“The stories jump right off the page . What a delightful, enriching read!” —Rabbi Tzvi Goldstein "Rabbi Morrison has done a great job bringing the Dubno Maggid's parables to life ." —Rabbi Akiva Males Step into the world of Rabbi Jacob Kranz, known as the Maggid of Dubno —a beloved storyteller whose parables still echo with timeless wisdom and wit. In this delightful collection, you’ll find 97 stories that bring the teachings of the Torah to life with humor, heart, and unexpected insights. Whether exploring the weekly Torah portion or the lessons of the Jewish holidays, the Maggid's tales make profound truths accessible and relatable. Written in a light, humorous tone, these parables showcase his unique ability to turn simple, everyday situations into powerful lessons. His characters—from butchers and peddlers to rabbis and matchmakers—come to life with vibrant personalities, revealing the inner struggles, desires, and motivations that shape human experience. Known for his straightforward approach and vivid storytelling, the Maggid spoke to the hearts of his listeners, offering clarity and compassion through stories that anyone could understand. Like Aesop, he used the art of storytelling to reveal the truths of life, leaving his audience thinking long after the tale was told. Inside this book, you’ll find: 97 classic parables on the weekly Torah portion and Jewish holidays - A blend of humor, insight, and timeless moral lessons - A modern retelling of Rabbi Kranz's parable, preserving the soul of his teachings Rabbi Jacob Kranz's stories remain as relevant today as they were two hundred years ago in the Jewish communities of Lithuania and Poland. His parables are not only entertaining—they’re filled with moral clarity and wisdom that make them a joy to read for all generations. Wise and Witty Tales of the Maggid of Dubno brings the laughter, the lessons, and the humanity of the Maggid’s words into the modern world. Perfect for those seeking inspiration, a little humor, and a deeper connection to Jewish tradition. Join the Maggid of Dubno on a journey through the timeless wisdom of Torah, served with a side of wit and insight. "I was impressed by both the edifying quality of the content and by Rabbi Morrison's captivating writing. The stories jump right off the page. What a delightful, enriching read!" —Rabbi Tzvi Goldstein, author of Halachic Worldviews I was a teenager when I first encountered the parables of Rabbi Jacob Krantz, the Maggid of Dubno. They were fabulous then, and my appreciation for them has only deepened with time. The Maggid had a rare gift: stories that made you laugh, reflect, and nod in recognition—sometimes all in the same sentence. Over the years, these parables became a fixture at our Shabbat table. My children listened with wide eyes and eager smiles.  These stories became part of our family's rhythm, the kind you look forward to even if you've heard them many times. If you've ever sat at a Shabbat table and asked, "Do you have a story?"—this book is for you. Rabbi Jacob Kranz (1741-1804), known to generations as the Maggid of Dubno , was one of the most beloved Jewish storytellers and preachers of the 18th century. Born in Zhetel, near Vilna, he was a gifted scholar and teacher whose sermons drew large crowds. After years of traveling and lecturing across Ukraine and Poland, he settled in the town of Dubno, where his reputation as a master of parable and moral insight flourished. Unlike many preachers of his day, the Maggid of Dubno didn't thunder from the pulpit. He spoke with clarity, empathy, and wit. Even the Vilna Gaon, the leading sage of the time, sought his rebuke. Although Rabbi Kranz left no published works in his lifetime, his teachings continue to inspire with their timeless wisdom and deep understanding of human nature. Rabbi Chanan Morrison is a widely respected scholar and author, known for making the great works of Jewish thought accessible to modern readers. His writings explore and illuminate the teachings of towering figures such as Rabbi Yehuda HaLevi, Maimonides, and Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook.