Stories We Tell

Latest Episodes:

Devorah and the Gold Coins Feb 13, 2020

Show notes

Devorah's friend Yoel has the right intentions when she asks him to watch over her prized possessions. However, just like honey, sometimes friendship can be both sticky and sweet. Join Rabbi Lisa Delson, as she shares the story of Devorah and the Gold Coins

The Boastful Farmer Feb 06, 2020

Show notes

Have you ever felt like you were the smartest or most important person in the room, only to realize you're just as dependent on others as they are on you? This week, Rabbi Phyllis Sommer of Am Shalom in Glencoe, IL shares a story about a boastful farmer who had to learn this lesson himself.

What It Takes To Get In Jan 30, 2020

Show notes

Three souls are met by the Heavenly Tribunal as they approach the gates of Paradise: a learned rabbi, a pious man, and a tavern keeper. Each one makes their case as to why they should enter Paradise, but who among them instantly earns the Tribunal's favor?

The Bird Catcher Jan 23, 2020

Show notes

This week, Rabbi Simcha Bob tells the story of a woman who catches and sells birds for a living. One day, she comes across a beautiful bird who can speak and even promises her 3 pieces of wisdom if she releases him. Through this story. Rabbi Bob compels us to think about how well we listen to the advice of others and the ways in which we impart wisdom as well.

Get Up And Go Early Jan 16, 2020

Show notes

We've all had days when we have so many things to do, but we just want to stay in bed and put our tasks off for later. This week, Rabbi Leora Kaye tells a story about a rabbi who faced that very same temptation head-on, showing us how we too can push through our temptation and "get up and go early."

My Grandfather's Kittel Jan 09, 2020

Show notes

In the early 1900s, an elderly Jewish man named Shmulik prays at his synagogue on Yom Kippur. He suddenly faints, only for a fellow congregant to offer him his kittel (traditional ritual garb) to keep him warm. The grandson of that congregant, Rabbi Jonathan Biatch, reflects on this story and how it connects to being a compassionate, caring, and dedicated person to those we cherish the most.

I Made You Dec 26, 2019

Show notes

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 Dec 19, 2019

Show notes

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.

Chiribim Dec 12, 2019

Show notes

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 Will retells the story. You can find a written version of the story in Stories for Peace by Mark Binder.

The Seed Dec 05, 2019

Show notes

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.

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