The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Wisdom and Wit in the Wild West

by Steve Sheinkin

Book Overview

A fresh look at Jewish folktales--wise, witty, hilarious.

After finishing school in New York, Rabbi Harvey traveled west in search of adventure and, hopefully, work as a rabbi. His journey took him to Elk Spring, Colorado, a small town in the Rocky Mountains. When he managed to outwit the ruthless gang that had been ruling Elk Spring, the people invited Harvey to stay on as the town's rabbi. In Harvey's adventures in Elk Spring, he...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580233104
• ISBN13: 9781580233101
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 9

Customer Reviews

Fabulous, Fun and Even a Little Educational

I loved, loved, loved this "graphic novel" (not so much a novel but a collection of stories). The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey is a collection of Jewish folktales told as Western adventures featuring Rabbi Harvey of Elk Spring Colorado. Rabbi Harvey's stories involve his own travels and encounters with double-crossers and odd types like the boy who insists he is a chicken, as well as moral dilemmas brought to him for his rabbinical ruling. Since I'd read/heard some of the stories previously, I am assuming that many of them are based on traditional Jewish folktales but some seem to be original stories. It's a nice mix and all are deftly and humorously illustrated, with funny asides from the rabbi, onlookers, even the occasional animal or inanimate object (when a traveling merchant attempts to cheat a woman out of a bag of money he is supposed to deliver, throwing only one coin on the table, the head on the coin wonders, "Why am I not surprised?" There is a distinct Jewish flavor to the tales, set in a neverland of all-Jewish Western towns, and I definitely recommend this book for older kids and adults alike who want a fun and easily digested book of Jewish stories. But even for non-Jews, this is an entertaining book of stories with moral points of view, told with a sense of humor. HIghly recommended, this one is a keeper for me and I sincerely hope there are more Rabbi Harvey books to come.

A hilarious read!

This book is really great. It is perfect for kids and adults, and you don't need to know anything about religion to enjoy it. When I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down until I was finished. The stories are simple, straightforward, and funny. I especially love the drawings. Many of the hidden details in the pictures made me laugh out loud.

Fun for all ages (and belief systems)

A collection of deliciously odd, stylized drawings, dry wit and perfectly paced mini-morality tales that I thoroughly enjoyed. Rabbi Harvey starts out an undistinguished neophyte and ends up taming the West with wisecracks and Talmudic wisdom, even as he's forced to think on his feet to cheat death. I'm not Jewish, but I loved this book and can't wait until my daughter is old enough to meet Rabbi Harvey.

Highest recommendation.

By far the best book about a rabbi in the old West ever written, it is both extremely funny and surprisingly wise. Harvey himself is an irresistible character who typifies the book's balance of wit and thoughtfulness perfectly. The quirky art is quite charming and the sepia toned palate is remarkably evocative. This would be a great book for entertainment or education: young readers in search of fun would get a little wisdom thrown in and adults looking for some intelligent reflection would get a great deal of laughter as a bonus. I couldn't recommend this book more highly.

A Wonderful Book

This is one of the most intelligent and delightful books I've read in a long time. The stories are charming, filled with wit, wisdom, and humor. And the illustrations are wonderful. You'll continue smiling long after you've finished reading. Rabbi Harvey's wisdom is for people of every religion. I look forward to his next adventures.