for this work.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Gershom book yet!, February 2, 2000

By A Customer

Wow! Rabbi Gershom has really outdone himself with this new book!

I had read some of these stories before in other anthologies. But to be honest, the references to rebirth were so obscure that I missed them completely. Rabbi Gershom's versions change all that. He makes the stories crystal-clear by retelling them in beautifully-written inspiring, easy-to-read prose.

The stories are arranged in chapters according to themes, such as "Heaven and Earth," "Redeeming Sparks," "Animal and Human," "The Hasidic Masters," etc. For each chapter, there's an overview explaining the Jewish ideas relating to reincarnation and that chapter's theme. This made it very easy to understand the stories in each section, even if you don't know much about Judaism. I enjoyed reading his personal insights in the endnotes, too. Ten stars!