Cantor Ellen Dreskin retells the story of a man who is so excited to have his rabbi over for Shabbat dinner. He and his family prepare for three days, but when they finally sit down for dinner and begin the Shabbat blessings, they discover that they forgot to put a cover on the challah. Find out what happens next, and what important lesson they learn about why we cover the challah, in this episode of Stories We Tell.

The Ba’al Shem Tov was a great teacher and shochet (ritual slaughterer) in the 18th century who, after many years, decided to retire as a shochet and sell his tools. While visiting his sale, his customers were surprised to learn about his untraditional methods, and the great amount of compassion that went into his slaughtering process. This story is retold by Jerry Kaye, director of URJ Olin-Sang-Ruby institute.

When a father falls on hard times, he worries that he won’t be able to bring his family their weekly Shabbat gift. While he does end up giving them a gift, it’s one that even surprises him. This story is inspired by Midrash Mishlei (Proverbs)  13:20 and told by Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program at the URJ.

Rabbi Marc Katz retells the story of Yussele, a rich man in Krakow who has passed away. Yussele has a negative reputation in his community for turning people away in times of need, and the townspeople look forward to getting their revenge. But when they do, they learn a valuable lesson about passing judgment, and what generosity really means. Another version of this story appears in The Jewish Story Finder as story 552, “A Secret Gift.”

Joseph, a tailor, had a beautiful coat of many colors just like the Joseph in the Torah. When his coat rips, he’s unsure of what to do next. Should he try to preserve it, or start fresh? In this beloved story retold by Cantor Ellen Dreskin, Joseph learns an important lesson about moving forward. For another version of this story, read Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman.

When a student of the Hafetz Hayim, a famous nineteenth century rabbi, is arrested on a false accusation, his lawyer asks the judge if the Hafetz Hayim can testify on his behalf. The judge is unsure, until the lawyer tells him a story about the Hafetz Hayim that makes his answer easy. Listen to Rabbi Leora Kaye, URJ Director of Program, retell this story.

A poor child is designated king, and he grows up to be the best king his kingdom has ever seen. So, what’s his secret? Find out in this story retold by Rabbi Marc Katz. You can also read another version of this story, retold by Rabbi Amy Scheinerman.

When a farmer goes away, she offers an opportunity to her children: the one who best takes care of the crops will inherit the farm when she retires. Each child has a different approach that leads to varying results, none of them exactly sure of what the farmer had in mind. But the farmer’s ultimate choice teaches an important lesson about sharing our potential.

A man stands in the town square and proclaims to his community that he has the best and most beautiful heart. Everybody agrees with him, except for Rabbi Akiva who thinks he has the best and most beautiful heart -  though it may not look like it is. So, which person does? Find out in this story retold by Rabbi Leora Kaye, URJ Director of Program.

When a prince wakes up one morning and decides that he is actually a rooster, his father, the king, does not know what to do. Nothing that the king does can make the prince stop behaving like a rooster, until he seeks out the rabbi who has an interesting solution. This story, retold by Rabbi Marc Katz, explores themes of empathy, and what it means to meet people where they are.