Stories We Tell

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I Made You Apr 05, 2018

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There was a man who, when he said his morning prayers, would add something new to the end every day. "Oh God, there is so much sickness in the world, why don't you do something?"" Well, why doesn't God do something? Cantor Ellen Dreskin retells the story.

The Samovar Mar 29, 2018

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Rivka is preparing for Yom Kippur when she gets an unexpected visitor. It's a stranger, who asks her to keep her samovar (a silver pot used for making tea) while she goes on a trip. Rivka agrees, and as soon as the woman leaves, curious things start to happen. How could a tea pot completely change Rivka's life? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a written version of this story, read Gabriel's Horn by Eric Kimmel, available from PJ Library.

How to Give a Blessing Mar 22, 2018

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A 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? Rabbi Marc Katz of Congregation Beth Elohim retells the classic story. For a written version, see "How Shall I Bless You?" in The Essential Jewish Stories collected, annotated, and retold by Seymour Rossel.

What Did You Leave on the Table? Mar 15, 2018

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If 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 Mar 08, 2018

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Once, 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 Forest Hills retells the story. For a written version, see "The Wooden Sword" in The Jewish Story Finder by Sharon Barcan Elswit.

The Miser's Slippers Mar 01, 2018

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Once, 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 written version of this story, titled "How It Feels to Be Poor," in The Essential Jewish Stories, collected, annotated, and retold by Seymour Rossel.

Banquet in Heaven Feb 22, 2018

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A 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 Cantor Ellen Dreskin.

God's Miracles Feb 15, 2018

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After 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 Stories edited by Laney Katz Becker.

The Shabbat Candlesticks Feb 08, 2018

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Rabbi 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 Essential Jewish Stories edited by Seymour Rossel.

The Wooden Bowl Feb 01, 2018

Show notes

When 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 Stories, collected, annotated, and retold by Seymour Rossel.

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