Barak A. Bassman Libri

The story follows Sir Carados, a valiant knight at King Arthur's court, who unwittingly accepts a daunting challenge from a giant during a Christmas celebration. After striking the giant, who miraculously reattaches its head, Carados realizes he faces certain death in a year unless he can prove his strength and courage through various adventures. The narrative explores themes of honor, bravery, and the consequences of one's choices as Carados navigates his fate and the trials that lie ahead.

Set in 18th century Poland, the story follows Zalman, a destitute Jewish apprentice blacksmith who unexpectedly wins the heart of the stunning widow Raizel. However, their marriage quickly spirals into a descent of corruption and sin, revealing the darker side of his newfound life. As Zalman navigates this treacherous path, he becomes embroiled in the sinister dealings of a local nobleman with a penchant for black magic, complicating his already tumultuous existence.

Set in the early 1790s, the story unfolds in a Poland on the brink of partition, highlighting the tumultuous life of Jacob Frank, a Jewish false messiah. After leading his followers under the guise of Catholicism, he is imprisoned by the Church for over a decade in Czestochowa. During his confinement, Frank claims to receive profound revelations about occult powers that can conquer mortality and suffering. However, despite his newfound knowledge, he fails to save his followers before his death, leaving a legacy of mystery and unfulfilled promises.

Set in 18th century Poland, the story follows Yehiel, a prosperous Jewish timber merchant, whose life takes a dark turn when his teenage daughter begins exhibiting alarming and erratic behavior. As her condition worsens, he seeks help from the renowned kabbalistic master, Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, known as the Baal Shem Tov. The rabbi confronts the malevolent spirit, or dybbuk, possessing her, leading to a dramatic exorcism. However, Yehiel soon discovers that the spirit's influence on his daughter is far from over, raising questions about the nature of possession and family bonds.

Set in late 17th-century Turkish-occupied southern Poland, a kabbalist faces brutal persecution from his own community for following the teachings of the controversial Sabbatai Zevi. Seeking refuge with a troubled Polish count, he is compelled to summon a demon maiden to satisfy the aristocrat's desires for a fantastical companion. However, their attempt to control the demon bride spirals out of control, leading to terrifying and bloody outcomes. The story explores themes of faith, desire, and the consequences of tampering with dark forces.

Set in medieval Spain, the narrative follows an idealistic young Jewish man, Joseph, who embarks on a quest to find the Messiah, believing he can hasten the Messianic Age. Motivated by the suffering in the world, Joseph travels to Italy, determined to confront the Messiah among the beggars of Rome. However, upon meeting him, Joseph discovers the grave consequences of attempting to force redemption, prompting a profound moral dilemma about the lengths one should go to achieve a better world.

Set in 18th century Poland, a Jewish wanderer shares a captivating story about Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, the Baal Shem Tov, during a late summer night in a tavern. The narrative revolves around a long night spent in a secluded forest hut with a lamed vovnik, one of the thirty-six hidden saints believed to uphold the world's righteousness. As the tale unfolds, the hidden saint's past reveals unsettling truths, hinting at darker forces at play, blending themes of mysticism, spirituality, and the struggle between light and darkness.

Set in the fourth century CE, the story follows Judah, a young Jewish man navigating a world where Christianity has eclipsed paganism. His encounter with an ancient siren, a goddess abandoned by the Empire, sparks an obsession that intertwines love and hatred. As Judah is drawn deeper into her enchanting realm, he faces the allure and dangers of forsaking his stable life for the siren's magical world. The narrative weaves themes from the medieval Tannhauser myth, exploring the seductive yet perilous nature of desire and devotion.

The narrative centers on the legendary King Solomon's struggle against the demon king Ashmedai, who he initially captures to acquire the magical shamir for building the Temple in Jerusalem. As Ashmedai infiltrates Solomon's life, he leads the king down a path of tyranny and moral decay, ultimately resulting in Solomon's exile. This journey forces Solomon to confront his flaws and learn the vital lesson of humility, paving the way for his eventual restoration to the throne.

Set against the backdrop of the First Crusade, the story follows a Jewish wine merchant from Worms who faces devastating loss at the hands of Crusader knights. Resurrected by a magical fairy named Melusine, he is offered a chance at wealth and power if he marries her. However, as he embraces this new life, he grapples with the haunting memories of his past and the destruction of his community. Ultimately, he must confront the conflict between the allure of magical gifts and the deep-rooted pain of his history.