"Mendele Mocher Sforim's 'The Wanderings of Benjamin III' is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the complexities of identity, religion, and tradition. The story follows Benjamin, a young Jewish man on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment as he navigates the challenges of living in a changing world.

Sforim's writing is rich in detail and emotion, painting a vivid picture of Benjamin's experiences and struggles. The novel is filled with moments of humor, sadness, and introspection, making it a truly engaging read.

Through Benjamin's encounters with various characters and cultures, Sforim explores themes of cultural assimilation, the clash of tradition and modernity, and the search for one's own place in the world. The novel's powerful message about staying true to oneself while adapting to new surroundings is both relevant and inspiring.

Overall, 'The Wanderings of Benjamin III' is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Sforim's timeless tale of self-discovery is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience."

Book Description:

This reading is in Hebrew.

Mendele Mocher Seforim (Literary name for Shalom Jacob Abramovitsch) (1835 – 1917, b. Kapulye, Belorussia), one of the first modern Jewish writers, wrote in both Hebrew and Yiddish throughout his career. In his work he described with sharp satirical criticism the traditional life in small Jewish towns, as well as tendencies for assimilation of learned Jews at the time. He was regarded as the “grandfather of Yiddish literature” but the Hebraic-Zionist atmosphere in Odessa influenced him, and in 1886 he turned to writing Hebrew fiction. The hero of “The Travels of Benjamin the III” is a fool in a town full of poor Jews who barely manage to keep themselves alive. Benjamin is struck suddenly by a desire to travel, and joined by Sendrel he sets out to find a Jewish kingdom mentioned in legends of the Ten Lost Tribes. They hardly make it around the block. Barely escaping from their own wives, the two travel only as far as nearby towns. As the novel progresses they fall into the hands of Jewish kidnappers, who take advantage of their naiveté to sell them into the czarist army. They are caught when they try to escape, and the army’s response to this treason is a delicious twist that leaves the reader wondering who exactly is insane – and where precisely the line is drawn between an absurdity and a worthwhile dream.