PJ Library Presents: Have I Got A Story For You! – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.