PJ Library Presents: Have I Got A Story For You!

Today we’re reading a section from the Song of Songs, found in the Tanach.  Some believe that King Solomon might have written this poem about someone he loved. Several Jewish sages think of the poem as a metaphor for the love between God and human beings. Another way you could imagine parts of this poem, which is often read by Jewish families on Shabbat, is about the beautiful and unbreakable love between parents and children.

This story was narrated by Blair Which. Our music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Have I Got a Story For You! is produced by Alli Thresher for PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, all rights reserved. 

Today’s story comes from the second Book of Kings in the Tanach. It’s a story about how much we can learn from mentors, and how we carry our friends with us, even when we are not always with them.

This story was written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, edited by Jessica McCormick and Danny Paller, and narrated by Eliran Hirsh. Music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.
Have I Got a Story For You! is produced by Alli Thresher for PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, all rights reserved. 

Today’s story, “Daniel in the Lion’s Den,” comes from the Book of Daniel. That’s the part of the Bible called "Ketuvim," which is the Hebrew word for “writings.”

This story was written by Emma Carlson Berne and Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh and narrated by Hannah Joelle. Our music is licensed through Epidemic Sound. Produced by Alli Thresher for PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, all rights reserved. 

Today we’re going to listen to a Torah story you may already be familiar with – the creation of the world, from the book of B’reshit, or Genesis.

Narrated by Marcus Goldhaber
Music licensed through Epidemic Sound
Have I Got a Story For You! is a production of PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, all rights reserved. 

A special episode just in time for Passover - the story of Moses and the burning bush. 

This episode was written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh and produced by Alli Thresher for PJ Library. Our music is licensed from Epidemic Sound. Special thanks to Danny Paller. 

For free Passover resources including recipes, activities, and a haggadah, visit pjlibrary.org/passover#podcast

Moses led the Jews to freedom in the book of Exodus. As a baby, he was saved when his mother hid him in a basket that floated down the river.

This episode was written by Emma Carlson Berne, narrated by  Percy Blythe, and produced by Alli Thresher. Our music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

PJ Library is so happy to announce the new chapter of our award-winning storytelling podcast Have I Got a Story for You! We just launched eight special Torah Stories episodes that bring timeless biblical characters and themes to life. Kids ages 5+ will enjoy tales of Moses, Ruth, Joseph, Aaron, Rebekah, the Tower of Babel, and more.  

 
We may be shouting about the launch, but the stories themselves are narrated in a calm, kid-friendly tone that’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or a drive in the car. For special sleepy-time visuals, please visit our YouTube channel. 

For more information, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast  

Many years after the great flood, Noah’s descendants were tired of wandering and traveling. The people decided to settle on a wide plain. Many many years – and generations – had passed since the flood. Some people didn’t even remember it -- and they had grown vain and had forgotten the promises they had made to God.

This episode was written and produced by Alli Thresher and narrated by Richard Wentworth. Music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

PJ Library is so happy to announce the new chapter of our award-winning storytelling podcast Have I Got a Story for You! We just launched eight special Torah Stories episodes that bring timeless biblical characters and themes to life. Kids ages 5+ will enjoy tales of Moses, Ruth, Joseph, Aaron, Rebekah, the Tower of Babel, and more.  

 
We may be shouting about the launch, but the stories themselves are narrated in a calm, kid-friendly tone that’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or a drive in the car. For special sleepy-time visuals, please visit our YouTube channel. 

For more information, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast  

The original story of Jonah appears in the Prophets section of the Tanakh (an acronym
that stands for the three parts of the Hebrew Bible: Torah, the five books of Moses; Nevi’im, the Prophets; and Ketuvim, which means “writings"). Certain books from different parts of the Tanakh are read on different Jewish holidays throughout the year. The book of Jonah is paired up with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement — and when you listen to this story, you will understand why. 

This episode was adapted from a story written for PJ Library's guide, a Time to Grow, by Danny Paller. It is narrated by Richard Wentworth. All of our music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

PJ Library is so happy to announce the new chapter of our award-winning storytelling podcast Have I Got a Story for You! We just launched eight special Torah Stories episodes that bring timeless biblical characters and themes to life. Kids ages 5+ will enjoy tales of Moses, Ruth, Joseph, Aaron, Rebekah, the Tower of Babel, and more.  

 
We may be shouting about the launch, but the stories themselves are narrated in a calm, kid-friendly tone that’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or a drive in the car. For special sleepy-time visuals, please visit our YouTube channel. 

For more information, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast  

This is part one of the story of Joseph and his brothers.

PJ Library is so happy to announce the new chapter of our award-winning storytelling podcast Have I Got a Story for You! We just launched eight special Torah Stories episodes that bring timeless biblical characters and themes to life. Kids ages 5+ will enjoy tales of Moses, Ruth, Joseph, Aaron, Rebekah, the Tower of Babel, and more.  

 
We may be shouting about the launch, but the stories themselves are narrated in a calm, kid-friendly tone that’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or a drive in the car. For special sleepy-time visuals, please visit our YouTube channel. 

For more information, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast

This episode was written by Emma Carlson Berne and produced by Alli Thresher. All music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

This episode was written and produced by Alli Thresher. The story was narrated by Richard Wentworth. All music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

PJ Library is so happy to announce the new chapter of our award-winning storytelling podcast Have I Got a Story for You! We just launched eight special Torah Stories episodes that bring timeless biblical characters and themes to life. Kids ages 5+ will enjoy tales of Moses, Ruth, Joseph, Aaron, Rebekah, the Tower of Babel, and more.  

 
We may be shouting about the launch, but the stories themselves are narrated in a calm, kid-friendly tone that’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or a drive in the car. For special sleepy-time visuals, please visit our YouTube channel. 

For more information, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast

PJ Library is so happy to announce the new chapter of our award-winning storytelling podcast Have I Got a Story for You! We just launched eight special Torah Stories episodes that bring timeless biblical characters and themes to life. Kids ages 5+ will enjoy tales of Moses, Ruth, Joseph, Aaron, Rebekah, the Tower of Babel, and more.  

 
We may be shouting about the launch, but the stories themselves are narrated in a calm, kid-friendly tone that’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or a drive in the car. For special sleepy-time visuals, please visit our YouTube channel. 

For more information, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast  

This episode was written by Emma Carlson Berne, narrated by  Percy Blythe, and produced by Alli Thresher. Music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

PJ Library is so happy to announce the new chapter of our award-winning storytelling podcast Have I Got a Story for You! We just launched eight special Torah Stories episodes that bring timeless biblical characters and themes to life. Kids ages 5+ will enjoy tales of Moses, Ruth, Joseph, Aaron, Rebekah, the Tower of Babel, and more.  

 We may be shouting about the launch, but the stories themselves are narrated in a calm, kid-friendly tone that’s perfect for bedtime, quiet playtime, or a drive in the car. For special sleepy-time visuals, please visit our YouTube channel. 

Today’s story is about Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Their story comes from the Book of Ruth, which is traditionally read on the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

For more information, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast  

This episode was written by Emma Carlson Berne, narrated by  Daniella Rabbani, and produced by Alli Thresher. All music is licensed through Epidemic Sound.

Each Friday evening, families around the world begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. This week, we have a playlist featuring stories all about Shabbat. 

If you like what you hear, be sure to visit our other shows by searching PJ Library. 

Enjoy a one-minute preview of Radio Chitaika, a new podcast for Russian and Ukrainian speakers. Search "Radio Chitaika" wherever you like to enjoy podcasts to subscribe.

Premiering this fall -- a new podcast from PJ Library Presents! Radio Chitaika features folk tales, beloved books, and Jewish stories, read aloud in Russian or Ukrainian by talented readers such as Gera Sandler, Marsha Pruss, Angelina Statyeva and more! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 

Welcome to a bonus episode – Today our question actually comes from a grown-up (Rachel from PJ Our Way) and she wants some book recommendations. The panel chime in with their favorite PJ Our Way stories that feature bar and bat mitzvahs.

This episode features a question from Alexis. 

This bite is all about writing speeches.

How did the Covid 19 pandemic impact Ellery’s bat mitzvah? What’s it like to have your ceremony over zoom? Let’s dive in with Linus.

How important are hugs? Very, very important. The panel tackle some big topics in this episode. 

During this episode Ellery offers her advice to Gabriella about the importance of practice – and balance.

Welcome to B-Mitzvah Bites– a new, bite-sized podcast from PJ Library! Each episode, you’ll hear real kids ask the hard-hitting questions about how to prepare for their b’nai mitzvah. The best part? They’ll receive answers and real-life examples from older kids who recently celebrated this incredible milestone. Our panel covers everything from who to invite, how far in advance to start preparing, tips for memorizing the torah portion, how to deal with nerves, book recommendations, and more!

Listen to a preview of PJ Library's newest show, Beyond the Bookcase. Ready to hear more? Subscribe to Beyond the Bookcase wherever you listen to podcasts.

PJ Library Presents: Beyond the Bookcase, launches October 18th, 2021. Subscribe wherever you love to listen to podcasts.

Learn more at pjlibrary.org/podcast

PJ Library Presents: Afternoons With Mimi, launches October 4, 2021. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and learn more at pjlibrary.org/podcast.

Welcome to a very special episode of Have I Got a Story For You! Today's story was written by PJ Library's founder, Harold Grinspoon and Vivian Newman. Join young Harold and his best buddy Diane, as they journey behind a heavy door, through dark, mysterious tunnels, and back to freedom. Will they triumph over the darkness, the evil dust bunnies, the rabbi's singing? Find out in today's season finale, Behind the Door!

Today Rita narrates an audiobook for listeners: The Magical Letter. 

As he discovers writing, Nitai decides to write his first letter to his mother. The story, told from the viewpoint of the simple white page, tells how Nitai’s letter, passed from person to person, magically touches each one. This charming book speaks to the power of words to bring joy, to bridge difference and to express compassion and to encourage.

The Magical Letter, written and illustrated by Elinor Milchan. Published by Yedioth Ahronoth Books. Translated to Hebrew, for Sifriyat Pijama by Adi Zelichov Relevy. To learn more, visit https://eng.pjisrael.org/book/the-magical-letter/

Travel back in time to the village of Rosgart for a very rainy Shabbat. Ira and his father Jacob take great pride in baking the best challah in town -- and remembering every customer's order. But what happens when a small early Saturday morning drizzle turns into a downpour and then a flood unlike any Rosgart has ever seen? Rita, Jacob, and Ira get very creative to make sure everyone can enjoy Shabbat.

This fictional episode is inspired by a very true story about an intrepid baker and a flood in Texas. 

Have I Got a Story For You is a production of PJ Library

Executive producers: Meredith Lewis, Alli Thresher
Director: Alli Thresher
Additional production: Craig Rossein
Website design: Christina Rizer
Audio editing, mixing and mastering: Peter Moore
Score: Peter Moore
Recorded at Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA.
Cover art: Barb Bastian
Story editor: Alan Silberberg
This episode was written by Jan Schwaid

Cast:

Narrator, Rita Toomey: Madelaine Ripley

Jacob: Walter Sickert

Ira: Zad Gravebone

Mr. Berkowitz/Mrs. Liebovitz: Rich Wentworth

Mr. Zimmer/ Mr. Fine: Kristofer Jenson

Mrs. Lewis; Mrs. Fine: Jen Kenneally

How will Rabbi Akiva get over his embarrassment and learn to read when all the pupils in the class are children and he is already a grown man? In this charming, modern version of a Talmudic tale, Rabbi Akiva’s clever wife, Rachel, shows him that one should never let shyness or fear of embarrassment stand in the way of learning.

The Donkey and the Garden is written by Devora Busheri, illustrated by Menahem Halberstad, and published in English by Green Bean Books. This title was also a selection sent to children in PJ Library's sister program, Sifriyat Pijama.

Have I Got a Story For You is a production of PJ Library

The Donkey and the Garden by Devora Busheri, illustrated by Menahem Halberstad, distributed and published in English by Green Bean Books.
Executive producers: Meredith Lewis, Alli Thresher
Director: Alli Thresher
Additional production: Craig Rossein
Website design: Christina Rizer
Audio editing, mixing and mastering: Peter Moore
Score: Peter Moore
Recorded at Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA.
Cover art: Barb Bastian

Cast:

Narrator, Rita Toomey: Madelaine Ripley
Rabbi Akiva: Walter Alice Sickert
Rachel: Gwen D'Angelo
Ensemble voices: Mike D'Angelo, Peter Moore, Edrie
Children's voices: Wednesday Alice and Bowie D'Angelo

Get ready for Passover with Have I Got a Story For You! Learn the Passover story, practice the Four Questions, and follow a pirate on an epic afikomen hunt. For everything you need to enjoy Passover with your family, visit pjlibrary.org/passover.