Stories We Tell

Stories We Tell: The Power of Shabbat

A man walking on Shabbat comes across a bag of gold. Again and again, the bag of gold pleads with the man to take him home - how much good he could do with it! But the man refuses. Why would he do that and what does he end up with as his reward? And is there something you care about so much that you would miss a golden opportunity? This story is shared by Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program for the Union For Reform Judaism.

Stories We Tell: Ezra's Sparkle

Rabbi Shapiro shares the story of Ezra, who tried and tried to find his special talent. Listen to find out what he learned. Do you know what it is you do best? How did you find it?

Stories We Tell: Honesty's Reward

Cantor Ellen Dreskin tells the story of a poor man who returned a rich man's money, trusting that because of  honesty and honor he would receive a reward. Things didn't go as planned when the miserly rich man tried to dodge his responsibility - for either of them! Has there been a time when being honest paid off in an unsual way? You can find a version of this story in 101 Jewish Stories.

Stories We Tell: Made to Hug

The Torah is always written on a scroll. Why is that? Why isn't it written in the sky or on the trees for everyone to see an admire? It turns out that the scroll is the perfect shape for one special reason.

Stories We Tell: The Spoonful of Oil

There was a young man who wanted to learn the secret of happiness. He sought out the advice of a wise man, who was too busy to talk with him at that moment but gave him a task: walk around and carry a spoon with two drops of oil and be careful to not let them spill. Listen to find out how this seemingly strange assignment taught the boy an important lesson.

Stories We Tell: Do You See the Big Picture?

Sometimes, it takes time to understand. In this story, two brothers learn how time is necessary to a farmer's work. Was there ever a time you needed to let something grow in order to see what it might turn into?

Stories We Tell: The Importance of an Etrog (Etrog as Big as a Horse)

Isaac’s favorite holiday was Sukkot, and his favorite part of Sukkot was the etrog. He always bought the biggest etrog he could afford, and he dreamed of even bigger ones. One year he had saved up for the biggest and most beautiful etrog, and on his way to buy it, he saw a man crying on the side of the road. What happened next? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a similar version of this story, see So What? in “The Jewish Story Finder: A Guide to 668 Tales Listing Subjects and Sources” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.

Stories We Tell: Sparks of Light

At the beginning of time, the Earth was wild and full of darkness—and then, in a moment, a voice shocked through the darkness: “Let there be light.” Shira Kline retells the story. For a written version of this story, see The Shattering of the Vessels and The Gathering of the Sparks, in “The Jewish Story Finder” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.

Stories We Tell: Chaim's Heart

There was once a little boy who really disliked school, and wouldn't learn. But one thing changed his life - and his heart - forever. Have you ever had a pivotal life changing moment?