The Imposter

Ruach Ami #5

by Avner Gold

This book follows the adventures of Shabbesai Tzvi, from his early days in Smyrna, Turkey, and follows his exploits in claiming to be the Jewish Messiah. Unlike the other books in the series, which feature fictitious plots (albeit against historical backdrops), this book straddles the border between fiction and non-fiction. Although the author admits taking some poetic license at times and although there are a few fictional characters in the book, the vast majority of the information and incidents described in the book are historical.

Genres: Jewish, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult

240 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1985

About the author

Yaakov Yosef Reinman is an American Orthodox rabbi and writer, historian, and scholar. His monographs and articles have appeared in many Jewish periodicals and his study of Talmudic contractual law is a text used in yeshivas throughout the world. His Ruach Ami series is written under the pen name Avner Gold.

Reinman is the author of sefer Shufra Dishtara, an analytical study of the philosophy of Talmudic contractual law, which is utilized as a text in yeshiva studies. He also co-authored the book One People, Two Worlds: A Reform Rabbi and an Orthodox Rabbi Explore the Issues That Divide Them with Reform Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch. A fluent speaker of several languages, Reinman has also become known as a translator for ancient Jewish texts into English.

He is a descendant of the Narol, and his first wife, Shami (Shlomtzie) née Rubin was a descendant of the Nadvorna Chasidic dynasties.

Reinman lives in Lakewood Township, New Jersey.

Reviews

[Perlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been re-reading this series with my son, and we are both enjoying them! This volume in the series was mostly well-done, although slightly over-written in places. Gold weaves in a lot of historical detail, and it's a great way for kids and teens to learn our story.

[DJ Wartelsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book. I like the way that he planed it all with the pouch/dragon's teeth and the Gematria ETC