Stories We Tell

Latest Episodes:

Across the River Nov 16, 2017

Show notes

Two 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 Nov 09, 2017

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A 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 Nov 02, 2017

Show notes

When 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 Oct 26, 2017

Show notes

A 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.

Don't Apologize to Me, Apologize to Him Oct 19, 2017

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Joseph, on his way to a new town, meets a beggar on the train. His beard is tangled, his clothing is tattered, and he appears to be dirty. When the beggar speaks to Joseph, Joseph responds that they probably shouldn't speak to each other until they arrive at their destination. What happens next? Listen to this story, retold by Rabbi Marc Katz. For a written version of the story, read "Forgiveness" in Three Times Chai by Laney Katz Becker.

Buried Treasure Oct 11, 2017

Show notes

One 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.

Did You Bring your Umbrella? Sep 28, 2017

Show notes

A 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 Sep 20, 2017

Show notes

Two 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 the Temple Site was Chosen" in The Classic Tales: 4,000 Years of Jewish Lore by Ellen Frankel.

The Pebbles and the Stone Sep 14, 2017

Show notes

Two 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 Triangle Player Aug 31, 2017

Show notes

Just 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.

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