Tales of Jewish Wisdom

Retold by Sheldon Oberman with an introduction and commentary by Peninnah Schram, Solomon and the Ant and Other Jewish Folktales is a compilation of 43 Jewish religious, wisdom, riddle, and trickster tales for readers in 5th grade and above.  Published in 2006 by Boyd Mills Press, these stories, in Schram’s words, “offer us a sense of perspective…lift a cloud from our hearts…restore hope and faith in God…put us on the right path…Teaching, always teaching.”  Oberman’s retellings of these stories originally from the oral tradition are simple and accessible yet full of great wisdom, perfect for sharing aloud or performing. The stories are arranged chronologically and are bookended by helpful context and notes, allowing even a reader or listener unfamiliar with Jewish culture and history to understand the events, characters, and sources of the stories.  Scholars and educators will appreciate the extensive source notes, including tale types and motifs, glossary, and bibliography.  This is a collection to be shared with loved ones, perfect for a cozy fireside read-aloud.