JEWels: Teasing Out the Poetry in Jewish Humor and Storytelling

JEWELS is a unique blend of Jewish jokes, stories, and poems that captures Jewish experience from ancient times to the present, featuring contributions from Jewish comedians, writers, musicians, and rabbis, including Lenny Bruce, Jackie Mason, Elie Wiesel, Sholem Aleichem, Itzhak Perlman, and the Baal Shem Tov.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Jewish Publication Society

Jewels is a groundbreaking work that seamlessly weaves together the living tradition of Jewish stories and jokes, transforming them into captivating poems that capture the essence of Jewish experience from ancient times to the present day. This unique hybrid combines the humor and wit of jokes with the evocative storytelling and deepened insights of running commentary and discussion questions, creating a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of Jewish culture.

Within the pages of Jewels, readers embark on a journey through various facets of Jewish life, from the Old Country to Torah, shaped by the Holocaust, and glimpses into the lives of Jewish Americans. The book also delves into Jewish foods, conversations with God, and the profound question of the meaning of life.

What sets Jewels apart is its diverse cast of tellers, including renowned Jewish comedians such as Lenny Bruce and Jackie Mason, alongside writers and musicians like Elie Wiesel, Sholem Aleichem, and Itzhak Perlman, as well as Hasidic rabbis like the Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. However, the majority of the storytellers in Jewels are ordinary Jews, each sharing their unique perspectives and life experiences.

In this cacophony of ongoing dialogue, storytellers, rabbis, poets, and scholars contribute their interpretations, quips, and related stories, creating a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives. Jewels encourages readers to see their own reflections within the pages, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish culture and heritage.

This remarkable work serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of Jewish humor, offering a timeless and enriching experience for readers of all backgrounds.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780827615526