Stories We Tell
164 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 96 ratingsJudaism has a deep and rich tradition of storytelling, of passing down stories from one generation to the next. To carry on that tradition, Stories We Tell, from ReformJudaism.org, will share a new story with you every Thursday. Whether you listen while driving to work, preparing Shabbat dinner, or taking your kids to school, each episode will give you a new story to reflect on and discuss with the people in your life.
Stories We Tell is a project of the Union for Reform Judaism, a leading voice in the discussion of modern Jewish life.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
How Are We Better?
July 02, 2020 09:30 - 5 minutes - 13.5 MBFor three years, this podcast has brought you a new episode nearly every single week, adding up to more than 160 stories designed to bring a little bit of joy and wisdom into your lives. For now, we're taking a little break – but Rabbi Leora Kaye has one final story to share. Want more Jewish content while we're on pause? There are lots of ways to access everything ReformJudaism.org has to offer. Visit us online at ReformJudaism.org, subscribe to our email newsletters, and follow us on Twi...
God's Miracle
June 25, 2020 09:30 - 5 minutes - 12.2 MBAfter 40 years in the desert, the Israelites reached the Land of Canaan. When they got there, they saw wheat and trees and fruit—things they had never seen before after spending their lives in the desert. But one woman remembers her mother describing plants and how they grow, so how does she explain it to her daughter? Cantor Rosalie Will retells the story. For a written version of the story, see “Gods Miracles” by Rabbi Edward H. Garsek in Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Sto...
Gods Miracle
June 25, 2020 09:30 - 5 minutes - 12.2 MBAfter 40 years in the desert, the Israelites reached the Land of Canaan. When they got there, they saw wheat and trees and fruit—things they had never seen before after spending their lives in the desert. But one woman remembers her mother describing plants and how they grow, so how does she explain it to her daughter? Cantor Rosalie Will retells the story. For a written version of the story, see “Gods Miracles” by Rabbi Edward H. Garsek in Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Sto...
The Sultans Horns
June 18, 2020 09:30 - 5 minutes - 13.2 MBThe sultan hated getting haircuts because of his big secret: he had horns on top of his head. He was so afraid that people would find out, that he threw every barber who cut his hair in prison. Finally, the only barber left in town was summoned to the sultan. Was he thrown in prison like the barbers before him? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a written version, see The Sultan’s Horns in “The Jewish Story Finder” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
The Sultan's Horns
June 18, 2020 09:30 - 5 minutes - 13.2 MBThe sultan hated getting haircuts because of his big secret: He had horns on top of his head! He was so afraid that people would find out that he threw every barber who cut his hair in prison. Finally, the only barber left in town was summoned to the sultan. Would he be thrown in prison like the barbers before him? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a written version, see The Sultan’s Horns in “The Jewish Story Finder” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
The Old Torah
June 04, 2020 09:30 - 8 minutes - 19.9 MBHow important is the history of your family? Maybe you have a family ledger or an old book that carries the events, wisdom, and dreams of those who have passed on. This week, author and puppeteer Marilyn Price tells a story about such a book in “The Old Torah” and shows just how priceless our families’ stories truly are.
The Spoonful of Oil
May 28, 2020 09:30 - 4 minutes - 9.64 MBThere was a young man who wanted to learn the secret of happiness. He sought out the advice of a wise man, who was too busy to talk with him at that moment but gave him a task: walk around and carry a spoon with two drops of oil and be careful to not let them spill. Listen to find out how this seemingly strange assignment taught the boy an important lesson.
The Eagle Who Thought She was a Chicken
May 21, 2020 09:30 - 9 minutes - 21.5 MBWho determines who you are? Is it the environment in which you’re raised, or is it what’s been inside of you your whole life? This week, we hear a story from Rabbi Rachel Greengrass of Temple Beth Am (Pinecrest, FL) about an eagle who thought she was a chicken, which asks us to think to when we had to determine who we truly are.
A Blank Letter
May 14, 2020 09:30 - 4 minutes - 11 MBIs there someone in your life with whom you can share a thousand words without saying anything at all? Has there been a time, maybe in recent weeks, when all you needed was someone to just “be there” for you, or when someone needed you to just “be there” for them? This week, we hear a story from Rabbi Sari Laufer, director of congregational engagement at Stephen Wise Temple (Los Angeles, CA) about two friends separated by distance but closely connected in ways only they can understand.
Grandma’s Challah
May 07, 2020 09:30 - 9 minutes - 20.8 MBFood is such an important part of Jewish history and culture, and for many of us, there’s nothing quite like the food our grandparents made for us as children. This week, author and puppeteer Marilyn Price tells the story of a king who wants nothing more than to taste the challah his grandmother used to make for him, and how something as simple as love can turn great food into something even better. To learn more about Marilyn, her puppetry, and her storytelling, you can visit her website a...
Two Frogs and a Little Encouragement
April 30, 2020 09:30 - 4 minutes - 9.72 MBHas there ever been a moment when you wanted to give up on a goal because others said it was too hard? Has there ever been a moment when it seemed like all you could hear were cheers of encouragement to keep going? This week, we hear a story about two frogs who were in this exact same situation from Rabbi Rachel Greengrass of Temple Beth Am (Pinecrest, FL)
How Do You Use It
April 23, 2020 09:30 - 3 minutes - 7.18 MBHave you ever had a great idea that wasn’t useful until you applied it? This week, join Rabbi Phyllis Sommer of Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL as she tells the story of a rabbi and a soap maker who explore this idea and realize their professions have more in common than they might have thought.
How Do You Use It?
April 23, 2020 09:30 - 3 minutes - 7.18 MBHave you ever had a great idea that wasn’t useful until you applied it? This week, join Rabbi Phyllis Sommer of Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL, as she tells the story of a rabbi and a soap maker who explore this idea and realize their professions have more in common than they might have thought.
My Havdalah Set
April 16, 2020 09:30 - 4 minutes - 11.2 MBHave you ever seen yourself as the “most” important? Have you felt your contributions mattered more than others, only to find out it actually took a group effort to accomplish your goal? This week, we’re treated to an original story by Alice Myers, actress and daughter of Rabbi Lisa Grushcow, who talks about this idea from the perspective of a havdallah set.
Zoo Seder
April 09, 2020 09:30 - 5 minutes - 11.9 MBOn this special Passover episode of Stories We Tell, Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, Rabbi of the Reform Temple of Forest Hills, tells the story of a little girl who’s excited for a very different Passover seder her family is planning and how a little imagination might be what we all need right now.
The Perfect Seder
April 02, 2020 09:30 - 4 minutes - 10.9 MBWhat is the real meaning of Passover? Is it ritualizing the seder and reading the Haggadah, or is there something more? This week, Rabbi Esther Lederman, the Union for Reform Judaism’s Director of Congregational Innovation, tells a story about a rabbi, a water carrier, and the prophet Elijah, and asks what it means to truly celebrate this sacred festival.
The Rabbi and the Small Apartment
March 26, 2020 09:30 - 6 minutes - 15.2 MBMany of us have had to change our daily routines recently as a precaution against coronavirus. With work and school now centered at home, our family dwellings might feel a little smaller. This week, join Saul Kaiserman, Director of Lifelong Learning at Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York, as he tells the story of a man living in his own small apartment with his family, and how their new living routine brought them closer together.
The Fate of the Flour Woman
March 19, 2020 09:30 - 4 minutes - 10.1 MBWhen things go a direction we might not expect, is it thanks to fate or simply coincidence? This week, Rabbi Phyllis Sommer of Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL tells the story of a woman, her bag of flour, and the unexpected journey it took her on.
Who Will Help?
March 12, 2020 09:30 - 4 minutes - 9.31 MBHas there ever been a problem in your life that needed to be solved, and you knew you might be able to fix it? This week, join Rabbi Leora Kaye as she tells the story about a farmer who encounters a large boulder stuck in the middle of the road and does what she knows is the only right thing to do.
The Hamantaschen's Souls
March 05, 2020 10:30 - 6 minutes - 14 MBMany of us know how it feels to be resistant to something, even when we know deep down that we are called to follow through with it. This week, Rabbi Phyllis Sommer of Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL tells the story of a town’s batch of hamantaschen who just refuse to be baked, and the rabbi who shows them just how important they are.
The Right Bell For The Right Place
February 27, 2020 10:30 - 4 minutes - 11.3 MBHave you ever made a decision that you felt was the right thing to do, but could have benefited from someone else’s advice? This week, join Rabbi Steven Bob, the emeritus Rabbi from Etz Chaim in Lombard, Illinois as he tells a story about a man who purchases a fire bell for his small town, but things don’t go quite the way he expects.
The Truth Telling Rabbi
February 20, 2020 10:30 - 3 minutes - 8.82 MBCan two things be true at once? How do the ways we see ourselves and each other influence those truths? This week, join Rabbi Leora Kaye as she explores these questions through the story of a man seeking counsel from a wise and humble rabbi and someone who sees the rabbi just a bit differently.
Devorah and the Gold Coins
February 13, 2020 10:30 - 5 minutes - 13.2 MBDevorah’s friend Yoel has the right intentions when she asks him to watch over her prized possessions. However, just like honey, sometimes friendship can be both sticky and sweet. Join Rabbi Lisa Delson, as she shares the story of Devorah and the Gold Coins
The Boastful Farmer
February 06, 2020 10:30 - 4 minutes - 10.4 MBHave you ever felt like you were the smartest or most important person in the room, only to realize you’re just as dependent on others as they are on you? This week, Rabbi Phyllis Sommer of Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL shares a story about a boastful farmer who had to learn this lesson himself.
What It Takes To Get In
January 30, 2020 10:30 - 2 minutes - 6.26 MBThree souls are met by the Heavenly Tribunal as they approach the gates of Paradise: a learned rabbi, a pious man, and a tavern keeper. Each one makes their case as to why they should enter Paradise, but who among them instantly earns the Tribunal's favor?
The Bird Catcher
January 23, 2020 10:30 - 4 minutes - 10.2 MBThis week, Rabbi Simcha Bob tells the story of a woman who catches and sells birds for a living. One day, she comes across a beautiful bird who can speak and even promises her 3 pieces of wisdom if she releases him. Through this story. Rabbi Bob compels us to think about how well we listen to the advice of others and the ways in which we impart wisdom as well.
Get Up And Go Early
January 16, 2020 10:30 - 4 minutes - 9.21 MBWe’ve all had days when we have so many things to do, but we just want to stay in bed and put our tasks off for later. This week, Rabbi Leora Kaye tells a story about a rabbi who faced that very same temptation head-on, showing us how we too can push through our temptation and “get up and go early.”
My Grandfather's Kittel
January 09, 2020 10:30 - 6 minutes - 14.9 MBIn the early 1900s, an elderly Jewish man named Shmulik prays at his synagogue on Yom Kippur. He suddenly faints, only for a fellow congregant to offer him his kittel (traditional ritual garb) to keep him warm. The grandson of that congregant, Rabbi Jonathan Biatch, reflects on this story and how it connects to being a compassionate, caring, and dedicated person to those we cherish the most.
The Forest Walk
January 02, 2020 10:30 - 2 minutes - 6.44 MBEvery night, a young man takes a walk through the forest. The young man's father wonders, "Why?" After all, the forest doesn't change, so what does this young man get from walking through it? This week, Jerry Kaye explores what it means to find a sense of change in the places we may least expect.
Chiribim
December 12, 2019 10:30 - 7 minutes - 16.9 MBYears ago, the Chiribim and Chiribam families were enemies--but, the feud had been going on for so long that nobody could even remember how it began! Eventually, the rabbi decided that he would bring the families together and urge them to make peace. He asked both families to meet him in the forest, but after forgetting his glasses, the plan became difficult to carry through. Was the rabbi able to bring the families together? Cantor Rosalie Will retells the story. You can find a written vers...
Just Checking
November 28, 2019 10:30 - 3 minutes - 7.79 MBHow do we know if we're always doing our best at what we do? What is the best, and most ethical, way to find out? This week, join Jerry Kaye as he explores this idea through the story of a young woman making a phone call and how we too can keep ourselves most accountable.
The Dancing Bear
November 21, 2019 10:30 - 4 minutes - 10.6 MBAll is not always what it seems, as we learn when a man from Pinsk tricks a woman in Minsk with a dancing bear and a very sweet Minchah (afternoon service). Join Rabbi Steven Bob, as he shares the tale of “The Dancing Bear”.
The Weight Of One Good Deed
November 14, 2019 10:30 - 6 minutes - 14.1 MBA wealthy man dies at the age of 120. He wasn't a particularly good man, nor a particularly bad one. So, when asked by the heavenly court if he can think of a truly good deed he's done that will outweigh the bad, he recalls one in particular. However, he needs some help from his defending angel attorney to make his deed look better than it actually was. Originally included in the collection Three Times Chai by Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, this story compels us to reexamine our own deeds and if they...
Finding God on the Mountain
November 07, 2019 10:30 - 4 minutes - 9.15 MBA man was told that he could find God at the top of the highest mountain, so he climbed to the peak and waited patiently for God to show up. Join Rabbi Phyllis Sommer as she tells this story about what it truly means to find God in ways we might have never even considered.
Whatever You Do, Don't Bite Off the Pitom
October 17, 2019 09:30 - 6 minutes - 14.1 MBEvery year Moshe begs his father for an etrog, and every year, his father says they can’t afford it, until one special Sukkot when they scrimp and save and finally bring home an etrog. But what happens when Moshe can’t resist the pitom and Boris the Beet Borscht Baron from Belarus with very strong hands comes to bless the etrog? As Rabbi Steven Bob reminds us, “Whatever You Do, Don’t Bite Off the pitom”!
The Scholar and the Merchant
October 03, 2019 09:00 - 6 minutes - 13.9 MBWhen a scholar boards a ship with a group of merchants, the merchants are confused. What does a scholar have to sell that could compete with their radiant perfume and beautiful scarves? When pirates storm the ship, they find out in this story retold by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism. You can find a written version of this story, titled “The Sefer Torah,” in the book Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Stories by Laney Katz Becker.
What Did You Leave on the Table?
September 12, 2019 09:00 - 3 minutes - 7.64 MBIf somebody left something important at your house, would you give it to anyone else? That’s the question Mrs. Gold asks her daughter to encourage her to learn a life-long lesson. Find out what was left, and why this question contains such a crucial message, in this story retold by Cantor Ellen Dreskin.
Small Things
September 05, 2019 09:00 - 4 minutes - 9.64 MBA lovely stroll in the woods, a simple question from an astute 9 year old, and a little snow, remind us that often times it’s the small things that can make the biggest difference. This week, Rabbi Leora Kaye shares the wonderful tale of Small Things, based on a true story from Alice Myers.
Map Of The World
August 29, 2019 09:00 - 2 minutes - 6.08 MBSometimes, it may feel like we live in a huge world and that coming together and mending our connections is an enormous task that will take forever. However, as Rabbi Phyllis Sommer reminds us with this week’s story, Map of The World, sometimes, all it takes is one very smart class, a new perspective and a little tape.
Cottage of Candles
August 22, 2019 12:10 - 5 minutes - 13.5 MBWhen a man traveling the world in pursuit of justice walks into a dark forest, he discovers a cottage filled with oil candles, and he’s shown his designated candle. Listen in as Rabbi Fred Reeves shares the magical story of testing one’s moral compass.
Moishe’s Song
August 15, 2019 09:00 - 6 minutes - 14 MBHave you ever had a song get stuck in your head, that you just can’t get out? In “Moishe’s Song” Rabbi Rachel Heaps shares the story of Moishe’s melodic malady, and how his son’s love led to a beautiful cure and an important lesson.
The Right Question
August 08, 2019 09:00 - 4 minutes - 10.6 MBSometimes learning isn’t just about knowing the right answers, but about asking the right questions too. In Rabbi Scott Gellman’s telling of "The Question," a frustrated student and a wise teacher help us understand the value of seeing "the bigger picture." You can also find a version of this story in Three Times Chai by Laney Katz Becker.
The Grateful Grapes
August 01, 2019 09:00 - 4 minutes - 9.87 MBA farmer gifts a Kibbutz gatekeeper with a beautiful bunch of grapes, to thank him for always being so welcoming. Soon, the gift is shared in unexpected ways, and we learn that what goes around, really does come back around. Listen in as Rabbi Phyllis Sommer shares with us the wonderful story of the “Grateful Grapes”.
The Fable Of The Goat
July 25, 2019 09:00 - 6 minutes - 13.8 MBWhat happens when a string, a note, and an innocent goat lie between you and everything you never knew you needed? Rabbi Josh Weinberg reminds us that curiosity and patience should never be overlooked through his telling of Shai Agnon's The Fable of the Goat.
The Watchman
July 18, 2019 09:00 - 3 minutes - 7.27 MBSeveral merchants are traveling through town when Yohanan, a local villager, offers to give them room and board. The merchants fear their goods will be stolen if they don’t guard them during the night, but Yohanan assures them that the mysterious Watchman will assist them. Listen in as Lisa Langer shares the story of The Watchman, and reminds us that sometimes the best gift is what we give, and not what we get. You can also check out a version of this tale in Barbara Diamond Goldin’s book Cr...
The Feather Pillow
July 11, 2019 09:00 - 4 minutes - 9.86 MBWhat’s the difference between a story and gossip? Sometimes all it takes is a clever rabbi and an open window to find the answer. Join Ari Mosbacher as they share the tale of a man, a rumor and The Feather Pillow.
A Family's Gift
July 04, 2019 09:00 - 4 minutes - 11 MBA treasured gift, wrapped in more than just love, is passed down through Yoesel's family, from generation to generation. Listen in as Michelle Shapiro Abraham tells the story of the gift and what happens when it's finally revealed.
Two Visits to the Palace
June 27, 2019 09:00 - 3 minutes - 8.6 MBHow do you see beauty? Rabbi Leora Kaye tells the story of Adam and Joshua’s visit to the palace. While they each see something special and amazing in their individual experiences, it’s what they learn to see, through each other’s eyes, that’s truly beautiful.
The Window Box
June 20, 2019 09:00 - 3 minutes - 7.87 MBA woman, walking with her wife around Manhattan, hears a cricket. How could she have heard a cricket among all of the New York City noise? Cantor Rosalie Boxt, URJ Director of Worship tells the story. For a written version of this story, by Rabbi David E. Stern, read Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Stories edited by Laney Katz Becker.
How To Fix The World
June 13, 2019 09:00 - 5 minutes - 12.1 MBWe all want to make the world a little better, but as it turns out, it’s not always easy. Join Aliza Greenberg, as she tells the tale of Abigail and Ella, two women who try, try and try again, to make the world perfect, in their own eyes.