Stories We Tell

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Our Guarantors Jun 14, 2018

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Before 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 Jun 07, 2018

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Rachel 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

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A 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 Seed May 24, 2018

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The king, who is ready to retire, is holding a contest to find his successor. He gives seeds to all of the young people in the kingdom, and tells them whoever can grow the finest tree, plant, or crop will become king. A young boy with a green thumb knows that he has a real shot at winning, but no matter what he does, he can't seem to make these plants grow. Can he make it work in time? Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz retells the story.

The Brother And The Car May 17, 2018

Show notes

A 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

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When 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

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Years 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 version of the story in Stories for Peace by Mark Binder.

The Golem Apr 26, 2018

Show notes

Times 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 Apr 19, 2018

Show notes

A 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 Apr 12, 2018

Show notes

When 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 "Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Stories," edited by Laney Katz Becker.

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