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The Adventures of Hershel of Ostropol

Meet Hershel, the cleverest (and laziest) man in all of Ostropol. Hershel has nothing but his wits to rely on to earn enough money to feed his family. Luckily, that’s about all he needs…
Ages 9+
Pages 64
Publisher Holiday House
Coming Apr 2024

Average Rating

103 Reviews
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What the Book is About

Hershel of Ostropol is modeled after a clever, irreverent, and poverty stricken Jewish prankster eking out a living by his wits in Eastern Europe in the 1800s. Kids (and adults) of all ages will be charmed by Hershel’s antics in this kid-friendly, easy-to-read adaptation of traditional Yiddish folktales. 

Jewish Content & Values

These entertaining stories bring Eastern European shtetl culture to life and are filled with Yiddish humor and references to prayers, miracles, Shabbat, and Heaven.

Positive Role Models

Rabbi Israel, Ostropol’s town rabbi, was a holy, kindly, and generous man who was universally loved and respected by the community.

Content Advisory

None.

Talk it Over!

One of Herschel’s favorite sayings is, “How to get rid of someone for good: If he’s rich, ask to borrow money. If he’s poor, lend him some.” What do you think he means?

More for You

Hershel of Ostropol was a real person who lived in the Ukraine during the late 18th/early 19th century. He served as a court jester to the famous Rabbi Boruch of Medzhybizh, a Grand Rebbe of the Chassidic dynasty. He was one of the first documented Jewish comedians and is remembered by Jews and gentiles alike as a folk hero.

What the Book is About

What the Book is About

Hershel of Ostropol is modeled after a clever, irreverent, and poverty stricken Jewish prankster eking out a living by his wits in Eastern Europe in the 1800s. Kids (and adults) of all ages will be charmed by Hershel’s antics in this kid-friendly, easy-to-read adaptation of traditional Yiddish folktales. 

Jewish Content & Values

These entertaining stories bring Eastern European shtetl culture to life and are filled with Yiddish humor and references to prayers, miracles, Shabbat, and Heaven.

Positive Role Models

Rabbi Israel, Ostropol’s town rabbi, was a holy, kindly, and generous man who was universally loved and respected by the community.

Content Advisory

None.

Talk it Over!

One of Herschel’s favorite sayings is, “How to get rid of someone for good: If he’s rich, ask to borrow money. If he’s poor, lend him some.” What do you think he means?

More for You

Hershel of Ostropol was a real person who lived in the Ukraine during the late 18th/early 19th century. He served as a court jester to the famous Rabbi Boruch of Medzhybizh, a Grand Rebbe of the Chassidic dynasty. He was one of the first documented Jewish comedians and is remembered by Jews and gentiles alike as a folk hero.