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It is a thematic anthology of non-legal rabbinic literature on all aspects of
human life (e.g., creation, redemption,
wisdom, clothing, folk medicine studied
through Jewish stories, parables, sayings,
homilies, and anecdotes). The translation by
Braude is clear, lucid, and readable and
includes interpolations that increase the
sense and comprehension of the text. The
introduction by David Stern analyzes both the
volume's place in Rabbinic Judaism and the
achievement of the compilers, noting both
strengths and weaknesses. This volume is
recommended to all libraries with an interest
in Judaism, folklore, and religion.
- Maurice Tuchman, Hebrew Coll. Lib.,
Brookline, Mass.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
To have Book of Legends/Sefer Ha-Aggadah
available in English is to open to the entire
English-reading world -- Jew, non-Jew,
religionist, secularist -- one of the very
great creations of humankind: a rich and
intricately woven tapestry of tales, homilies,
legends and dreams that come to us from the
very roots of the imagination. What a
treasure!"
-- Chaim Potok
"Bialik and Ravnitzky's great compendium of
Rabbinic legend and homily has been an
indispensable resource ever since its
publication in Hebrew eight decades
ago....English readers are very fortunate to
be able at last to avail themselves of this
extraordinary compilation."
-- Robert Alter
"In translating Bialik and Ravnitzky's
incomparable thematic anthology into very
readable English, William Braude, master
translator of Rabbinic texts, has provided the
English reader with a wonderful access to the
wealth of Rabbinic interpretation and lore.
This book should be a fixture in the library
of every serious Jew."
-- Norman J. Cohen, Dean, Hebrew Union
College-Jewish Institute of Religion
"Sefer Ha-Aggadah has long been one of my
favorite volumes of Jewish literature. Bialik
and Ravnitzky arranged topically a vast
collection of Talmudic and midrashic material.
Whatever one is looking for, be it stories
about biblical characters or reflections on
love, evil, childrearing, or healing; it is
there .... A most welcome addition to the
growing collection of Jewish classics now
available in English translation."
-- Judith Hauptman, Associate Professor of
Talmud, Jewish Theological Seminary
"Sefer Ha-Aggadah restored the prestige of the
non-legal sections of the Talmud and nurtured
aesthetic appreciation for one of the world's
most creative and colorful literatures. I
fully endorse this marvelous translation by
William Braude."
-- David Weiss-Halivni, Columbia University |
