OSNAT AND HER DOVE The True Story of the World's First Female Rabbi

Author/narrator Sigal Samuel's audiobook features the first female rabbi, Osnat Barzani, who was born in 1590 in Mosul, Iraq. Listeners learn some Hebrew words as Osnat persuades her father, Rabbi Samuel Barzani, to allow her to study the Torah. When her dove is shot by a hunter, Osnat takes it into her room, and later it miraculously flies outside. As rumors about Osnat's power spreads, people plead for her help and advice. Samuel beautifully describes Osnat's marriage to Jacob, who succeeds her father at the yeshiva, then successfully leads the academy after Jacob's death. The author's note reveals that Samuel took some liberties with this story, using legends in addition to her own ideas. The exquisite narration and sound effects make for an edifying listening experience. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2021]