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.
"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.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
I couldn't breathe, but I couldn't put it down:
Hilarious. Absolutely, hilarious. I was laughing so hard while reading this slender volume I could hardly breathe. As many reviewers have pointed out, this isn't technically haiku; it's senryu. Haiku is about nature; senryu is about the human condition. Do not neglect to read the introductory section. That is absolutely delightful. "Lepstein grew up aspiring to be a retainer in the court of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Since he was born on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in 1948, he enrolled in City... more info
not haiku:
Very simply, there are no haiku in this book. A shame that this book like so many others have authors thinking that they are actually writing haiku. Haiku is a classic form of poetry and these verses are haiku imposters.
What a treat!:
This book combines perfect haiku form with humor and social commentary. I thought it would be fun, and it truly is, but beyond that, it's a treasure for anyone who prizes haiku.
Hilarious!:
This little book is quite a find. While I'm not jewish, I was raised by a Catholic mother, so I think I can relate. These short poems will definitely bring a smile to your face.
