Insights, Ideas and Activities
for
exploring the lessons and wisdom of Jewish folktales.
A step-by-step guide to creative use of The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey in the classroom. Each lesson includes:
A clear summary of the
story—its origins and what it can teach us
A series of thought-provoking
questions
An engaging activity relating to
the story’s theme or the art of storytelling
This comprehensive teaching tool will help
you guide students toward understanding the timeless lessons of
traditional Jewish folktales and their relevance to our lives
today.
About The
Adventures of Rabbi Harvey
Rabbi Harvey—part Wild West sheriff,
part old world rebbe—is famous throughout the western
frontier for his wisdom and kindness. He resolves conflict,
offers friendship, teaches Jewish values … and loves a
good meal and a game of baseball.
They may not be quite as you remember
them, but each of the stories creatively retold in this witty
and original collection is based on traditional Jewish
folktales and Talmudic wisdom. The refreshing presentation in
graphic novel format will uplift, amuse, surprise and delight!
Praise for the Rabbi Harvey series
“Thoroughly brilliant.... A stunning contribution to children’s literature.... Exude[s] the Jewish reverence for knowledge.”
—New Republic
“Draw[s] fresh young eyes to classic eastern European storytelling and the best in Jewish wisdom.”
—Huffington Post
“Practically dar[es] a film studio to finally make a hero out of this man in a black hat.... A great yarn.”
—Brooklyn Paper
“Fun and enlightening.... A treat.... Distill[s] ancient wisdom down to a pure elixir which goes down smoothly ... perfect for a wide range of ages.... Once [you]’ve read one of Rabbi Harvey’s fun adventures, [you]’ll be sure to want another. Rabbi Harvey is a wonderful addition to American folklore, more than able to take his place beside older icons such as Paul Bunyan and Brer Rabbit.”
—Graphic Novel Reporter
“Endearing.... Older teens and adults will laugh and learn watching Harvey at work.”
—Jewish Book World
“For every kid who ever sneaked a
comic book into the synagogue, there is a new hero—Rabbi
Harvey, who tamed the Old West with Jewish wisdom and humor.
I’m hiding a copy of this book in my tallis bag, hoping
my kids will find it!”
—Rabbi
Edward Feinstein, author of Tough Questions Jews Ask:
A Young
Adult’s Guide to Building a Jewish Life
“Harvey’s adventures are so
much fun you hardly realize you’re learning anything
until it’s too late…. In the tradition of great
Jewish humor, self- deprecating one-liners and deadpan delivery
abound. Kids of all ages will love Harvey’s sugary wisdom
and wit.”
—Publishers
Weekly
“Regardless of one’s religious
or cultural background, Rabbi Harvey has insight to pass on to
everyone.”
—LibraryJournal.com
“Rabbi Harvey tames the West with
wisdom on one hip, humor on the other.”
—Stan
Mack, author of The Story of the Jews: A 4,000-Year
Adventure—
A Graphic History Book
“Sheinkin has a comedian’s
flair for the ridiculous (and I mean that in a good way). That,
coupled with his whimsical illustrations, makes The Adventures
of Rabbi Harvey a hilarious read!”
—Arie
Kaplan, author of Masters of the Comic Book Universe Revealed!
“With a blend of concise
illustrations and snappy banter Steve Sheinkin pioneers Jewish
folklore in novel directions. A friendly starter for readers of
all ages wishing to explore Judaic parables of logic and wit. A
jovial read that left me smiling.”
—JT
Waldman, author of Megillat Esther
“Imparts so much memorable, useful
and enjoyable wisdom. And you gotta love the cartoons that
deliver homey Jewish Yiddishkeit in a post-modern format. Move
over Aesop’s Fables, make room for Rabbi Harvey’s
tales.”
—Shulamit
Reinharz, PhD, Brandeis University,
coauthor of The JGirl’s Guide:
The Young Jewish Woman’s Handbook for Coming of Age