Stories We Tell

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The Bird Trap Jan 25, 2018

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A 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 Jan 18, 2018

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A 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.

A Crack in the Water Bucket Jan 11, 2018

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Back in the days before indoor plumbing, water carriers would bring water to those who needed it. One water carrier carried the same two buckets each day, and even though one of them had a leak, he never seemed to do anything about it. The reason why teaches an important lesson about finding blessings, even when things may seem broken. Cantor Ellen Dreskin tells the story.

Yukel the Water Carrier Jan 04, 2018

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On 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 Favorite Stories edited by Laney Katz Becker.

This Too Dec 28, 2017

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Benaiah 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 Dec 21, 2017

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As 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 Dec 14, 2017

Show notes

When 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 Dec 07, 2017

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The 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 Nov 30, 2017

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A 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 Nov 23, 2017

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The 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.

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