Angel and the Cholent: Food Representation from the Israel Folktale Archives

The Angel and the Cholent, by Idit Pintel-Ginsberg, explores how food and foodways generate the plots of significant folktales from the Israel Folktales Archives. The book presents thirty folktales from seventeen different ethnicities, divided into five chapters: food and taste, food and gender, food and class, food and kashrut, and food and sacred time. The tales are appreciated for their literary quality, humor, and profound wisdom, and the editorial commentary provides insight into folkloristic and anthropological foodway studies and Jewish cultural studies.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 277 pages
\n Publication date: 05 October 2021
\n Publisher: Wayne State University Press
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The Angel and the Cholent: Food Representation from the Israel Folktale Archives by Idit Pintel-Ginsberg,translated into English for the first time from Hebrew,delves into the profound role that food and foodways play in shaping the narratives of numerous significant folktales. Drawing from the vast collection of twenty-five thousand tales housed in the Israel Folktales Archives (IFA), this insightful analysis invites us to view these tales not only as a mirror of society but also as a creative expression that unveils concealed desires and often subversive meanings.

The Angel and the Cholent comprises thirty folktales drawn from seventeen distinct ethnic backgrounds, organized into five chapters. Chapter 1 explores the realm of food and taste, delving into the pleasures derived from the consumption of food and the responsible boundaries that govern it. The tales within Chapter 2 focus on the intricate connections between food and gender, shedding light on the diverse ways in which food is employed to emphasize societal gender roles, the interplay between the sexes, and the expressions of love and lust through the preparation and consumption of food. Chapter 3 examines the relationship between food and class, delving into tales that reflect on the universal act of sharing food to support those in need, which is considered a mitzvah (a Jewish religious obligation). However, this act can also inadvertently become a burdensome responsibility for the providers. Chapter 4 delves into the realm of food and kashrut, presenting tales that highlight the challenges associated with maintaining kosher practices. These tales expose the financial burden imposed by kosher requirements and the social consequences faced by individuals who are unable to share meals with non-Jews. Finally, Chapter 5 explores the intersection of food and sacred time, revealing the tension and stress that arise when seeking and preparing specific foods for holiday feasts, particularly the Shab.

Through the lens of the folktale, The Angel and the Cholent invites us to contemplate the multifaceted significance of food, shedding light on its role as a mirror of society, a vehicle for gender expression, a symbol of class dynamics, a source of religious obligation, and a catalyst for sacred experiences. By exploring these tales, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between food, culture, and human experiences, fostering a more nuanced appreciation of the diverse tapestry of culinary traditions and cultural narratives that enrich our world.

\n Weight: 340g\n
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780814348840\n \n