PJ Library Presents: Beyond The Bookcase
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 116 ratingsDeep in the basement of congregation Sofer Shalom, there’s a dusty library that’s really the home of a magical portal to another world. Join siblings Miri and Micah as they explore a mysterious land, where stories come to life! Enjoy fairytales with unexpected twists and Jewish lessons as Miri, Micah, and their friends, encounter golems, book worms, giants and even talking animals! For full credits and accompanying activities, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast.
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Episodes
2024 Purim Playlist
March 12, 2024 06:11 - 50 minutes - 69.4 MBPurim is a holiday that feels like it's made for families. Traditions include dressing up, sharing gift baskets or mishloach manot with friends, making noise by shaking groggers, and staying up late with your friends and community. People do tzedakah and also read the Book of Esther, or megillah, which shares the story of how the Jews of Persia were saved from annihilation. Experience Purim with the characters of Beyond the Bookcase in this special playlist episode.
Season 3 Finale
March 05, 2024 06:01 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MBSorry, but we’re not gonna spoil the season finale right here, so don’t expect this to tell you if the kids catch elusive Joha, save Sofer Shalom, or finally get to hear PJ and Elijah’s long-held secret story. You’ll just have to listen. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, an...
Story For Another Time: A Not So Big Bad Wolf's First Shabbat
February 20, 2024 06:01 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThe kids want Auntie PJ and Elijah to finally tell all about their legendary treasure hunt, but the grownups try to skirt the subject with “A Story For Another Time.” This one delves into lovable Zev’s first holiday in Mashal. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Pete...
Joha in the Woods
February 06, 2024 06:01 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBThe kids are playing an epic game of pretend in the woods when they’re interrupted by none other than Joha! What’s he up to now? Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and All...
Story for Another Time: Passover in Mashal
January 23, 2024 06:01 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBPassover in Mashal is as enchanting as you’d expect. But who hosts the best seder, Cinderella or Snow White? Follow Auntie PJ and Elijah as they seder-hop through Mashal in this “Story For Another Time.” Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Pu...
Chasing Joha Through Passover
January 09, 2024 06:01 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBIt’s the Passover episode! Learn about Passover traditions from around the world as the kids continue their globe-trotting search for Joha. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by P...
Shabbat Playlist
December 26, 2023 06:01 - 52 minutes - 72 MBEach Friday evening, families around the world begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. This week, we have a playlist featuring stories all about Shabbat. If you like what you hear, be sure to visit our other shows, just search PJ Library to find more Shabbat stories and much more.
Story For Another Time: The Butcher, the Baker, and the Candlestick Maker
December 19, 2023 06:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBThe kids enjoy hearing another “Story For Another Time.” This one involves the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker. Auntie PJ and Elijah collaborate on a tale about collaboration, and how it makes for the perfect Shabbat. They’ll talk about the Jewish value of… upcycling? But it’s unclear if PJ and Elijah will ever talk about treasure. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabe...
A Special Hanukkah Message from PJ Library
December 07, 2023 21:45 - 3 minutes - 4.14 MBA special Hanukkah message from PJ Library. Hanukkah begins in the evening tonight (or, depending on your time zone, may have already started) and runs through December 15, 2023. This year, PJ Library encourages all of our listeners to "share the light" by participating in Project Menorah. To learn more about Project Menorah, visit www.projectmenorah.com. Music credits: “Stars in the Night” by Megan Wofford, licensed via Epidemic Sound
Joha Does a Mitzvah?!
November 28, 2023 06:01 - 11 minutes - 11 MBIt's the season of Jewish heroes. Everyone is in the library getting ready for Purim when the kids discover a clue from Joha. Find out where the magic atlas will take them this week, how good PJ’s French accent is, and how many jelly beans Elijah can eat. To learn more about the Jewish holiday of Purim, visit pjlibrary.org/purim. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story...
Playlist: Sharing Family Traditions
November 21, 2023 06:00 - 1 hour - 117 MBRight now, you might be on a long car or airplane ride, or maybe you're snuggling in a nice comfy blanket fort. Today we're bringing you a playlist of stories about sharing special family traditions. Enjoy!
A Story For Another Time: Cinderella’s New Kicks
November 14, 2023 16:46 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBNew this season, it’s Stories for Another Time. PJ and Elijah regale the kids with an only-partly familiar fairy tale featuring Cinderella, Prince Charming, a High Holidays party, and a new pair of shoes. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace ...
Joha, a Donkey, and a Missing Skateboard
October 31, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 12.8 MBJacob is busy teaching Blue how to land an ollie when his skateboard goes missing. This has to be the work of Joha. Miri, Blue, and Jacob join PJ and Elijah as the game begins. Join them as they try to find Joha, find Jacob’s skateboard, and find out if pizza is allowed in the library. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid...
Meet Joha: The Season 3 Premiere
October 17, 2023 05:14 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBOur heroes are back in this world and ready to head home – but there’s someone they don’t recognize with Auntie PJ, and someone else being kind of mysterious! The kids must embark on an epic game of hide and seek to save the library. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, ...
Preview: Radio Chitaika Episode 1
September 26, 2023 17:05 - 1 minute - 2.1 MBWant to hear the full episode? Just search "Radio Chitaika" wherever you listen to podcasts. Series premieres late October.
Coming Soon: Radio Chitaika
September 11, 2023 15:55 - 20 seconds - 498 KBPremiering this fall -- a new podcast from PJ Library Presents! Radio Chitaika features folk tales, beloved books, and Jewish stories, read aloud in Russian or Ukrainian by talented readers such as Gera Sandler, Marsha Pruss, Angelina Statyeva and more! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.
Bonus Episode: Auntie PJ (sort of) Answers Your Questions
August 01, 2023 06:19 - 3 minutes - 4.98 MBWelcome to our last summer bonus episode. Today we're (attempting) to catch up with Auntie PJ to ask the hard-hitting questions: Is food allowed in the library? What does Auntie PJ do when she's not at Sofer Shalom? What was she like as a kid? Listen in as we attempt to learn more about our favorite international woman of mystery turned librarian. Season 3 of PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase, premieres in October 2023. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ...
Bonus Episode: Catching Up With Mr. Saifair
July 18, 2023 05:51 - 2 minutes - 4.13 MBWhat has everyone's favorite bookworm been up to since we last heard from him? Find out in today's bonus episode! Have a question for Mr. Saifair, his brother Dafi, or any of our other characters? Leave us a voicemail at pjlibrary.org/podcast. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Cast: Mr. Saifair - Tau Zaman Interviewer - Alli Thresher
Bonus Episode: A Chat With Golem
July 04, 2023 07:28 - 3 minutes - 4.86 MBListen in as we chat with our buddy, the Mayor of Mashal, Golem! What has he been up to lately? Does he have any hobbies? How old is he? All of this and more in today's bonus episode. Who will we catch up with next? Stay tuned... Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Cast: Golem - Pat Bordenave Interviewer - Alli Thresher
Bonus Episode: Listener Questions
June 20, 2023 19:07 - 4 minutes - 6.26 MBToday we're answering questions from you: our listeners! Tune in this summer for bonus content including character interviews, sneak previews, and more. Beyond the Bookcase returns with a new season in the fall. Want to send us a voicemail? Visit https://tinyurl.com/pjpodcasts to leave one.
Bonus: The Shavuot Playlist
May 09, 2023 05:02 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBShavuot is coming up! Learn more about this important -- and super kid-friendly holiday -- with a playlist of episodes about Shavuot from across our network. Visit pjlibrary.org/shavuot for book lists, recipes, and more to help you celebrate your first Shavuot.
Bonus: 2023 Passover Playlist
April 04, 2023 15:46 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBMiri, Micah, and all of their friends will be back for Season 3 this fall. In the meantime, enjoy a playlist full of Passover-themed episodes from across our network of shows. Set the seder table with Kiddo and Mimi, cook up a feast with Humpty Dumpty, search for the afikomen with a pirate, and more! Learn more at pjlibrary.org/passover -- and don't forget, you can download a free Haggadah too!
Mending Mashal: The Season Finale
February 21, 2023 12:07 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MBIt's the Season 2 finale! Wild creatures are running all over the place. What WAS on Serach's farm? And what's the deal with that goat? All will be revealed in the stunning conclusion. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in...
Wishful Wings: The Greatest and Most Amazing
February 07, 2023 11:41 - 17 minutes - 15.6 MBIt's the second to last episode of Season 2! Myrtle the turtle is ready to FLY! But is it the right thing to do, both morally and … aerodynamically? Blue uses their new superpower to teach Myrtle about respecting differences. To learn more about the Jewish value of kavod, respect, visit pjlibrary.org/values. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gib...
Drop the Beat: No, Seriously, Please Drop It
January 24, 2023 09:10 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBThe Mashal musicians are in disarray and making a lot of noise, and not the cool alternative music kind of noise. It's too loud, it's cacophonous, it's downright unpleasant! Can the kids help? Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose...
Reunited: Peter, Peter Needs a Pie?
January 10, 2023 06:29 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThe kids find someone they’ve been searching for. But there’s no time to sit and swap travel tales – something is still not right in Mashal. Does the mysterious Serach know what's up? Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in ...
Chelm’s Order: A Slice of Heaven and Some Powdered Eggs
December 27, 2022 07:51 - 16 minutes - 15 MBChelm seems to be returning to not-normal, which is great. The kids just need to help one wanderer home from a long trip to nowhere. And, there's one thing missing: Dafi Saifair's brilliant Mumu! Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose St...
Bonus: Hanukkah Playlist
December 15, 2022 13:38 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MBChag Sameach! Enjoy a Hanukkah gift from PJ Library: a curated playlist of stories just for you. Whether you enjoy these on the way to a gathering with friends or snuggled up enjoying the light of the candles, we wish all of our listeners a wonderful Hanukkah.
Major Renovation: Bring in the Borscht Barrels!
December 13, 2022 08:59 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBThe shul doors are, once again, broken. And the kids are ready to fix more of Chelm. And by “fix,” we mean totally mess everything up. Put on your unicycle helmet and enjoy. Chelm seems to be returning to not-normal, which is great. The kids just need to help one wanderer home from a long trip to nowhere. And, there's one thing missing: Dafi Saifair's brilliant Mumu! Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associa...
Welcome to Chelm: Wait, What is This Place?
November 29, 2022 07:37 - 18 minutes - 17 MBThe kids discover Chelm, a very grey part of Mashal that’s both confusing and confused, if that makes any sense, which it wouldn’t in Chelm. And … Mr. Saifair has a brother?!? Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA ...
Behold: Beauty In the Eye of the Ugly Duckling
November 15, 2022 12:40 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBA very handsome swan is in distress - and who is nearby? Why it's Golem! Can the kids help their friend return to his lovely clay self? Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Mo...
Thank Goodness: Princesses and Perspective
November 01, 2022 10:04 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBCinderella and Rapunzel welcome the kids to stay for the night in their tiny cabin. Cinderella clears the air about her bonus mom, Rapunzel gets a new ’do, and everyone learns about the Jewish value of Hakarat Hatov – recognizing the good. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey Gibson Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, ...
Fancy This: Three Lost Kittens and a Season Premiere
October 18, 2022 04:38 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBThe kids and Mr. Saifair come up with a plan to save Mashal and rescue Golem from his destructive path. On that path, our friends find three particularly posh kittens whose unprotected paws have left them stranded in the woods. Learn all about the Jewish value of returning lost objects in the season 2 premiere episode of Beyond the Bookcase. Cinderella and Rapunzel welcome the kids to stay for the night in their tiny cabin. Cinderella clears the air about her bonus mom, Rapunzel gets a new ...
Season 1 Finale!
May 31, 2022 03:55 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this season finale of Beyond the Bookcase, things go beyond berserk! The kids arrive at the library but it’s eerily quiet and Auntie PJ is NOWHERE to be found. They discover they can now enter the land of Mashal at will. But when they arrive, it’s no longer just a quest to find Auntie PJ, but a mission to save the Golem and ALL their fairytale friends too. Thanks for coming along on this season’s adventure! Stay tuned for new episodes this fall.
It’s No Rules Day!
May 08, 2022 05:24 - 19 minutes - 18 MBIt’s Shavuot and the kids have arrived in the mystical land of Mashal to find things in chaos! It seems Zev and several of his fairytale friends have introduced the idea of a day with NO RULES. The kids already have their hands full helping to get things back in order, and then Mr. Saifair takes drastic measures, aiming to get Mashal under control ... with no children allowed ever again! Learn more about the holiday of Shavuot at pjlibrary.org/shavuot.
Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast
March 28, 2022 14:20 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBA tomato and dairy shortage is threatening to cancel the annual matzah pizza cookoff, and Auntie PJ is freaking out! The kids are whisked away to the land of Mashal where Humpty Dumpty is about to crack under the pressure of hosting his first seder. The kids get help from all their fairytale friends (and even Mr. Saifair) to pick up the Passover pieces and help Humpty keep it together.
The Big Bad Wolf and the Purimspiel
March 07, 2022 06:37 - 22 minutes - 21 MBIt’s time for the purimspiel, the annual performance telling the story of Purim. The kids are trying to decide which characters everyone will play but they can’t get Jacob to settle on a role. Once again transported to the land of Mashal, they meet Bubbe and a not-so-bad wolf named Zev. He’s having his own trouble finding his role in Mashal’s Purim carnival. They’ll all have to work together to help both Zev and Jacob pick the perfect part.
Chicken Little’s Havdalah Walk
February 07, 2022 06:29 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBThe kids come to the library for a Pajama Havdalah event, but their upcoming move has Blue feeling more stressed than blessed. Whisked away to the fantastic land of Mashal, the kids run into Chicken Little, who can relate to Blue’s fear of change. She’s upset about Shabbat coming to an end. A Havdalah walk through Mashal is just what this group needs in order to learn that endings open the door for sweet new beginnings.
Goostav and the Beanstalk
January 04, 2022 05:17 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBAuntie PJ is teaching the kids about hashavat aveidah, the Jewish commandment about returning lost objects to their rightful owners. Transported to the mystical land of Mashal, they find their fairy tale friend Jack. He’s recovering from a frisbee golf injury, so he needs the kids’ help doing some hashavat aveidah of his own. He has to return a certain golden goose, and its rightful owner is a pretty BIG deal in the land of Mashal. Featuring special guest voice Matt Gutman.
Goldilocks and the Tzedakah Project
December 13, 2021 05:27 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBA new friend named Jacob joins the kids to help Auntie PJ gather donations for people in need. But since this is no ordinary synagogue library, this tzedakah mission takes a detour to the mysterious land of Mashal. That’s where Goldilocks and Baby Bear happen to be working on some good deeds of their own! The kids end up on a tzedakah adventure, offering help to other fairy tale characters along the way.
Jack Be Nimble: A Hanukkah Story
November 15, 2021 04:24 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBMiri, Micah, and their two friends thought they were headed to the synagogue library to help Auntie PJ prepare for Hanukkah. Instead, they’re swept into a surprise holiday journey, mystically transported to the land of Mashal. They arrive to discover the annual Festival of Lights is in jeopardy. Jack, the high-jumping star of the show, is too afraid to do his big Hanukkiah stunt. Jack may be nimble, but he’ll need serious help from the kids if he’s also going to be brave.
The Tortoise and the Hare: A Shabbat Story
October 18, 2021 05:42 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBWelcome to Beyond the Bookcase - a new series from PJ Library! Siblings Miri and Micah are visiting the eccentric synagogue librarian, Auntie PJ, when they are suddenly whisked away to a magical world full of fairytale characters. What does the old story of the tortoise and the hare have to do with Shabbat? Are Golems made to announce sporting matches? Will anyone help Chicken Little with her socks? Find out during the premiere episode of Beyond the Bookcase. New episodes drop every month...
Introducing Beyond the Bookcase
September 29, 2021 14:26 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBMysterious things are happening in Auntie PJ's library! Join siblings Miri and Micah as they journey to the land of Mashal, a magical place where stories come to life (with a Jewish twist). Subscribe to Beyond the Bookcase to listen to new episodes each month. pjlibrary.org/podcast