Curious Rabbinic Tales : The Shortest Tall Stories

Folktales belong to the earliest folk literature, likely predating Jewish sources. Once they were adapted into the Jewish setting, they were integrated into our own mythology. Folktales were told as parables with a moral undercurrent to expose human frailty and strength, vanity and heroism. Anything that wasn't said openly was disguised as a parable or a folktale.

The Jewish folktale encompasses wit and wisdom, evil and goodness, breaking down established norms, unmasking foolish pride, and fighting against injustice. The tales, legends, parables, and folktales in this book tell of miracles, heroism, cowardice and above all, the poor folk and the wealthy ones. In short, they are our most treasured legacy.