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Sometimes the darkest moments bring out the light and opportunities arise for adversaries to become advocates. This week, in Parashat Balak, we learn about King Balak, who fears the Israelites and decides to have them cursed. Balak’s hired soothsayer tries to curse the Israelites three times, but the words that come forth are a wonderful surprise, which can inspire us all.

In this episode: Who runs the world? Chances are high that soon it will be Amanda Ryan, a Nebraskan Latina community bridge builder.

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.

Every year Moshe begs his father for an etrog, and every year, his father says they can’t afford it, until one special Sukkot when they scrimp and save and finally bring home an etrog. But what happens when Moshe can’t resist the pitom and Boris the Beet Borscht Baron from Belarus with very strong hands comes to bless the etrog? As Rabbi Steven Bob reminds us, “Whatever You Do, Don’t Bite Off the pitom”!

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.

As the Great Flood was approaching, animals lined up to make their case to Noah about why they should get a spot on the ark: strength, size, cleverness, skill… listen to this story by Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro to see why Noah chose the Dove.

In this episode: Meet Everlyn Hunter, a west-coast psychologist who is insightful and honest, refreshingly real, and ready to stand-up and claim all of her "ands".

Have you ever been so overwhelmed with a feeling that you just have to laugh? Have you ever experienced a situation where you thought you knew what was happening, and then realized you didn’t? Listen to this story by Michelle Shapiro Abraham to find out why the rabbi laughed, and what his students learned.

Aaron and David love studying Torah, and even want it to be their livelihood. But a truth-telling rabbi may send them down a different path. Join Rabbi Leora Kaye as she tells a story which reminds us that we can sometimes reach our dream destination by traversing an unexpected path.