Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Dell Publishing (1979), Paperback
Description
Eight stories based on traditional Jewish themes from Eastern Europe include: Shrewd Todie & Lyzer the Miser; Tsirtsur & Peziza; Rabbi Leib & the Witch Cunegunde; The Elders of Chelm & Genendel's Key; Shlemiel, the Businessman; Utzel & His Daughter Poverty; Menaseh's Dream; When Shlemiel went to Warsaw.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Marse
Isaac Bashevis Singer's "When Shlemiel went to Warsaw" is a collection of 8 stories about the hapless denizens of a town called Chelm. They are sweet and humorous stories written with affection and wit.
LibraryThing member labfs39
In this collection of short stories, there is a mix of retellings of tales his mother told him as a child and ones that Singer created. The retellings are benign tales of tricksters, the foolish elders of the Polish village of Chelm, and the gullibility of poor Shlemiel. The stories that Singer
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made up are more reflective of his character and interests. There is the imposition of fate on imps, the complicated relationship between a rabbi and the local witch, vegetarianism, miracle workers, and fantastic dreams of other realities. The book was named a Newbery Honor Book. Show Less
Awards
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — 1970-1971)
Newbery Medal (Honor Book — 1969)