Mendel Rosenbusch: Tales for Jewish Children

This beautifully written book by Ilse Weber, who perished in the Concentration Camp at Theresenstadt,tells enchanting stories for children. The hero is an old man who loves children and is beloved by them. Through the gift of becoming invisible at will he is able to observe and intervene in the lives of the people in his town. His interventions are always gentle and in the service of doing good, especially for the children. like most fairy tales, each story points out the moral good. But unlike the grim tales of the brothers'Grimm and most other fairy tales, there is no violence in these stories. They are good humored and upbeat. Rosenbush is a loving and lovable character. Of course, all of his good deeds are anonymous. The stories are aimed at elementary school aged chilren, but are so charming and sufficiently complex that they are very engaging for adults. All the adults we have shared them with are similarly smitten and are delighted to read them with their children and grandchildren. The translaters, Dr. Hans and Ruth Fisher, discovered an ancient copy of the book, originally written in German. As a child this had been Hans Fisher's favorite book. He immediately translated it for his own children and grandchildren with his wife's assistance. This led to its ultimate publication in English. Ilse Weber was a popular Czech writer of stories, poems and music during the 1920-s and 30's. As a Jew, she was tranported and murdered in the concentration camp.

Mendel Rosenbusch: Tales For Jewish Children is a splendidly entertaining and highly recommended collection of eleven instructive tales, each set in a rural Czech village. These stories feature Mendel Rosenbusch, a wise, wonderful, poor man of God who lives in a small house behind the synagogue. One night, Mendel is visited by the angel Rafael, who places a ancient Jewish coin called a Shekel on his blanket. Rafael reveals that "When you carry this coin with you, Mendel, then you will become invisible, and the coin will continue its magic power as long as your secret remains undiscovered." What follows are stories of how Mendel uses his magical invisibility to intervene in the lives of the townspeople. Each of the stories teaches young readers how to behave properly and to learn that virtue entails doing the right thing. A prolific playwright, poet, and children's author, Ilse Weber's wonderfully told folktales are ably translated into English by Ruth and Hans Fisher.