The Stories Jews Tell

A Hasidic family drama explores Peretz's vision of Jewish tradition and its transmission, revealing deep cultural insights and generational ties.

A bride is possessed by her former lover's spirit, sparking a clash between the living and the dead in this renowned play by S. Ansky.

Bialik's poem challenges Jewish passivity post-Kishinev pogrom, urging a reclaiming of courage to alter their national destiny.

Shapiro exposes the roots of anti-Semitism, critiques modern society, and challenges Jews to face rising violence against them.

Sholem Asch champions muscular Judaism, critiquing those who hinder Jews from confronting their adversaries with strength and resilience.

A neo-Hasidic tale explores bridging Jewish religious divides, aiming for a united, independent Jewish community on Polish soil.

I.L. Peretz reimagines the Garden of Eden, offering a rich, aspirational view of Jewish life and culture in a modern midrash.

A struggling Jewish preacher transforms poverty into strength, embodying Jewish values in a heartwarming tale of resilience and faith.

A Jewish victim's heavenly trial challenges faith but ultimately reinforces the enduring image of the devout Jew in a profound cultural reflection.

I.L. Peretz's mock epic poem explores the struggle against Western temptation, highlighting the need for a strong cultural heritage.

Chaim Grade's story critiques Western Enlightenment, with insights from Professor Wisse's and Milton Himmelfarb’s translations.

Itzik Manger's poetic fusion of modern Poland and ancient Persia offers a unique, serious yet fun take on the Purim story.

Kadya Molodovsky's candid, wise poetry explores womanhood with melodious depth, analyzed through two distinct translations by Feldman and Hellerstein.

Isaac Babel's narrator gains self-knowledge as a Jew in a Cossack regiment during the Soviet-Polish war, revealing deep cultural and personal insights.

Agnon narrates a fabled aliyah of Jews from Buczacz, critiquing Brenner's realism as insufficient for capturing Zionism's true essence.

Explore Tevye the Dairyman's world in Sholem Aleichem's classic, a cornerstone of Yiddish literature, beyond the musical adaptation.

Cynthia Ozick explores the vibrant yet controversial legacy of the American Yiddish literary scene, offering a unique and insightful perspective.

Glatstein challenges God, holding Him accountable for Jewish survival post-Shoah, exploring faith's resilience amid historical trauma.

Explore Brenner's portrayal of the Second Aliyah's Russian influence, revealing the complex roots of Israel's pioneering spirit.

I.L. Peretz's satire on the Rabbi of Chelm offers a sharp, timeless critique, diverging from typical foolstown tales with enduring relevance.

Abraham Sutzkever's poem explores post-war survival, offering an unexpected answer to the enduring question of who will remain.

An ape's tale of human descent challenges our views on evolution and assimilation, questioning the nature of identity and transformation.

Haim Hazaz's Zionist sermon challenges traditional advocacy methods, urging a deeper exploration of Zionism's complexities and narratives.

A boy confronts a harsh world marked by injustice and danger, revealing the brutal realities faced by Jews in this poignant initiation story.

Explore a boy's struggle with puberty in the Orthodox Jewish world, touching on biology, science, and animal rights during the Jewish Enlightenment.

A simple Jew's tale of betrayal and faith challenges our views on trust and deceit, urging a deeper reflection on life's consolations.

Anna Margolin channels ancient anti-Semitism through Yiddish poetry, exploring historical prejudice with a powerful, evocative voice.

Explore the tragi-comedy of Jewish faith as the Dreyfus trial impacts a shtetl, revealing the intersection of world politics and community life.

A Jewish writer's journey into the Gentile world reveals the allure and dangers of assimilation during Passover.

Rabbi Nahman's tale highlights the pragmatic benefits of religious faith, showcasing the Simple Man's wisdom over the Clever Man's complexity.