Five Books of Limericks: A chapter-by-chapter retelling of the Torah

"Rhonda Rosenheck has done the impossible. By using limericks and embracing their irreverent tone, she has created a biblical commentary that is truly unique. Each chapter of the Torah is distilled into its own limerick, leading the reader to reconsider the meaning of the original text, and opening avenues for interpretation that are both fun and insightful. Rhonda Rosenheck knows the Hebrew Bible, and she knows that it can stand up to the sometimes silly, sometimes snarky, but always insightful scholarship packed into each one of these interpretive jewels."

-Rabbi Hillel Norry

1.

From chaos began the creation,

Each flora and fauna its station.

The water and sky,

The earth they wind by,

Last Adam, who had to be patient.

2.

How, God-knows, some processes start.

Dew-mist and sweet rain played their part.

Gahn Eiden's lush grown,

Beasts named. Man's alone:

A helpmeet for Adam seemed smart.

3.

Paradise. A serpent got loose

And gave the first woman a goose.

"All knowing you'll be;

Just eat from this tree."

Eve's blamed when they're nabbed for the ruse.

4.

Of two brothers' gifts, one was druthered.

No matter how well they were mothered,

Cain did poor Abel in,

And was marked for his sin.

Then Adam and Eve had another.