Not So Grimm: Jewish Fairy Tales

Fairy tales fascinate with their magic, romance, adventure and passion. At the same time, the messages they impart can be disturbing, implying that only the beautiful, powerful or cunning live happily ever after; and that the goal of a happy ending overshadows every other value. The Jewish stories collected in Not So Grimm bear striking similarities to such fairy tale classics as Sleeping Beauty and The Frog Prince. Their drama and romance capture the imagination, while celebrating different values, such as moral integrity, humility and compassion. Each tale is followed by a brief comparison to its fairy tale counterpart, demonstrating the significant twists of plot that alter the meaning of the story and bring a new message to the listener - one that is rooted in Jewish values, thought, and practice. The enthralling power of these stories vies with the most potent and poignant of classic fairy tales. The stories have been written for adults to enjoy and share with the children in their lives. They will enrich both the readers’ and the listeners’ Jewish experience, and people their imaginations with a colorful and inspiring cast of characters.