Treasures of the Heart is a
unique rendition of stories in the Hebrew Bible that are part
of the foundation of Judaism and western literature. Renowned
storyteller and mythologist Diane Wolkstein seamlessly weaves
oral legends into the fabric of the ancient texts, creating new
stories that remain true to the spirit of their original
sources. Drawing on a lifetime of study of world myths and
tribal cultures, the author chooses the legends that best
illuminate the text and reveal its hidden wisdom. Biblical
characters such as Moses, Ruth, and Solomon—their passions,
ethical dilemmas, and changing relationships with God—are
rendered with astonishing immediacy, achieved through careful
research and a storyteller’s grace.
Structured according to the Jewish calendar, Treasures of the
Heart retells the stories that are
traditionally read on each holiday. In recounting the holiday
stories, Wolkstein discovers a new narrative. As the Hebrew
people journey from spring to winter, from Passover to Purim,
they follow a path from youth to maturity. This holiday cycle
also moves from Moses, a male messenger of God, to Esther and
Mordecai, a woman and a man who work together to rescue their
community. Wolkstein offers a modern perspective by
highlighting the role of female characters in the stories and
by introducing the Kabbalistic concept of the Shechinah, God’s
feminine presence on earth.
The commentaries, often based on Kabbalistic thought, place
each story in an historical and religious context.
Treasures of the Heart presents a wealth of scholarship
in a form that makes compelling reading for all students of
spiritual life. In our rapidly changing world, this innovative
book invites. Amazon.com