The Big Barrel of Wine

RELIVE THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF YOUR CHILDHOOD’S FAVORITE STORYTELLER AND INDULGE THE DELIGHT OF THE NEXT GENERATION.

The king is coming to visit Grapetown. The wine-makers excitedly build a gigantic barrel to be filled with wine in his honor. But something goes wrong and the great welcome turns instead into a great embarrassment. The people of Grapetown learn about personal responsibility.
(Based on the Talmud, Bava Basra, p. 24b)

Appearing FOR THE FIRST TIME in book form, those UNFORGETTABLE tales come alive for your CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN all over again. Drawn from the Midrash, Talmud, and Jewish lore, his beloved stories instill a love of Hashem (G-d), love of the Torah, and love of the Jewish people, planting the seeds for fine character development and personal refinement.

Hear the original recordings here.

ABOUT RABBI YOSEF GOLDSTEIN

Master storyteller and educator Rabbi Yosef Goldstein (“Uncle Yossi”) defined the world of Jewish storytelling and inspired generations of young and old with his memorable stories and parables, conveyed in a wholesome and captivating manner.

For over 30 years "Uncle Yossi" has been a household name in Jewish homes throughout the world. Almost a legend amongst youngsters, master educator and storyteller Rabbi Goldstein has inspired generations of children with his stories and songs, conveyed in a wholesome and captivating manner, teaching the eternal ethics and morals of our people and heritage. Carefully blending stories, parables and tales of our righteous sages.

From the first release of what was to become an ongoing series, the recordings were eagerly welcomed. Many parents today remember growing up listening to the soothing voice of Uncle Yossi, and we are happy to make this book series of these timeless stories available for your children to enjoy as well!

Share the excitement with everyone!

Get all the books in the "Storytime with Uncle Yossi" series…

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Reviewed by Anna Dogole, April 27, 2011

Uncle Yossi (aka Rabbi Yosef Goldstein), the beloved storyteller is back, and this time in print! Uncle Yossi is an educator and storyteller extraordinaire who has entertained children for years with his stories that are drawn from Midrashic and Talmudic lore, and from Jewish history and culture. His stories are timeless and are infused with Yiddishkeit and the love of HaShem. His stories have been brought to print by his son, Rabbi Zalman Goldstein, who as adapted his stories into a series of must-have books.

This book, The Big Barrel of Wine, is the second book in the Uncle Yossi series and it is based upon a story in the Talmud. This story, drawn from Bava Basra, 24b, teaches a lesson about personal responsibility and the obligation that we each have to try to do our best at whatever tasks we set our hands to.

The story in The Big Barrel of Wine focuses on the residents of Grapetown, who are excited because the king is coming to visit. The residents of Grapetown were renowned for their wine making ability and they decided that to honor the king they would make the biggest barrel that they could, and fill it with their very best wine. But even with the best intentions something can go terribly wrong, and in this case, it did!

This delightful book is suitable for readers of all ages. The print is nice and large making it ideal for new readers as well as those who need or simply, like large print. The book is also ideal as a read out-loud book. The book is filled with lively illustrations by Joseph Maya that prereaders will enjoy looking at while they follow along with the story. As well, this book features non-tear, laminated pages that will withstand a wiping down with a damp cloth. Best of all (after the story itself) the pages in this book are sewn in, ensuring that this book will withstand many years of use as it is passed down from one child to the next. All in all, a wonderful book for every Jewish library, and it is ideal for gift giving.

This book, and others from the Story Time with Uncle Yossi series, and other fine books, are available directly from the The Jewish Learning Group website. You can also listen to samples of originial Uncle Yossi recordings online.