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Tales of the Chutzper Rebbe: A Selection from the Acidic Anthology
Tales of the Chutzper Rebbe A Selection from the Acidic Anthology Author:Walter Rothschild, Paul Palnik This delightful collection parodies the beloved Chasidic (or, in the author's retelling, "Acidic") tales passed down by generations of Jews. Rabbi Walter Rothschild has "discovered" the Chutzper dynasty of Chasidim in a forgotten corner of Eastern Europe, where they have lived in virtual isolation to this day. Simple, literal and to the ... more »point, the Chutzper Chasidim blunder their way through life, but they never lose sight of their devotion to God and Judaism. Rothschild's Acidic tales closely mimic traditional Chasidic stories, often ending with a moral message. More often than not, however, the Chutzper Rebbe's aphorism is a humorous one. But, to paraphrase the Chutzper Rebbe, all learning is to be found here, including pointless learning. Some of the unusual characters featured in TALES OF THE CHUTZPER REBBE include a rabbi so pious that he refuses to work on the Sabbath, a good-hearted prostitute whose devotion to her yeshiva student customers prevents her from "taking a Czech on Shabbas," an inveterate liar who uses the Jewish calendar to trick the Tsar out of income tax, and an enterprising baker who sends a sack of flour in his place so a minyan can be counted. From these tales, readers learn the little-known origins of Manischewitz, the secret of good pickled herring, and why the tuna is a holy fish. With its Borscht Belt humor and clever wordplay, TALES OF THE CHUTZPER REBBE will have a wide appeal, especially to all who know enough Chasidic stories and their background to be able to appreciate and enjoy the cleverness of the parodies. A full glossary defines all Hebrew and Yiddish terms to help those less versed in the tradition.« less