Selected and Annotated Bibliography
of Current Jewish Story Collections
Compiled by Peninnah Schram, 2008
Storyteller, Author, Teacher, and Recording Artist
Associate Professor at Stern College of Yeshiva University
Founding Director of The Jewish Storytelling Center, 92nd Street YM-YWHA, NYC
Each of these books is an excellent source for Jewish folktales, fairytales, legends, midrashim, and parables. Many of them include valuable and extensive introductions and/or endnotes which add to the reader's knowledge and put the stories into a context. The direction now is to acknowledge story sources, even in children's books, so as to honor those sources. It also helps people to understand that these tales Jews have been telling and retelling come from before us, even when they have been adapted and/or given a different setting or time frame.
Ausubel, Nathan, ed. A Treasury of Jewish Folklore: The Stories, Traditions, Legends, Humor, and Wisdom of the Jewish People. NY: Crown Publishers, 1990
A comprehensive treasury containing 750 stories organized according to themes and characters with introductions which synthesize wide-ranging knowledge and scholarship of Jewish folklore and traditions. The book also includes humor, sayings, and 75 songs. This "classic" popular anthology was originally published in 1948.
Bin Gorion, Micha Joseph. Mimekor Yisrael: Classical Jewish Folktales. Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press, 1 volume in abridged and annotated edition, 1990
This 512 page anthology "from the source of Israel" offers National, Religious Folktales, and Oriental stories culled by Dan Ben-Amos from the original monumental 3 volumes and with extensive headnotes to each tale and other annotations. There is also a 1-volume edition containing 113 of the most popular tales but without commentary.
Carlebach, Rabbi Shlomo and Susan Yael Mesinai. Shlomo's Stories: Selected Tales. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1994.
Stories from Reb Shlomo's vast repertoire of inspiring tales told in his inimitable style and rhythm. Hasidic wisdom and humor are intertwined with the voice of this minstrel-rabbi/storyteller. There are no given sources for the stories.
Citron, Sterna. Why the Baal Shem Tov Laughed: Fifty-two Stories about Our Great Chasidic Rabbis. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1994
52 retold tales based on the legends of the great Chasidic masters. Arranged in chronological order from the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of Chasidism, up to modern times with stories of the Lubavitcher rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
Cone, Molly. Who Knows Ten? Children’s Tales of the Ten Commandments. Illustrated by Robin Brickman. NY: UAHC Press, 1998
These 10 stories are gems. Based on folktales and talmudic stories, and with added originality, each tale deals with the theme of one of the Ten Commandments.
Frankel, Ellen. The Classic Tales: 4000 Years of Jewish Lore. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1989
A representative collection containing 300 Jewish tales which span 4,000 years of Jewish literature, from biblical to modern times. In addition to the introduction there are appendixes of sources, bibliography, glossary, and indexes.
Gaster, Moses. Ma'aseh Book: Book of Jewish Tales and Legends. (Translated from the Judeo-German) Philadelphia: JPS, 1981
A classic volume collection of 254 post-biblical popular tales, from an original Yiddish manuscript. The tales come from a variety of sources, including rabbinic literature and medieval books.
Gellman, Marc. Does God Have a Big Toe? Stories About Stories in the Bible. Illustrated by Oscar de Mejo. NY: Harper & Row, 1989
20 original midrashim, based on Bible stories, created with humor and a modern perspective.
Gellman, Marc. God's Mailbox: More Stories about Stories in the Bible. Illustrated by Debbie Tilley. NY: Morrow Junior, 1996
Geras, Adele. My Grandmother’s Stories. Pictures by Anita Lobel. NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 2003.
10 stories inspired by ordinary treasures in grandmother’s apartment which are rooted in her Russian Jewish heritage.
Gold, Sharlya and Mishael Maswari Caspi. The Answered Prayer and Other Yemenite Folktales. Illustrated by Marjory Wunsch. Philadelphia: JPS, 1990.
Retold traditional tales brought by Jews arriving in Israel from Yemen via Operation Magic Carpet. Adapted for children, some of the tales are variants of Eastern European tales, while others deal specifically with Yemenite life. There is a glossary and a pronunciation guide.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. A Child's Book of Midrash: 52 Jewish Stories from the Sages. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1990.
52 brief stories collected from the Talmud and other sources of midrashim, especially for children, that illuminate Jewish ethical and moral values. Included are an introduction to midrash, a glossary, and story sources.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. While the Candles Burn: Eight Stories for Hanukkah. Illustrated by Elaine Greenstein. NY: Viking, 1996
8 stories which include original and traditional tellings on Hanukkah themes. Tales range over many countries and centuries. An introduction to each story presents the source, themes, and customs of the holiday.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. NY: Gulliver/Harcourt, Brace, 1999
8 tales featuring Elijah in his many disguises, bringing hope and performing miracles as he travels to many countries. Bibliography.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. Ten Holiday Jewish Children's Stories. Illustrated by Jeffrey Allon. NY: Pitspopany Press, 2000
Each of the ten stories highlights various meanings of the holidays.
Goldreich, Gloria. Ten Traditional Jewish Children's Stories. Illustrated by Jeffrey Allon. Jerusalem and NY: Pitspopany Press, 1996.
10 well-known stories from 19th and 20th century Europe, including 2 Chelm stories, a trickster tale, and a Golem tale. There are "thought questions" at the end of each story.
Hautzig, Esther. The Seven Good Years And Other Stories of I. L. Peretz. Illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray. Philadelphia: JPS, 1984.
10 well-known stories, written by the great Yiddish writer Isaac Loeb Peretz , adapted and translated magnificently by Esther Hautzig. These include the title story, along with “The Magician,” “Bontche Schweig,” and “If Not Higher.”
Jaffe, Nina. The Uninvited Guest and Other Jewish Holiday Tales. Illustrated by Elivia Savadier. NY: Scholastic, Inc., 1993
Traditional folktales, a literary tale, and midrashim adapted for 7 major Jewish holidays, and Shabbat, some in new settings, for younger readers. In addition, there is an introduction about the Jewish calendar, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Jaffe, Nina. The Mysterious Visitor: Stories of the Prophet Elijah. Illustrated by Elivia Savadier. NY: Scholastic Press, 1997.
8 wonder tales of Elijah the Prophet who appears in many disguises as he travels to different places, but always bringing with him a message of peace. Includes glossary, endnotes and a bibliography.
Jaffe, Nina. Tales for the Seventh Day: A Collection of Sabbath Stories. Illustrated by Kelly Stribling Sutherland. NY: Scholastic Press, 2000.
7 stories focusing on Shabbat theme. The tales include legends, folktales, Talmudic stories, and from Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions. Includes source notes, glossary, and bibliography.
Jaffe, Nina and Steven Zeitlin. While Standing on One Foot: Puzzle Stories and Wisdom Tales from the Jewish Tradition. Illustrated by John Segal. NY: Henry Holt, 1993
17 stories that challenge the young reader to solve a puzzle or dilemma or to answer a riddle. The traditional folklore endings are also given. Sources of each tale and a bibliography are included.
Jaffe, Nina and Steven Zeitlin. The Cow of No Color: Riddle Stories and Justice Tales from Around the World. Illustrated by Whitney Sherman. NY: Henry Holt, 1998
8 Jewish dilemma stories focusing on questions of justice. Each story includes a question the reader must try to solve. Sources/bibliography.
Kimmel, Eric A. Days of Awe: Stories for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Illustrated by Erika Weihs. NY: Viking, 1993
3 stories adapted from traditional sources with the High Holiday themes of repentance, prayer, and charity. Sources are described.
Kimmel, Eric A. The Spotted Pony: A Collection of Hanukkah Stories. Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher. NY: Holiday House, 1992
8 adapted tales for families featuring fools of Chelm, rabbis, King Solomon, and that clever trickster, Herschel of Ostropol. Sources are given.
Kimmel, Eric A., ed. A Hanukkah Treasury. Illustrated by Emily Lisker. NY: Henry Holt, 1998
13 original and traditional folktales plus poems/songs for Hanukkah, with stories by Howard Schwartz, Peninnah Schram, and others.
Kimmel, Eric A., ed. Wonders and Miracles: A Passover Companion. Illustrated. NY: Scholastic, 2004.
A compilation of stories, songs, poems, a play, prayers and commentary. Several folktales and midrashim are included.
Koen-Sarano, Matilda, Collector and Editor. King Solomon and the Golden Fish: Tales from the Sephardic Tradition. Translated and Annotated by Reginetta Haboucha. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press, 2004.
54 folktales originally recorded by the collector in Ladino reflecting the values and customs of the Sephardic Jews. The book is divided into six thematic sections: Supernatural Tales, Tales of Fate, Tales of the Prophet Elijah, Romantic Tales, Tales of Cleverness and Wisdom, and Jokes and Anecdotes. Extensive Tale Type and Motif Indices, Glossary, and Bibliography.
Koen-Sarano, Matilda. Folktales of Joha: Jewish Trickster. Illustrated by Ezra Masch. Translated by David Herman. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2003.
About 300 brief humorous stories about the Jewish trickster Joha from the Sephardic tradition.
Lipkin, Lisa. Bringing the Story Home: The Complete Guide to Storytelling for Parents. NY: W.W. Norton, 2000
Contains about 20 stories, some from other storytellers, to illustrate the theme of the chapters, such as family folklore and bringing Bible stories to life. Includes many creative approaches to integrating storytelling into the family.
Maisel, Grace Ragues and Samantha Shubert. A Year of Jewish Stories: 52 Tales for Children and their Families. Illustrated by Tammy L. Keiser. NY: UAHC Press, 2004.
52 stories are retellings of classic Jewish stories from the Bible, Talmud, midrash, and traditional folklore, plus some original tales. The Story Notes give the sources for the stories along with a bibliography and Topic Index.
Nagarajan, Nadia Grosser. Pomegranate Seeds: Latin American Jewish Tales. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico Press, 2005.
Contains 34 tales, many contain folktales and folklore combined with South American stories based on actual events.
Nagarajan, Nadia Grosser. Jewish Tales from Eastern Europe. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1999.
60 legends and folktales specifically from Czech, Slovak, Polish, and Hungarian written and oral sources from several centuries. Included are many Golem stories, some humorous. Extensive annotations and sources.
Oberman, Sheldon. King Solomon and the Ant and Other Jewish Folktales. Introduction and Commentary by Peninnah Schram. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2006.
This treasure of 44 humorous folktales feature clever and resourceful heroes, including Elijah the Prophet, King Solomon, and citizens of Chelm. Notes and commentaries set each tale in context, also glossary and bibliography.
Patai, Raphael, ed. Gates to the Old City. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1988
This reissued anthology is divided into 7 major genres: Bible, Apocrypha, Talmud, Midrash, Kabbala, Folktales, and Hasidic tales. There are introductions to each section and an excellent annotated bibliography and index.
Philip, Neil. The Pirate Princess and Other Fairy Tales. Illustrated by Mark Weber. NY: Scholastic Press/Arthur A. Levine Books, 2005.
This collection of seven tales contains the classic stories attributed to the great Hasidic master Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav. Reb Nahman was known to also use folklore material.
Rush, Barbara. The Book of Jewish Women's Tales. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1994
74 women's tales spanning the life cycle, nature cycle, and aspects of strong Jewish women. A foreword by folklorist Dov Noy, introductory commentary to each story, and a bibliography and sources index add other dimensions to. the stories.
Rush, Barbara. The Jewish Year: Celebrating the Holidays. NY: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2001
This book offers more than 35 literary excerpts, ranging from folktales to modern writing, for 17 Jewish holidays, plus folk customs, religious laws, and color art reproductions. Many storytellers are represented in this collection.
Rush, Barbara and Cherie Karo Schwartz. The Kids' Catalog of Passover: A Worldwide Celebration. Philadelphia: JPS, 2000
This book is a treasure-trove of Passover: a companion to observing and celebrating the entire holiday. In the four sections, there are abundant stories, history, crafts, songs, seder ideas and questions, and family/community projects to enhance Passover. The book includes Passover traditions from Sephardic, Ashkenazic and Eastern communities.
Sadeh, Pinhas. Jewish Folktales. (Translated from Hebrew by Hillel Halkin) NY: Doubleday, 1989
This comprehensive anthology of over 250 diverse stories draws heavily on the Israel Folktale Archives and Eastern European literary sources. The foreword and afterword essays are enlightening along with the source credits. In some cases, there needs to be more specific attributions.
Sanfield, Steve. The Feather Merchants & Other Tales of the Fools of Chelm. Illustrated by Mikhail Margaril. NY: Orchard Books, 1991
13 brief and humorous stories collected on the author's travels to Poland. There is an afterword, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Schram, Peninnah. The Hungry Clothes and Other Jewish Folktales. Illustrated by Gianni De Conno. NY: Sterling Publishing, 2008.
An anthology of 22 folktales from the Jewish oral tradition filled with wit and wisdom for young people. Dramatic full-color illustrations. Glossary.
Schram, Peninnah. Jewish Stories One Generation Tells Another. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, an Imprint of Rowman & Littlefield, 1987
64 wide-ranging stories and folktales culled from various Jewish oral and written traditions with source-filled introductions to each story and an index. The tales capture the oral style of this storyteller. Several stories incorporate music, such as a nigun or a lullaby. The foreword is by Elie Wiesel.
Schram, Peninnah and Steven M. Rosman. Eight Tales for Eight Nights: Stories for Chanukah. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1990
8 stories, in addition to the ancient legend, which reflect the holiday themes and traditions of Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews. There are appendixes of Chanukah music, notes on the story, and a chapter on retrieving family stories. Two family stories told by the authors are also included.
Schram, Peninnah. Tales of Elijah the Prophet. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, an Imprint of Rowman & Littlefield, 1991
36 stories of Elijah the Prophet, the master of miracles, gathered from various sources and centuries - with a major introduction and endnotes and written in an oral style. The foreword is by folklorist Dov Noy.
Schram, Peninnah, ed. Chosen Tales: Stories Told by Jewish Storytellers. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, an Imprint of Rowman & Littlefield, 1995
A great variety of 68 favorite and meaningful stories chosen by Jewish storytellers and presented as if the book was a "literary storytelling festival". The tales are written to be heard and retold. Introductions accompany each story plus photographs and bios of the teller. Lists of books and recordings by contributors.
Schram, Peninnah. Ten Classic Jewish Children's Stories. Illustrated by Jeffrey Allon. NY: Pitspopany Press, 1998
Ten stories, all but one from Talmudic sources, including the debate of the sun and the moon, how Miriam's wisdom saved the Jewish people, and a love story of Akiva and Rachel.
Schram, Peninnah. Stories Within Stories: From the Jewish Oral Tradition. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, an Imprint of Rowman & Littlefield, 2000
The fifty stories in this book, drawn from Talmudic and midrashic sources, medieval sources, and especially the Israel Folktale Archives, are frame narratives. Stories are embedded within stories. The intriguing stories range from witty tall tales to Hasidic tales. The foreword is by Howard Schwartz.
Schram, Peninnah. The Chanukah Blessing. Illustrated by Jeffrey Allon. NY: UAHC Press, 2000
This Elijah the Prophet story includes many folktale motifs with an original plot. Elijah visits a certain poor family because of their special menorah and brings the family blessings. Bibliography.
Schram, Peninnah. The Purim Costume. Illustrated by Tammy L. Keiser. NY: URJ Press, 2005
This retelling of the Purim story as a Purimspiel is framed by a modern story of a young girl who does not want to dress as Queen Esther again. Instead she realizes there’s another true heroine for the costume contest. Glossary.
Schram, Peninnah. The Magic Pomegranate. Illustrated by Melanie Hall. Minneapolis, MN: Milbrook Press/Lerner Publishing Group, 2007.
An illustrated folktale about three brothers who find unusual gifts. By looking through a magic glass, they see a princess ill in a distant kingdom. They fly there on the magic carpet. The youngest cures the princess with the pomegranate. Then they must decide who deserves to marry the princess.
Schwartz, Cherie Karo. Circle Spinning: Jewish Turning and Returning Tales. Illustrated by Lisa Rauchwerger. Denver, CO: Hamsa Publications, 2002
Divided into four sections, each section of the book represents the Four Worlds of Kabbalistic intent: spirit; intellect; emotion; and action. The creative midrashim, poems, and visual midrashim reflect these elements. Commentary at the end of stories presents biblical, Talmudic, or folklore sources as well as original adaptations of the author. There is also a Glossary and Index.
The following 4 anthologies by Howard Schwartz cover the 4 main genres of stories: fairytales, folktales, supernatural tales, and mystical tales. In each of these volumes, Schwartz has collected tales from talmudic and medieval sources, other collections of stories published throughout the centuries, as well as from the Israel Folktale Archives, and reworked these tales. The tales come from many countries. Always careful about documenting his tales, he includes extensive notes and bibliographies at the end of each volume in addition to a major introduction.
Schwartz, Howard. Elijah's Violin & Other Jewish Fairy Tales. Illustrated by Linda Heller. NY: Oxford University Press, 1994
36 Jewish fairy tales.
Schwartz, Howard. Miriam's Tambourine: Jewish Folktales from Around the World. Illustrated by Lloyd Bloom. NY: Oxford University Press, 1988
50 Jewish folktales from around the world. Foreword is by folklorist Dov Noy.
Schwartz, Howard. Lilith's Cave: Jewish Tales of the Supernatural. Illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. NY: Oxford University Press, 1991
50 mostly brief but dread-filled supernatural tales full of fantasy and folklore.
Schwartz, Howard. Gabriel's Palace: Jewish Mystical Tales. NY: Oxford University Press, 1993
150 spellbinding tales recounting mystical experiences from sacred and secular sources.
Schwartz, Howard, ed. Gates to the New City. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1991
A reissued anthology which contains more than 180 tales in 7 divisions: Biblical themes, Aggadic themes, themes of Merkavah Mysticism, Kabbalistic themes, themes of Folklore, and Hasidic themes. The book includes a 105-page introduction with extensive notes on the stories, authors, and an index of stories, in addition to an invaluable 25-page selected bibliography.
Schwartz, Howard. Invisible Kingdoms: Jewish Tales of Angels, Spirits and Demons. New York: HarperCollins, 2002.
This is a collection of nine Jewish folktales about angels, spirits and demons, three in each section. Source notes.
Schwartz, Howard. As the Bones: Scary Stories from Around the World. New York: Viking, 1999.
This collection of scary folktales from around the world is co-edited by Arielle North Olson and Howard Schwartz. It includes seven stories from Jewish sources. Sources notes.
Schwartz, Howard. Jerusalem of Gold: Jewish Stories of the Enchanted City.
Illustrated by Neil Waldman. Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights, 2004
11 stories ranging from midrash to Sephardic tales, folk and fairy tales - all about Jerusalem. Sidebars illuminate the stories with historical background of the stories, plus an introduction, glossary and source notes.
Schwartz, Howard, The Day the Rabbi Disappeared: Jewish Holiday Tales of Magic. Illustrated by Monique Passicot. Phildadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2003
For each of the 12 holidays, there is a story featuring a magical feat by a wise rabbi for the benefit of the Jewish people. Sources given.
Schwartz, Howard, A Journey to Paradise and Other Jewish Tales. Illustrated by Giora Carmi. NY: Pitspopany Press, 2000
8 legendary Jewish tales of magic teaching us lessons. Sources given.
Schwartz, Howard and Barbara Rush. The Diamond Tree: Jewish Tales from Around the World. Illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. NY: HarperCollins, 1991
A children's book of 15 folktales drawn from the Midrash, medieval Jewish folklore, and from the Israel Folktale Archives, including East European and Middle Eastern tales. Notes on the stories are included.
Schwartz, Howard and Barbara Rush. The Wonder Child & Other Jewish Fairy Tales. Illustrated by Steven Fieser. NY: HarperCollins, 1996
A children's book of 8 retold Jewish fairy tales from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Sources and notes on the stories are given.
Schwartz, Howard and Barbara Rush. A Coat for the Moon and Other Jewish Tales. Illustrated by Michael Iofin. Philadelphia, PA: Jewish Publication Society, 1999
15 classic Jewish folktales from all over the world with each tale focusing on a Jewish value. Included are sources and notes.
Sperber, Daniel and Chana. Ten Best Jewish Children's Stories. Illustrated by Jeffrey Allon. Jerusalem, Israel: Pitspopany Press, 1995
10 classic Jewish stories from talmudic and midrashic and folk sources that highlight 10 key Jewish values, such as love of learning and Shabbat, respect for parents, performing mitzvot. Several probing questions are at the end of each story. Sources are given. Introduction by Peninnah Schram.
Staiman, Mordechai. Niggun: Stories Behind the Chasidic Songs that Inspire Jews. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Inc., 1994
Each of the 38 stories describes a particular niggun, or melody, and the power it had in the lives of those who sang or heard it. Only one melody is transcribed in the book, but there is an extensive discography of Chasidic music and endnotes.
Weinreich, Beatrice S. Yiddish Folktales. (Translated by Leonard Wolf) NY: Pantheon, 1988
These wisdom-filled 178 brief Yiddish tales from the archives of the YIVO Institute are divided into 7 sections: allegorical tales, children's tales, wonder tales, pious tales, humorous tales, legends and supernatural tales. Excellent endnotes are supplied.
Zeitlin, Steve. Because God Loves: An Anthology of Jewish Storytelling. NY: Touchstone Books, 1997.
A treasury of Jewish stories and storytellers, from ancient tales and classics re-imagined to contemporary family stories, parables, and humor. There are also framed commentaries and stories by other storytellers that connect to the specific story as a form of dialogue.
Story Collections That Include Several Jewish Stories
Best-Loved Stories Told at the National Storytelling Festival. Jonesborough, TN: National Storytelling Press, 1991.
(Stories by Doug Lipman, Syd Lieberman, Steve Sanfield, and Peninnah Schram)
More Best-Loved Stories Told at the National Storytelling Festival. Jonesborough, TN: National Storytelling Press, 1992.
(Stories by Syd Lieberman and Peninnah Schram)
Forest, Heather. Wisdom Tales from Around the World (1996) and Wonder Tales from Around the World (1995). Little Rock, AR: August House, 1996
(Several Jewish tales retold by Heather Forest. There is also an overview of Jewish oral tradition and notes about the stories.)
Ready-to-Tell Tales: Surefire Stories from America's Favorite Storytellers. David Holt and Bill Mooney, eds. Little Rock, AR: August House, 1994
(Stories by Judith Black, Steve Sanfield, and Peninnah Schram)
Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope: Stories of Peace, Justice & the Environment, Ed Brody, et al, eds. Philadelphia, PA: New Society Publisher, 2002
(Stories by Hanna Bandes, Heather Forest, Marcia Lane, Nancy Schimmel and Peninnah Schram)
The Storyteller's Companion to the Bible: Old Testament Women. Volume 4 edited by Michael E. Williams. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993
(Stories contributed by Betty Lehrman)
The Storyteller's Companion to the Bible: Old Testament Wisdom. Volume 5 edited by Michael E. Williams. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1994
(Stories contributed by Peninnah Schram)
Yolen, Jane, ed. Favorite Folktales from Around the World. NY: Pantheon Books, 1986
(The 6 Jewish stories include "A Dispute in Sign Language,” "Chelm Justice,” and "It Could Always Be Worse.")
Resource Books Of Special Interest
Ben-Amos, Dan, Ed. Folktales of the Jews: Tales from the Sephardic Dispersion, Volume 1. Dov Noy, Consulting Editor. Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2006.
A collection of 71 folktales from the Sephardic oral tradition culled from the Israel Folktale Archives. There are extensive commentaries written by Dan Ben-Amos along with Motif and Tale Type Indexes, a Bibliography and Index. The publisher plans 6 major volumes of folktales from the various ethnic Jewish communities represented in the IFA. Volume 2: Tales from Eastern Europe features Eastern European folktales of the Ashkenazi Jews, JPS, 2007.
Birch, Carol L. and Melissa A. Heckler, eds. Who Says? Essays on Pivotal Issues in Contemporary Storytelling. Little Rock, AR: August House, 1996
10 essays which explore the aesthetics of storytelling in various cultures written by folklorists and storytellers. Included is Peninnah Schram's essay, "Jewish Models: Adapting Folktales for Telling Aloud."
Elswit, Sharon Barcan. The Jewish Story Finder: A Guide to 363 Tales Listing Subjects and Sources. Foreword by Peninnah Schram. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2005.
This valuable resource is a guide to finding Jewish folktales to fit a theme or subject under eleven major categories, including The Torah, the Talmud and Their Study, Biblical Characters and Events, Trickster and Fools, and Tales for Festivals and Holidays. There are numerous tales that are summarized with variants given, along with complete citations and a list of connecting themes. Extensive bibliography, Story Title Index, and Subject Index.
Schwartz, Howard. Reimagining the Bible: The Storytelling of the Rabbis. NY: Oxford University Press, 1998
12 essays which explore the Oral Tradition and the Jewish literary imagination throughout the centuries from rabbinic midrash to Kafka and contemporary midrashic writing.
Schwartz, Howard. Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism. NY: Oxford University Press, 2004.
An in-depth exploration of mythology in Judaism with extensive discussion, sources, and numerous tales.
Yassif, Eli. The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1999. Foreword by Dan Ben-Amos.
A definitive book on the history of the Hebrew folk narrative. Scholarly notes and index. National Book Award/Reference Book.
Website of Jewish Storytelling Newsletter of CAJE (Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education) co-sponsored by the 92nd Street Y: http://www.caje.org/publications/index.php?ftype=h&page=storytelling OR www.caje.org/storytelling.
Current CAJE members are invited to become part of the Jewish storytelling world by joining the CJAEnet Group "Storytelling and Storytellers." The instructions to join are posted at www.caje.org/storytelling.
Website for the Israel Folktale Archives: http://ifa.haifa.ac.il (Then click on link for “English”)
Jewish Storytelling Cassettes And Cds
Compiled by Peninnah Schram, 2008
Adelman, Penina.
This Is the Story: Original Songs and Midrashim about Jewish Women.
A Song a Month. (with Suri Levow-Krieger)
Penina Adelman, 243 Upland Road, Newtonville, MA 02460
Noa Baum.
Far Away and Close to Home: Stories from Many Lands
A Land Twice Promised - DVD
Noa Baum, 13 Devon Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.noabaum.com
ben Izzy, Joel.
Stories From Far Away.
The Beggar King and Other Tales from Around the World.
Buried Treasures - A Storyteller's Journey
Old City Press, 1715 La Loma St., Berkeley, CA 94709
or call 510 883-0883
Binder, Mark
A Chanukah Present: Eight Tales for Eight Nights
Light Publications, PO Box 2462, Providence, RI 02906 www.lightpublications.com
Black, Judith.
Waiting for Elijah.
Glad To Be Who I Am
Banned in the Western Suburbs
The Home Front
Adult Children of ...Parents
Judith Black, 33 Prospect.St., Marblehead, MA 01945
or call 781 631-4417
Bresnick-Perry, Roslyn.
Holiday Memories of a Shtetl Childhood: Gut Yon Tov, Gut Yor.
A Real American Girl: Stories of Immigration and Assimilation
Thriving and Surviving In a Village Called New York
Roslyn Bresnick-Perry, 350 West 24 Street, 18E, New York, NY 10011 or call 212 604-0620
Danoff, Susan.
Enchantments.
The Invisible Way: Stories of Wisdom.
Women of Vision.
Susan Danoff, P.O. Box 7311, Princeton, NJ 08543-7311
deBeer, Sarah.
Women of Wisdom, Women of Faith: Jewish Stories that Celebrate Women.
Sarah deBeer, 1378 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06119
or call 203 561-5905
Fierst, Gerald.
Jewish Tales of Magic and Mysticism.
Tikkun Olam: Stories to Heal the World. (with Jonathan Feig on violin)
Gerald Fierst, 259 Park Street, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
or call 973 746-4608
Figiel, Caroline and Danny Jones.
Bible Times: Stories for Kids. (3 cassettes)
www.bibletimes-stories.net
Forest, Heather.
Songspinner: Folktales and Fables Sung and Told.
Sing Me a Story.
Tales of Womenfolk.
Tales Around the Hearth.
Cartoon Opera, P.O. Box 354, Huntington, NY 11743
or call 631 271-2511
Frankel, Ellen.
Classic Tales: Traditional Jewish Stories.
Ellen Frankel, 6678 Lincoln Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19119
Golden, Karen.
Tales and Scales: Stories of Jewish Wisdom.
Pass It On: A Journey through the Jewish Holidays in Story & Song. 2 CD set.
Golden Button Productions, 1165 S. Sierra Bonita Ave, Los Angeles CA or call 323 933-4614
Grackin, Janie
The Key: Jewish Stories of Heart and Heritage
Janie Grackin, 3500 Whitehall Drive, #202, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 or bjanie@aol.com
Grayzel, Eva.
Proud To Be Jewish. (with Cantor Buzzy Walters)
Absolute Chanukah (songs and stories)
Eva Grayzel, 4245 Farmersville Ct., Easton PA 18042
or call 610 258-3763
Greenberg, Bonnie.
From the Hearts of the People, Vol.1.
The Wonder Child and Other Young Heroes. (includes "The Wonder Child," a Jewish Egyptian folktale and "The Little Heroes of Kfar Tabor," an Israeli legend)
Bonnie Greenberg, 63 Gould Rd., Waban, MA 02468
or call 617 244-2884
Hankin, Vered.
The Day the Rabbi Disappeared: Jewish Holiday Tales of Magic.
Shari Upbin Productions, 300 East 56 Street, New York, NY 10022
or call 212 875-7278
Harrison, Annette.
Lilith's Cave: Jewish Tales of the Supernatural.
Annette Harrison, 6370 Pershing Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130
or call 314 725-7767
Katz, Michael.
Far Away and Close to Home: Magical and Mystical Tales from Around the World.
Michael Katz, P.O. Box 91316, Santa Barbara, CA 93190. www.storytellermichael.com.
Lehrman, Betty.
Jewish Tales From the Heart.
Tales for the Telling.
Tales for the Telling, P.O. Box 2706, Framingham, MA 01703
Lieberman, Syd.
One Righteous Man: The Story of Raoul Wallenberg
The Old Man and Other Stories.
Joseph the Tailor and Other Jewish Tales.
A Winner and Other Stories.
Syd Lieberman, 2522 Ashland, Evanston, IL 60201
or call 847 328-6281
Doug Lipman.
Now We Are Free: Passover Participation Stories & Songs.
One Little Candle: Participation Stories & Songs for Hanukkah
Milk from the Bull’s Horn
The Soul of Hope: An Epic Tale of the Baal Shem Tov.
The Forgotten Story: Tales of Wise Jewish Men
Folktales of Strong Women
Doug Lipman, P.O. Box 441195, W. Somerville, MA 02144
or call 888 446-4738
Mara.
Storysong.
Mara, P.O. Box 20181, San Jose, CA 95160 or call 408 736-3580
Marshall, Cindy Rivka.
By the River: Women’s Voices in Jewish Stories.
Challah and Latkes: Stories for Shabbat and Hanukkah.
Dancing Tree Productions, 31 Thorpe Rd. Needham, MA 02494
or call 781-444-1986
Rubinstein, Robert.
The Rooster Who Would Be King & Other Healing Tales.
The Day the Rabbi Stopped the Sun and Other Jewish Tales of Mystery/Tales of Terror.
Strange Tales from Biblical Times
Robert Rubinstein, 90 East 49 Ave., Eugene, OR 97405
or call 541 344-8176
Rush, Barbara.
Barbara Rush Tells Stories from The Diamond Tree.
Barbara Rush, 3928 Nottaway Rd., Durham, NC 27707
or call 919 419-1809
Sanfield, Steve.
The Great Turtle Drive and Other Stories
Could This Be Paradise?
Steve Sanfield Live at the Sierra Storytelling Festival
Backlog Book Services, Box 694, North San Juan, CA 95960
or call 916-292-3353
Schram, Peninnah and Gerard Edery.
The Minstrel and the Storyteller: Stories and Songs of the Jewish People.
Sefarad Records, 45 East 33rd Street, Suite 605 New York, NY 10016 Phone (212) 924-3746 www.sefaradrecords.com
Schwartz, Cherie Karo.
Miriam's Tambourine: Jewish Folktales from Around the World.
Cherie Karo Schwartz, 996 S. Florence St., Denver, CO 80231
or call 303 367-8099
Stavish, Corinne.
Hussies, Harlots, Heroines: Shady Ladies of the Bible. (Co-storyteller: Barbara McBride-Smith)
I'd Rather Be Me!
Solidarity Forever: Growing Up Union (personal stories)
Corinne Stavish, 26140 West Twelve Mile Rd., #305, Southfield, MI 48034 or call 248 356-8721
Stone, Susan.
The Angel's Wings and Other Stories from the Diamond Tree: Jewish Tales from Around the World.
Feathers in the Wind: and Other Jewish Tales
Susan Stone, 1320 Wesley, Evanston, IL 60201
or call 847 328-8159
Weiss, Jim.
Jewish Holiday Stories.
Greathall Productions, P.O. Box 5061, Charlottesville, VA 22905-5061
or call 800 477-6234
Wolkstein, Diane.
The Story of Joseph.
Celebrating Our Mistakes: Stories and Songs from the Jewish Tradition. DVD/Video
Recorded live with Reb Shlomo Carlebach and Diane Wolkstein at the Museum of Natural History
Diane Wolkstein, 10 Patchin Place, New York, NY 10011
Zaslow, Devorah Gordon.
Return Again:Stories of Healing and Renewal.
Devorah Gordon Zaslow, 692 Elkader St., Ashland, OR 97520 or call 503 482-0088 dvorat@aol.com
Cassette/Cd Anthologies That Feature Jewish Storytellers
Best-Loved Stories Told at the National Storytelling Festival.
Volume I - Steve Sanfield
Volume II - Peninnah Schram
National Storytelling Network, P.O. Box 309, Jonesborough, TN 37659 or call 800 525-4514. www.storynet.org
A Storytelling Treasury: Tales Told at the 10th-Anniversary - National Storytelling Festival.
(Set of 5 audio cassettes) Selected and arranged by Carol Birch. Storytellers included in these cassettes: Judith Black, Heather Forest, Syd Lieberman, Doug Lipman, Steve Sanfield, Peninnah Schram, Laura Simms, and Diane Wolkstein.
National Storytelling Association, P.O. Box 309, Jonesborough, TN 37659 www.storynet.org
Rainbow Tales and Rainbow Tales, Too
(Set of 2 CDs) Stories told by Melissa Barkin, Judith Black, Syd Lieberman, and Doug Lipman.
Rounder Records Corp., One Camp Street, Cambridge, MA 02140
One People, Many Stories: Jewish Stories from Around the World.
(Set of 6 CDs) Hosted by Jerry Stiller. Stories included are by Howard Schwartz, Sheldon Oberman, Barbara Diamond Goldin, Cherie Karo Schwartz, Peninnah Schram and many others.
Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2710, Los Angeles, CA 90036 or call toll free: 866-800-266; www.JCLLA.org
The Best Jewish Children’s Stories
(Set of 2 CDs) produced by The Nimoy Library of Recorded Jewish Books, National Yiddish Book Center, 2004
Read in English by Isaiah Sheffer, Eleanor Reissa and others, these CDs include stories by literary authors such as Sholom Aleichem, I.B. Singer and Elsa Okun Rael (who reads her own book What Zeesie Saw on Delancey Street). The stories also include folktales and midrashim.
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