Stories We Tell
164 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 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
The Sultan's Horns
August 09, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutes - 8.6 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 Fur Coats and The Fireplaces
August 02, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutes - 6.7 MBThere was a town full of all kinds of people – some who were wealthy with money, some who were wealthy with relationships, and some who were wealthy with both. When a particularly bitter and brutal winter strikes the town, everybody does what they can to keep warm—but it’s not enough. What does one family, wealthy in both money and relationships, do to keep warm? Rabbi Leora Kaye tells the story, which she created based on a teaching from Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk.
The Magic Slippers
July 26, 2018 09:00 - 7 minutes - 12.6 MBAbu Kasim was a seller of rags, and day after day he would drudge through the streets begging people to buy something. One day, after sharing some bread with a beggar on the street, a beautiful woman gave him a gorgeous pair of slippers that just happened to fit him perfectly! Suddenly, Abu Kasim is selling his rags faster than ever before, and he is even able to open a shop and buy himself a new pair of slippers. What happens next? Michelle Shapiro Abraham tells the story, which is adapted ...
One Swing Too Many
July 19, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 6.16 MBYankel is hurrying home through the forest, carrying all of the earnings from the big sale he just made. When a robber jumps out from behind a tree and demands Yankel’s money, he comes up with a clever plan to escape the robber and keep his earnings – does it work? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a written version of this story, see One Shot Too Many in “The Jewish Story Finder” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
How We Grow
July 12, 2018 09:00 - 2 minutes - 4.39 MBTwo villagers were engaged in a friendly argument: do people grow from the feet up or the head down? After days of being unable to come to an agreement, they take their question to the rabbi. How do people grow? Lisa Langer, Associate Director of Congregational Innovation at the Union for Reform Judaism retells the classic story. For a written version of the story, see How We Grow in “The Jewish Story Finder.”
The Greatest Gift
July 05, 2018 09:00 - 7 minutes - 12.1 MBIt’s time for the princess to get married, and the king and queen want to make sure that she marries her best match. There are three brothers in the running, and in order to decide which one will marry the princess, the king and queen set up a contest: the brother who gives the princess the greatest gift will become her husband. The brothers travel far and wide, and the oldest finds a magic carpet, the middle brother finds a magic mirror, and the youngest finds a special apple. Which gift is...
Miriam The Wise
June 28, 2018 09:00 - 8 minutes - 14.2 MBThe tailor and the innkeeper were great friends even though they often argued, and one day, they couldn’t come to an agreement about which one of them knew more about life. Luckily, the prince, who was known for his wisdom, overheard, and gave them a riddle to help solve the argument. Whichever one of them could solve the riddle would be the one that knew more about life. Who figures it out?, who helps them, and what does the prince learn himself? Michelle Shapiro Abraham retells the story,...
Where is your target?
June 21, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 5.07 MBThe prince goes to study with a master archer to become the best in the land. When he finishes his studies and heads back home, he stops at an inn and sees a barn covered with arrows stuck perfectly in the middle of targets, clearly the work of another excellent archer. The prince sets out to find this archer—who are they and how do they do it? Rabbi Leora Kaye retells the story. For a written version, see The Perfect Story in The Essential Jewish Stories, collected, annotated, and retold by...
Our Guarantors
June 14, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutes - 6.15 MBBefore giving Moses the Torah, God needed a guarantee that the Torah would be taken care of, kept safe, and treated as preciously as it should be. God told Moses to find a group of guarantors who could make sure of this, but with 600,000 Israelites waiting for the Torah, it wasn’t so easy. How does Moses figure it out? Rabbi Matt Gewirtz retells the story. For a written version, see Our Children Should Be Our Guarantors in “The Classic Tales: 4,000 Years of Jewish Lore” by Ellen Frankel.
The Very Best Shabbat Challah
June 07, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutes - 8.34 MBRachel and Elana make the very best challah with a secret family recipe—and even though they won’t share the recipe, they’re happy to share some of the finished product with anybody who wants it. But Michael wants the recipe, and he thinks he has the perfect plan to get it. Does it work? Michelle Shapiro Abraham, the Union for Reform Judaism’s Director of Learning and Innovation, retells the story.
Just Ask
May 31, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 5.17 MBA father and daughter go on a trip together, and on the way home they realize that something is wrong with a bolt on their wagon. When a farmer approaches and offers them anything they need, they ask him for a new bolt… will that fix it? Rabbi Leora Kaye retells the story in this episode of Stories We Tell.
The Brother And The Car
May 17, 2018 09:00 - 2 minutes - 4.03 MBA man was very proud of his new car—it was sleek, new, and everything about it screamed luxury and comfort. One day, the man sees a young boy looking at the car, so he starts a conversation and tells the boy that it was a gift from his brother. The boy was shocked, but what the boy says next is a bigger surprise to the man. Listen to Cantor Ellen Dreskin retell the story, and for a written version, see A Brother Like That in Chicken Soup for the Soul: 20th Anniversary Edition.
The Wedding Gift
May 10, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutes - 6.29 MBWhen the king’s daughter gets engaged, he plans an elaborate and exquisite wedding for her. Most importantly, the king tells his oldest son that he’ll cover any expenses as long as the son shows up in the most amazing carriage, wearing the most elegant clothing and jewelry, and with his younger brother in tow, all in honor of the bride. Does the older son earn this gift from the king, or does he fall short? Rabbi Marc Katz retells the story.
Chiribim and Chiribam
May 03, 2018 09:00 - 7 minutes - 9.73 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 Boxt retells the story. You can find a written vers...
The Golem
April 26, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutes - 7.2 MBTimes were difficult for the Jewish people in Prague —the soldiers fighting against them were too strong, and the Jewish people didn’t have the tools to protect themselves. Rabbi Loew knew he had to do something, so late one night, he created the Golem. Could the Golem protect the Jewish people? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the classic story. For a written version of this story, see The Golem of Prague in “The Classic Tales: 4,000 Years of Jewish Lore.”
A Treasure to Find
April 19, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 5.86 MBA long time ago, shortly before he passed away, a man told his three sons that there was treasure buried in their backyard. Even though they didn’t get along, the brothers immediately got to work. After digging and searching for months, they had torn up the entire yard and still not found a thing. What could they do? Rabbi Marc Katz retells the classic story. For a written version, see The Hidden Treasure in “The Jewish Story Finder” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
A Room For A Princess
April 12, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutes - 10.9 MBWhen the king is blessed with a baby girl, he commissions four artists--one to create a mural for each wall of her room. The artist who creates the most beautiful mural will be rewarded with a pot of gold. Three of the artists get to work right away, but one takes his time, sitting and thinking and even sleeping on the job. What happens when the big day arrives? Cantor Rosalie Boxt retells the story. For a written version of this story, see A Room for a Prince by Rabbi Jerome K. Davidson in ...
How to Give a Blessing
March 22, 2018 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.11 MBA man wandering the desert grows thirsty, tired, and hungry, but for miles, all he sees around him is sand. Finally, he comes upon an oasis: a puddle right next to a big, lush tree. After relaxing for a bit, he gathers some branches for building fires and fruit to sustain him for the rest of his journey. Before he leaves, he wants to offer the tree a blessing in return for what the tree has given him. What kind of blessing can he leave for a tree that is already tall, grounded, and lush? Rab...
What Did You Leave on the Table?
March 15, 2018 08:00 - 3 minutes - 2.95 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.
The Wooden Sword
March 08, 2018 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.23 MBOnce, there was a king who set out on a mission in his kingdom to learn about his reputation. He travelled from town to town and eventually met a happy old man and his wife. After asking them why they were so joyous, they replied, “God takes care of us.” The king was furious—it’s him who takes care of the people, not God! What the man and his wife do next teach everyone in the kingdom, including the king, what it means to be taken care of. Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, the rabbi at Reform Temple of ...
The Miser's Slippers
March 01, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 3.64 MBOnce, there was a family who had quite a bit of money. They were always warm and well fed, and often bought toys for their children and gifts for each other. But, when the rabbi would come by and ask if they could give to support those in the community who were not always warm and could not always afford food, they would say no. Why not, and what would it take for them to start giving? Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program at the Union for Reform Judaism, retells the story. You can read a wr...
Banquet in Heaven
February 22, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutes - 3.93 MBA righteous person was invited by God to see a preview of the world to come. He entered a celestial palace and saw a large banquet table filled with delicious food, but nobody around the table was eating. They were obviously hungry, so why weren’t they touching the food? In another room in the same palace he sees the same table piled high with food, but in this room the people around the table are joyous. What happened differently between the two rooms? Find out in this story, retold by Cant...
God's Miracles
February 15, 2018 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.76 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 Boxt 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 Shabbat Candlesticks
February 08, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBRabbi Yechiel had a pair of candlesticks, and they were his most prized possessions. Every Shabbat, he would shine them until they sparkled and place them on his table. One Shabbat, the candlesticks weren't there! Rabbi Yechiel looks all around town for them, but when he sees his candlesticks through the window of a poor family's home, what does he do? Rabbi Leah Berkowitz tells the story. For a written version of this story, attributed to I.L. Peretz and Victor Hugo, read p. 202-203 in The ...
The Wooden Bowl
February 01, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.57 MBWhen a wealthy older man decides to retire, he gives his business and home to his son. The son is so grateful, and it shows in his actions. But when he has a son of his own, and grows busier with work, his actions start to change. Does he ever make time for his father again? Cantor Ellen Dreskin tells the story that teaches an important lesson about expressing gratitude and caring for those who care for us. For a written version of the story, see “The Wooden Bowl” in The Essential Jewish Sto...
The Bird Trap
January 25, 2018 09:00 - 2 minutes - 2.54 MBA happy little girl sits with her mother, but her mother is confused: why is the girl happy, even though she knows her brother did something that upset her? The girl's answer teaches an important lesson about the difference between praying for something, and taking action. Rabbi Leora Kaye retells the story, which can be found on page 322 in A Complete Treasury of Stories for Public Speakers compiled and edited by Morris Mandel.
The Window Box
January 18, 2018 09:00 - 3 minutes - 3.15 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.
Yukel the Water Carrier
January 04, 2018 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.32 MBOn a hot day, the rabbi and his students check in on Yukel the water carrier. After carrying the water buckets day after day, month after month, year after year, how is he feeling? And when they ask him a few weeks later, is his answer the same? Cantor Rosalie Boxt tells the story and teaches an important lesson about finding blessings, even when they may be hard to see. You can find a written version of this story, by Rabbi Nancy Wechsler-Azen, in Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favo...
This Too
December 28, 2017 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.93 MBBenaiah was King Solomon’s favorite servant, and he was very good at his job – maybe a little too good. In order to humble Benaiah, the king assigned him an impossible task: find a magical ring that can make the king happy when he’s sad and sad when he’s happy. Can Benaiah do it? This story is retold by Rabbi Leah Berkowitz, spiritual leader of Vassar Temple in Poughkeepsie, NY.
The Lamps
December 21, 2017 09:00 - 3 minutes - 3.41 MBAs a wealthy man grows old, he begins to consider the legacy he will leave behind for his community. He decides to build a beautiful synagogue – but intentionally constructs it without and lamps or lighting. His legacy to the townspeople, it turns out, is not just an architectural wonder, but a valuable lesson about the light we bring to our own communities and to the world. This story is told by Cantor Ellen Dreskin.
Building the Temple
December 14, 2017 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.01 MBWhen King Solomon decided to build the temple in Jerusalem, he hired the best artists, architects, and stonemasons. The work came along a little slower than King Solomon expected, and he decided to check in on what was taking so long. What did he find? Listen to this story, retold by Cantor Rosalie Boxt.
Shema
December 07, 2017 09:00 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MBThe queen wanted to pray, but she was worried that she might do it wrong. She convened a gathering of many people to figure out the best sound with which to approach prayer. And together, they came up with “shema.” Why? Listen to this story, retold by Cantor Ellen Dreskin, to find out.
The Guard Between Two Lands
November 30, 2017 09:00 - 3 minutes - 3.27 MBA border guard sees the same man, with his bicycle basket full of sand, at the same time every single day. What could he possibly be doing with all that sand? Listen to this story, retold by Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program at the Union for Reform Judaism, to find out.
The Wine in the Cask
November 23, 2017 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MBThe princess is turning 16, and the king wants to throw a big party in her honor. For the party, he has a great idea: he’ll get a cask, two stories high, and have everyone in the land bring their finest wine to contribute. How does it turn out? Rabbi Marc Katz retells the classic story in this episode of Stories We Tell.
Across the River
November 16, 2017 09:00 - 3 minutes - 3.44 MBTwo families live across the river from each other. They start out as friends, supporting each other through life’s events. But, eventually, things change, and they grow apart. What could bring these families back together? Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program for the Union for Reform Judaism, retells the story.
The Challah and the Ark
November 09, 2017 09:00 - 7 minutes - 7.32 MBA baker decides that he wants to give a loaf of Challah to God on Shabbat. He leaves the challah in his synagogue’s ark before Shabbat begins on Friday, and to his surprise, the loaf is no longer there the next morning! Did God take the challah? Find out what happened in this story retold by Rabbi Marc Katz. To read this story, read “Challahs in the Ark” in The Jewish Story Finder by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
The Scholar and the Merchants
November 02, 2017 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.37 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.
Coals in the Fire
October 26, 2017 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBA rabbi visits a congregant’s home after realizing that she hasn’t been coming to synagogue as often as before. Of course, the congregant learns an important lesson in the process. This story is retold by Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program at the Union for Reform Judaism.
Buried Treasure
October 11, 2017 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.33 MBOne night, a poor man dreams that there is treasure buried underneath the King’s castle in Vienna. He doesn’t think anything of it, until he has the dream the next night, and the next night, and the night after that. What does he do? Listen to this story, retold by Cantor Ellen Dreskin. For a written version, find story 264 in The Classic Tales: 4,000 Years of Jewish Lore, first edition, by Ellen Frankel.
King Solomon and the Bee
October 04, 2017 08:00 - 5 minutes - 4.59 MBWhen the Queen of Sheba visits King Solomon, she presents him with many beautiful flowers. But the flowers aren’t as perfect as they seem, and they come with a puzzle that King Solomon must solve. For a written version of this story, retold by Jerry Kaye, Emeritus Director of URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute, see story 101 in The Classic Jewish Tales: 4,000 Years of Jewish Folklore, by Ellen Frankel.
Did You Bring your Umbrella?
September 28, 2017 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBA community experiences a terrible drought, so everybody, including a smart young boy, gathers together to pray for rain. Does it work, and what does it teach the community about having faith? Listen to this story, retold by Rabbi Leora Kaye.
Two Brothers of Jerusalem
September 20, 2017 08:00 - 6 minutes - 5.95 MBTwo brothers lived on different sides of the same mountain, one with a large family and one by himself. They didn’t see each other much, but they were supportive of each other. In fact, their support for each other was so strong that one specific act even inspired the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. What could they possibly have done to inspire such an important landmark? Listen to this retelling, by Rabbi Marc Katz, of the classic story. For a written version of this story, read “How t...
The Pebbles and the Stone
September 14, 2017 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.06 MBTwo students speak to their rabbi as they prepare for the Days of Awe. When the rabbi asks the students if they can describe a time when they wronged somebody else, one of them can’t seem to remember any such time. How does the rabbi respond? Find out in this story, retold by Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism.
The Scratch in the Ruby
September 07, 2017 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.99 MBEvery year for his birthday, the king invites the entire kingdom to get a glimpse of a beautiful ruby of magnificent color and splendor. For the rest of the year the ruby is tucked away in a box, making this tradition extra special and joyous. But one year, everybody’s joy turns to horror when they find a large scratch on the ruby! What will they do about it? Jerry Kaye, director emeritus of the URJ’s Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute camp tells this story, and reveals an important lesson about...
The Scratch in the Ruby
September 07, 2017 08:00 - 7 minutes - 6.99 MBEvery year for his birthday, the king invites the entire kingdom to get a glimpse of a beautiful ruby of magnificent color and splendor. For the rest of the year the ruby is tucked away in a box, making this tradition extra special and joyous. But one year, everybody’s joy turns to horror when they find a large scratch on the ruby! What will they do about it? Jerry Kaye, director emeritus of the URJ’s Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute camp tells this story, and reveals an important lesson about...
The Triangle Player
August 31, 2017 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.36 MBJust at the end of creation, God decides to bring the angels together for the best concert anyone has ever seen. The ten best musicians of every instrument are assembled, but for some reason, there is only one best triangle player. That’s a lot of pressure for just one musician – can they live up to it? Find out in this story, retold by Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program at the Union for Reform Judaism.
When the Clocks Stop
August 24, 2017 08:00 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MBIn a town in Eastern Europe many years ago, all of the clocks mysteriously stopped working at the same time. The townspeople tried many different methods, but after years they still couldn’t get the clocks to work again. So, what happens when a clock expert visits the town? Listen to this story, retold by Rabbi Marc Katz, to find out.
Why we Cover the Challah
August 17, 2017 08:00 - 8 minutes - 7.43 MBCantor Ellen Dreskin retells the story of a man who is so excited to have his rabbi over for Shabbat dinner. He and his family prepare for three days, but when they finally sit down for dinner and begin the Shabbat blessings, they discover that they forgot to put a cover on the challah. Find out what happens next, and what important lesson they learn about why we cover the challah, in this episode of Stories We Tell.
The Ba'al Shem Tov's Bucket
August 10, 2017 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.1 MBThe Ba’al Shem Tov was a great teacher and shochet (ritual slaughterer) in the 18th century who, after many years, decided to retire as a shochet and sell his tools. While visiting his sale, his customers were surprised to learn about his untraditional methods, and the great amount of compassion that went into his slaughtering process. This story is retold by Jerry Kaye, director of URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby institute.
The Spice Merchant
August 03, 2017 08:00 - 3 minutes - 3.48 MBWhen a father falls on hard times, he worries that he won’t be able to bring his family their weekly Shabbat gift. While he does end up giving them a gift, it’s one that even surprises him. This story is inspired by Midrash Mishlei (Proverbs) 13:20 and told by Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program at the URJ.