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Heads and Tales: Stories of the Sages to Enlighten Our Minds The ethical dilemmas debated by ancient Jewish sages come to life in Heads and Tales, a new book from the URJ PRESS. Written by Rabbi Edwin Goldberg, spiritual leader of Temple Judea in Coral Gables, FL, Heads and Tales examines stories from the Talmud and Midrash, illuminating the universal lessons hidden in their simple prose. The nine short stories - none is longer than twenty-one lines - are often-cryptic fables that deal with Jewish values, morals, and ethics, including the importance of family, mitzvot, and Shabbat. Through close attention to structure, irony, and double meaning, Goldberg reveals numerous levels of meaning within each seemingly simplistic story. Each is presented in both English and Hebrew, and is followed by discussion questions and a brief analysis of the tale. At only 78 pages, Heads and Tales provides an easy introduction to rabbinic literature for adult learners seeking a way into Talmudic study. Its two-language format, in which every line of text is numbered, also allows readers to test and improve their Hebrew skills, and its attention to seemingly minor details teaches the importance of thoughtfulness and close analysis. Heads and Tales "reflects the traditional Jewish way of reading, a methodology that is closer to studying and involves careful consideration of each element in the text," Goldberg writes. "This approach will help the reader…appreciate more fully the meaningful and artistic tales of our ancient tradition, as well as the challenging questions that arise from such study." Heads and Tales retails for $12.95 and can be ordered by calling the URJ PRESS toll-free at (888) 489-8242, or through its Web site, located at www.URJPress.com. The URJ PRESS is the publishing arm of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the central body of Reform Judaism in North America. which represents 1.5 million Reform Jews in 906 congregations in the United States and Canada. Other UAHC services include camps, outreach to unaffiliated and intermarried Jews, adult education programs, and the Religious Action Center in Washington, DC. ### 7/02
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