This delightful collection parodies the beloved Chasidic (or, in the author's retelling, 'Acidic') tales passed down by generations of Jews. Rabbi Walter Rothschild has 'discovered' the Chutzper dynasty of Chasidim in a forgotten corner of Eastern Europe, where they have lived in virtual isolation to this day. Simple, literal and to the point, the Chutzper Chasidim blunder their way through life, but they never lose sight of their devotion to God and Judaism.Rothschild's Acidic tales closely mimic traditional Chasidic stories, often ending with a moral message. More often than not, however, the Chutzper Rebbe's aphorism is a humorous one. But, to paraphrase the Chutzper Rebbe, all learning is to be found here, including pointless learning.
Some of the unusual characters featured in TALES OF THE CHUTZPER REBBE include a rabbi so pious that he refuses to work on the Sabbath, a good-hearted prostitute whose devotion to her yeshiva student customers prevents her from 'taking a Czech on Shabbas,' an inveterate liar who uses the Jewish calendar to trick the Tsar out of income tax, and an enterprising baker who sends a sack of flour in his place so a minyan can be counted. From these tales, readers learn the little-known origins of Manischewitz, the secret of good pickled herring, and why the tuna is a holy fish.
With its Borscht Belt humor and clever wordplay, TALES OF THE CHUTZPER REBBE will have a wide appeal, especially to all who know enough Chasidic stories and their background to be able to appreciate and enjoy the cleverness of the parodies. A full glossary defines all Hebrew and Yiddish terms to help those less versed in the tradition.
Torah Aura Productions publishes books for Jewish schools and families that help celebrate our heritage and our faith.
We have over 25 years of experience as the leading creator of high quality educational materials that enable Jewish children to become empowered Jewish adults.
Our books guide and enhance the Jewish knowledge, spirituality and identity of children and their families, and our innovative tools bring Judaism alive in synagogues, Hebrew schools, and day schools.
Torah Aura Productions was founded in 1981 by a group of innovative Jewish educators who looked out at the field of Jewish education and found materials that were shallow and dull. They started a company to create new tools for families and teachers that would be exciting and meaningful. For more than two decades, Torah Aura has revolutionized the way Jewish schools enable their students to become empowered Jewish adults, and has helped families make Judaism a meaningful presence in their homes.
Some of the areas we publish in:
- Torah and Bible
- Talmud
- Jewish teaching
- Jewish parenting
- Jewish ethics and values
- Jewish holidays
- the Jewish lifecycle
- Israel
- Hebrew
- Jewish prayer
Torah Aura Productions: Making success in Jewish education an achievable reality.