Rabbi Chanan Morrison: Wit and Wisdom of the Dubno Maggid

An interview about his book adapting parables from the Dubno Maggid, master storyteller

Author: Rabbi Chanan Morrison

Book: Wit and Wisdom of the Dubno Maggid

As an editor, my job is to think about two sides of the books I work on: the package and the packaging, the wisdom and the words. Often, the content takes center stage, while the words themselves are not much to write home about. They say what they’re supposed to say, but they don’t steal the show.

This book is different.

While editing this book, I was struck by the mellifluosity of the writing. In addition to the pleasing and relatable stories and their takeaway lessons, the quality of the writing itself stands out as an enjoyable part of the reading experience. Read on to hear what inspired Rabbi Morrison to adapt the Dubno Maggid’s mashalim for print, why this book took fifteen years to see the light of day, and his advice for an aspiring writer.

1. Tell us a bit about your background.

My background is something of a mosaic, a mix of traditions, philosophies, and cultures. I earned my bachelor’s degree at Yeshiva University, where I was drawn to the Torah u’Madda worldview, the idea that religious faith and engagement with science and modernity can coexist in harmony.

After that, I studied in yeshivot in Israel, including several formative years at Mercaz HaRav. There, I encountered the powerful and uplifting vision of Rav Kook, a Judaism deeply rooted in national purpose and spiritual destiny.

Later, I stepped into a very different world: a halachah kollel in the Sephardic tradition. I had the privilege of attending shiurim by Rav Yaakov Yosef, zt”l, the eldest son of Rav Ovadia Yosef, zt”l. That experience opened my eyes to the distinctive Sephardic approach to halachah, very different from the Ashkenazi tradition I was familiar with.

Rabbi Morrison has also written eight other books, many of which focus on the thought of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, zt”l.

2. How would you summarize this book?

This book brings to life the unique style of the Maggid of Dubno, a master of using parables to illuminate the Torah. Through vivid stories and keen insight, he tackled difficult questions and morally significant themes in the weekly parasha.

3. What piqued your interest in this topic?

I first encountered the parables of the Maggid of Dubno as a teenager, and they captivated me from the start. Over the years, my appreciation of his skill as a storyteller and master teacher has deepened.

4. What inspired you to write Wit and Wisdom of the Dubno Maggid?

For years, I shared the Maggid of Dubno’s stories at our Shabbat table. My children definitely preferred them to a complex halachic discussion on avak ribbit. But I often found myself thinking, “Did I already tell this one?” I kept wishing I had a printed collection of my favorite meshalim, something I could turn to easily, week after week. Eventually, I realized: Maybe I should be the one to write it.

5. What is one major misconception you've found people hold about this topic?

I think many people aren’t aware of what made Rabbi Yaakov Krantz — the Maggid of Dubno — so unique among the preachers of his time. In the 1700s and 1800s, most maggidim relied on fire-and-brimstone sermons, using vivid and frightening descriptions of Divine punishment to jolt their listeners into repentance.

The Maggid of Dubno took a very different approach. He didn’t thunder from the pulpit; he told stories. Stories about people his listeners could recognize: the lonely businessman, the young apprentice, the stingy rich man. And just when they were smiling at the clever punchline, they’d realize: He’s talking about me! That moment — when the mirror is suddenly unveiled, when humor gives way to moral clarity — that’s what made his message so powerful.

6. Who would gain the most from reading this book?

Anyone who’s ever found themselves searching for a meaningful story to share at the Shabbat table — or a d’var Torah that actually holds attention in shul — will find something here.

7. Can you share one idea from the book that you find particularly underappreciated?

One aspect of the Maggid of Dubno that I think is often overlooked is how deeply he felt the pain of exile and the destruction of the Temple. This wasn’t just a theoretical idea for him — it was a living grief. He would rise each night at midnight to recite Tikkun Chatzot and weep over the exile of the Jewish People.

In one story in the book — for Parashat Shelach — he speaks about how Jews become so invested in their temporary homes and communities outside the Land of Israel that they forget where their true home is. I found that especially moving.

8. If you write another book, what will the topic be?

I have a few ideas simmering, but I’m also mindful of King Solomon’s warning: “Of making many books there is no end.” If I do write another one, it should meet a genuine need. The challenge is not in writing a book, but writing one that earns its place on the shelf.

9. Did you encounter any challenges while writing this book? How did you overcome them?

Absolutely. In fact, this book was more than 15 years in the making. I had gathered material for nearly all the weekly Torah portions and Jewish holidays and had started organizing the chapters. Then I discovered that a new book on the Maggid of Dubno’s parables had just been published.

So, I shelved the project. For years.

But over time, I came to realize that different writers bring different voices and speak to different audiences. My approach is quite distinct from the existing anthologies, both in tone and in focus. Eventually, I felt it was time to let my version see the light of day.

10. What suggestions do you have for an aspiring writer?

I think the most important piece of advice is this: Always keep your audience in mind.

• Who are you writing for?

• What are they hoping to find?

• What do they already know, and what can you offer them?

I once heard a wise word from Rabbi Shlomo Riskin that stayed with me. He was speaking about sermons, but I think it applies just as well to books. A truly successful sermon, he said, is one where everyone in the room walks away with something — from the seasoned Torah scholar to the newcomer just beginning their journey. That’s a good goal for any writer: to speak in a voice that’s clear, meaningful, and offers something of value to readers at all levels.

To Order

My books are all available on Amazon, including this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9KL671T. It’s available in paperback, hardcover, ebook, and even as an audiobook for those who like to listen on the go.

For readers in Israel, a selection of my books can also be found on my website.

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