To me, superheroes straddle a fine line between fantasy and science fiction, but the presence of women who can control plants and talking dogs seems to fit that sweet spot of speculative fiction. Honestly, the first story, “Among the Thorns,” was enough to get me hooked! Please check out this book, as well as her article on Jewish books and magic.

This book is an ode to fairytales, Judaism and history, casting a strong light on the past while re-examining antisemitism, class struggles and other injustice through the lens of fantasy. “Burning Girls and Other Stories” by Veronica Schanoesįrom the brilliant and Jewish professor and storyteller Veronica Schanoes, “Burning Girls and Other Stories” is definitely a collection of fantasy stories that burns bright. Just a starter guide to ignite your appetites. Note that this is not a fully comprehensive list of all the great Jewish fantasy out there. Here’s a list of some Jewish fantasy books I’ve personally read or am looking forward to devouring. Whether you are in the mood for young activist superheroes or murder-solving immigrants, I guarantee there’s a story worth your time and interest. Whether set at modern-day Yale, as seen in Leigh Bardugo’s “Ninth House,” or set in 19 th century New York, as seen in in Helen Wecker’s “The Golem and the Jinni,” Jewish fantasy literally spans time and space. Though some have argued in the past that “if Christianity is a fantasy religion, then Judaism is a science fiction religion,” that ignores the many Jewish writers who have used their religion and cultural background to ground their work in the world of fantasy.įrom witches to dybbuks to golems, Jewish writers have touched upon Jewish mythology and folklore, giving new breath into the stories passed down through generations past. Among the science fiction genre (for which Jews are famously known for) are writers such as Isaac Asimov, Michael Chabon, Jack Dann, Sarah Pinsker and others.

When it comes to speculative fiction, there is seems to be no lack of Jewish writers.

The Rabbi's Cat by Joann Sfar