Wise...and Not So Wise: Ten Tales from the Rabbis

by Gershator, Phillis

• ISBN13: 9780827607552
• ISBN10: 0827607555
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-08-01
• Publisher: Univ of Nebraska Pr

Summary

Fanciful stories of wonder and magic fill the pages of Phillis Gershator's charming collection of tales derived from talmudic and midrashic folklore. Inspired by stories recounted by her late father-in-law, a rabbi, Gershator assembles in this volume 10 of her favorites -- the ones that made her laugh or touched her with their messages and miracles. Taking spiritual and folkloric elements from the ancient teachings of the sages, she blends in her own humor, magic, and wisdom to put a unique spin on tales that have endured for generations. In talmudic fashion, the stories teach moral lessons and truths while sprinkling jokes, surprises, and happy endings throughout. Tales of flying rabbis, miraculous loaves of bread, wise women, muscle-bound angels, and goats that carry bears on their heads will delight children of all ages. Alexa Ginsburg's lighthearted illustrations capture the enchantment of these timeless legends. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Phillis Gershator, who lives in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is the author of 20 books for children. She is a former children's librarian, longtime RIF volunteer, and a recipient of the Anne Izard Storyteller's Choice Award Alexa Ginsburg graduated from Cooper Union with a BFA. She is a graphic artist, illustrator, and a designer of handcrafted textiles

Table of Contents

About these tales ... So Many Questions	p. 1
Making It Rain	p. 4
Figs for Gold	p. 14
Hanina's Stone	p. 26
Teacher in the Cave	p. 36
Goats for Chickens	p. 46
Everything for the Best	p. 52
What's Cooking?	p. 58
The Observant Cow	p. 64
The Hat in the Fish	p. 70
Wise and Wiser	p. 76
About these words ... Definitions	p. 84
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