The Book of Delight, and other papers

A lively assortment of once‑delivered talks, this volume brings the author’s original speeches to the ear of modern listeners. The chapters vary from a vivid portrait of medieval wayfaring, first spoken in Hebrew amid Jerusalem’s streets, to reflections on Jewish life that were once printed in contemporary journals. Though the material was intended for a popular audience, the author keeps scholarly apparatus to a minimum, letting the charm of the prose and occasional verse shine through.

Among the most compelling pieces is a thoughtful exploration of Joseph Zabara’s twelfth‑century “Book of Delight.” The essay reveals how Zabara’s rhymed prose bridges folk tales and sophisticated poetry, offering a rare glimpse into early Hebrew narrative art and its connections to legends like Solomon‑Marcolf. Listeners will appreciate the blend of literary criticism and cultural history, presented with the same warmth that once delighted live audiences.