Howard Schwartz

Howard Schwartz, born April 21, 1945, is an American folklorist, author, poet, and editor celebrated for his extensive contributions to Jewish folklore, fiction, poetry, and children's literature. His work has garnered significant recognition from numerous organizations and literary bodies, including multiple National Jewish Book Awards and the Koret International Jewish Book Award. Schwartz is known for collecting and retelling over a thousand unique Jewish tales from various global sources, often drawing from oral traditions and midrash.

His notable publications include "Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism," a comprehensive exploration of Jewish mythology, and "Before You Were Born," a children's story about the angel Lailah. Schwartz's literary achievements have been highlighted in various media outlets, including The Jerusalem Post and The Canadian Jewish News, underscoring his impact on the field of Jewish literature and folklore.

Howard Schwartz has established himself as a prolific author and editor, with his work spanning Jewish folklore, fiction, poetry, and children's literature. His extensive output has been acknowledged by over forty organizations and literary institutions. Among his accolades are the Aesop Prize from the American Folklore Society, the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation, and the Sydney Taylor Book Award. Schwartz has been nominated for the National Jewish Book Award six times, securing the award on three occasions. His 2005 National Jewish Book Award was for "Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism," a substantial work aiming to delineate Jewish mythology. Furthermore, his children's story "Before You Were Born" received the Koret International Jewish Book Award in 2006 and was recognized as a top ten children's book of that year.

A significant aspect of Howard Schwartz's contribution lies in his role as a collector and re-teller of Jewish stories and midrash. He engages with both oral traditions and written sources to preserve and present a vast collection of Jewish narratives. Schwartz has amassed more than a thousand unique tales from across the globe, compiling them into several major collections. This dedication to gathering and reimagining these stories ensures their continued accessibility and relevance for contemporary audiences, often focusing on themes of magic, spirituality, and the supernatural within the Jewish tradition.

Among Howard Schwartz's published works are collections that delve into various facets of Jewish storytelling and mysticism. Titles such as "Elijah’s Violin and Other Jewish Fairy Tales," "Miriam’s Tambourine: Jewish Folktales from around the World," "Lilith’s Cave: Jewish Tales of the Supernatural," and "Gabriel’s Palace: Jewish Mystical Tales" highlight his focus on supernatural elements, folklore, and mystical traditions. "Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism" stands as a monumental effort to systematize and present the breadth of Jewish mythology. His children's book, "Before You Were Born," explores themes of creation and spiritual guidance through the figure of the angel Lailah.