Schwartz, Howard

Howard Schwartz, born in 1945, is an American folklorist, poet, editor, and author who has dedicated his career to collecting and re-imagining Jewish stories. His work spans folklore, fiction, poetry, and children's literature, earning him numerous accolades from literary bodies and organizations. Schwartz is known for his deep engagement with oral and written sources, amassing over a thousand unique tales from global Jewish traditions.

His contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Aesop Prize, the American Book Award, and multiple National Jewish Book Awards. Notably, his book "Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism" received the 2005 National Jewish Book Award for its comprehensive exploration of Jewish mythology. His children's story "Before You Were Born" also garnered international recognition, including the Koret International Jewish Book Award. Schwartz's extensive body of work positions him as a significant figure in the preservation and dissemination of Jewish folklore.

Howard Schwartz is recognized for his significant contributions as a collector and re-teller of Jewish stories and midrash. Drawing from both oral traditions and written texts, he has amassed a substantial archive of over a thousand unique tales gathered from various global Jewish communities. This dedication to preserving and reinterpreting these narratives has resulted in numerous published works that introduce these rich traditions to a wider audience. His approach emphasizes the continuation of storytelling as a vital cultural practice.

Schwartz's prolific output in Jewish folklore, fiction, poetry, and children's literature has garnered substantial recognition, with over forty organizations and literary bodies acknowledging his work. He is a recipient of the Aesop Prize from the American Folklore Society and the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. His book "Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism" earned him the 2005 National Jewish Book Award, celebrated for its extensive examination of Jewish mythology. Furthermore, his children's story "Before You Were Born" received the Koret International Jewish Book Award and was highlighted as a top children's book.

Several of Howard Schwartz's notable works delve into the mystical and supernatural aspects of Jewish tradition. Books like "Lilith’s Cave: Jewish Tales of the Supernatural" and "Gabriel’s Palace: Jewish Mystical Tales" explore themes of angels, spirits, demons, and other esoteric elements within Jewish folklore. His collection "Invisible Kingdoms: Jewish Tales of Angels, Spirits and Demons" specifically highlights these supernatural entities. This focus underscores his interest in the less commonly known, more mystical dimensions of Jewish storytelling.