Purim Shpiel

Watch out for PURIMSHPIEL--it will blow you away! Famed illustrator Gadi Pollack outdoes himself in this wonderful, whimsical 'play,' featuring the characters in the megillah in fantastic form. Bringing a wealth of midrashim to light, each page is alive with unforgettable characters, endless action, and a good dose of important background information on the timeline and background of the Purim story. Contains the entire Megillas Esther, in Hebrew and English, and extensive notes and explanations. This magical megillah is wonderful for children, but its sophisticated humor and intricate detail will keep teenagers and adults riveted.

Describes and gives the background of traditional Jewish holidays, customs, and symbols.

Dictionary of Jewish Usage: A Guide to the Use of Jewish Terms is a unique and much needed guide to the way many Hebrew, Yiddish, and Aramaic words and meanings are used by English speakers. Sol Steinmetz draws upon his years of dictionary editorial experience, as well as his lifelong study of Jewish history, traditions, and practices, to guide the reader through the essentially uncharted territory of Jewish usage. Dictionary of Jewish Usage clarifies the meanings of Jewish terms that have been absorbed into English, as well as the transliterated Hebrew terms from sacred texts that reflect differing pronunciations. The Dictionary also explains terms that are often misused, sheds light on the meaning of clusters of terminology, and delineates the etymology and pronunciation of many words, making this Dictionary an invaluable guide for anyone curious about Jewish usage.

"The play's the thing to catch the conscience of the king." King Ahasuerus, that is. Beware the Ides of Adar: A Shakespearean Purim Shpiel retells the Book of Esther through the words of William Shakespeare. Composed nearly entirely of verses from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, Beware the Ides of Adar captures the drama, intrigue and emotion of the Book of Esther. With humor and wit, Beware the Ides of Adar is a clever read for Shakespeare enthusiasts and students of the Bible alike. As a Purim Shpiel, Beware the Ides of Adar can be easily produced with eight speaking parts and simple set and prop requirements. Staging suggestions are included at the back of the book. Classic artwork by Rembrandt and others illustrates the text. Whether staged as a shpiel or simply read for enjoyment, Beware the Ides of Adar is a beautifully presented tribute to the Book of Esther and Shakespeare.

Batsheva’s Wonder-Weave By: Barbara Hantman Batsheva’s Wonder-Weave: Jewish-Themed Verse promotes a deep appreciation for Hebraic heritage, including the holiday cycle, nobility of ancient ancestors, and contributions of contemporaries—both familiar and famous. The beauty of nature and vibes of a great city also provide thematic for this book.

This collection of stories takes place in the fictional shtetl of Patchentuch, located somewhere in the backwater of Eastern Poland in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The stories, which transcend the grim reality of shtetl life to another geography, tell of the lighthearted adventures and misadventures of the town’s residents. My hope is that these tales will provide the same pleasure for the reader that I derived from creating them.

The essential guide to Jewish family life and fun activities at home and on the road—updated and expanded! This celebration of Jewish family life is the perfect guide for families wanting to put a new Jewish spin on holidays, holy days, and even the everyday. Full of activities, games, and history, it is sure to inspire parents, children, and extended family to connect with Judaism in fun, creative ways. With over eighty-five easy-to-do activities to re-invigorate age-old Jewish customs and make them fun for the whole family, this book is more than just kids’ stuff. It’s about taking the Jewish family experience to a new educational and entertaining level. This new editon—updated and expanded—details activities for fun at home and away from home, including recipes, meaningful everyday and holiday crafts, travel guides, enriching entertainment...and much, much more! Clearly illustrated and full of easy-to-follow instructions, this lively guide shows us how to take an active approach to exploring Jewish tradition and have fun along the way. Topics include:The “Shake-Rattle-and-Roll” Grogger Tooting Your Own Shofar The Family Fun Seder “Kid-ish” Kiddush Cup Lip-Licking Latkes Sukkah-Building Basics How to Grow a Family Tree Visiting Jewish Historical Sites, Family Camps, and Festivals The Best (and Funnest) in Music, Books, and Websites for Jewish Families ...and much, much more