Dray matones

story by Peretz

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July 16, 2026

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"Dray matones" (Three Gifts) is a story by I.L. Peretz, a prominent figure in modern Yiddish literature. The story, part of his collection Folkstimlekhe geshikhtn (Folktales), features a wandering soul collecting good deeds. While it initially appears to celebrate piety, the narrative ultimately questions the value of excessive or self-destructive devotion. Peretz, known for his critical yet empathetic portrayal of Jewish life, used Yiddish to explore contemporary trends in European literature and elevate the language's status. His work, including "Dray matones," contributed significantly to the development of modern Yiddish literature.123

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Yiddish literature
The classic writers
Dray matones (“Three Gifts”) tells of a wandering soul that has been sent to collect good deeds from around the Jewish world. The story initially appears to praise pious deeds, yet the story ultimately questions the merit of excessive, self-destructive piety.
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Dray matones (“Three Gifts”) tells of a wandering soul that has been sent to collect good deeds from around the Jewish world. The story initially appears to praise pious deeds, yet the story ultimately questions the merit of excessive, self-destructive piety.
Read More