Klein presents a collection of original Jewish parables for all ages, told in the tradition of rabbinic legends and folktales.

In “Yofiel,” one of the author’s contemporary rabbinic legends, archangels armed with colorful sticky notes flutter about and assign tasks among their brethren, ranging from stoking the Burning Bush to reminding geese which way to fly. Yofiel is an enthusiastic yet incompetent angel, not even to be trusted with a blade of grass, who nonetheless becomes the indispensable keeper of the Torah’s secrets. In “Jew,” a homeless man wipes away at the antisemitic graffiti with which a young boy has defaced the wall of a family-run shop; the swirls of his rag send the perpetrator and his classmate (who works there) into a world of glowing shields and laser rain, a living video game depicting crimes against Jews throughout the ages by Haman and the Nazis. In the title tale, another young boy sets off on a fantastical quest facing a giant and sea dragon— the only tools he will need to succeed are the modest hallmarks of Passover: a candle, a feather, and wooden spoon. The parables in this collection were inspired by the Torah, kabbalistic studies, and other Jewish teachings. The stories are short, yet deep and descriptive, with varied settings that span contemporary times, the forests and villages of European folklore, and the time of the Hebrew Bible. Approachable for adults yet told with children in mind, each story is full of wide-eyed curiosity and earnestness, along with comedy, light scares, and lessons on compassion, empathy, and acceptance of the marginalized or derided. Young minds may wonder, “How was Jonah’s journey for the whale?” or “What did children see during the Exodus?” These questions are enthusiastically explored, and each entry ends with simple yet insightful queries for the reader as well. Though primarily aimed at a Jewish audience, the book contains a small, helpful glossary of terms, and Klein’s approachable style and enthusiasm for storytelling will appeal to readers from all backgrounds.

Lovely and entertaining folklore and parables that can proudly stand beside others in their tradition.