Rachel The Clever And Other Jewish Folktales

A collection of Jewish tales from the Talmud and the Jewish communities of Europe, Asia, and North Africa includes versions of "Cinderella" and "King Midas," stories of ghosts and golems, moral tales, stories of the Wise Men of Chelm, and riddles

In this retelling of a Jewish folktale, Jacob tries to stump Rachel with his best riddles but fails repeatedly. When a young woman in need of help presents Rachel and Jacob with the trickiest riddles of all, they discover the only way to solve them is to work together.

In this retelling of a Jewish folktale, Rachel and Jacob must work together to solve the trickiest riddles of all.

"Set in a Jewish community in 19th-century Poland and based on a medieval Jewish folktale, the play asks the question, "Can girls be as smart as boys?" Rachel lives with her family in their small bakery and inn and has acquired a reputation as a clever girl who can figure out answers to the most challenging riddles. But the traditional roles of men and women don't allow for women to be intellectuals. Her father believes in her and brags about her skills; her mother is afraid to tempt fate by praising her daughter; and her younger brother just wants to play. A series of visitors (all played by the same actress) take advantage of her wisdom, but things come to a head when Jacob, the smartest boy in town, challenges her to a contest of wits. Somehow they both win and find something that neither had before—a friend"--

Linda Silver selected the titles that "represent the best in writing, illustration, reader appeal, and authentically Jewish content--in picture books, fiction and non-fiction, for readers ranging from early childhood through the high school years."--P. [4] of cover.

In this book of folk tales, Liz Berg shares Jewish memories: authentic tales, songs and jokes told by Jews in Britain and Ireland. Some stories moved from place to place, changing and adapting to new landscapes and taking on different textures, but the core of the story stays the same and is preserved through oral storytelling and recorded on these pages. Here are tales from the time of Domitian's Jewish slaves working in the tin mines of Cornwall, through to the tales being told in communities today, all incorporating the wit and magic of a rich and varied culture successfully integrated into Britain and Ireland.

Storytelling, as oral tradition and in writing, has long played a central role in Jewish society. Family, educators, and clergy employ stories to transmit Jewish culture, traditions, and values. This comprehensive bibliography identifies 668 Jewish folktales by title and subject, summarizing plot lines for easy access to the right story for any occasion. Some centuries old and others freshly imagined, the tales include animal fables, supernatural yarns, and anecdotes for festivals and holidays. Themes include justice, community, cause and effect, and mitzvahs, or good deeds. This second edition nearly doubles the number of stories and expands the guide's global reach, with new pieces from Turkey, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and Chile. Subject cross-references and a glossary complete the volume, a living tool for understanding the ever-evolving world of Jewish folklore.

Contains a resource book of multicultural materials and includes program ideas, Web sites, and recommended children's books that provide students with information on the traditions, stories, pictures, and music from around the world.