Jewish Tales from Eastern Europe

Many of the stories included in this book may be considered treasures that have yet to be presented to the Jewish and general public. Some versions of these tales have been published in different anthologies and languages over the years, but most are basically unknown. The author includes stories from varied oral and written sources, mainly Czech, Slovak, German, some Yiddish, as well as Polish and Hungarian. "Storytelling," says Nagarajan, "is perhaps the only tool that creates a path leading through the many layers of the past, shedding light on it without destroying the mystery and magic."

Certain elements in these tales point to influences that came from different sources and many relate to the emancipation of the Czech Jewry. Unlike the Jews in other parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Jews were more susceptible to the changing times. It is obvious, nevertheless, that despite the foreign elements that emerge from the narratives, faith, and deep attachment to Judaism were never lost but rather provided a source of strength–even for those who had lost their way.

The reader will encounter a variety of topics that span several centuries. Some are tales of fantasy and imagination while others lean on reality and fact rather than legend. A few are based on contemporary personal events and reminiscences. They include love stories ranging from the romantic and innocent to the obsessive and misguided. The joy, euphoria, fear, guilt, sweetness, and bitterness of these tales become obvious within the context of a tale or lies hidden between the lines. Multiple narratives describe a copious array of feelings people have for themselves and others, such as children, parents, and friends. Various tales convey the characters' deep belief and trust in God. Some are tragic and morbid, some radiate with the pulse of life, some are mysterious and puzzling, and others bring us laughter and amusement while at the same time conveying serious life lessons. All the stories in Jewish Tales from Eastern Europ