Snuggle up and have a little snack, with the best storyteller around, Mimi! Once a month join Kiddo and his grandmother, Mimi, for stories, snacks, and snuggles, in this new series from PJ Library.
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Deep in the basement of congregation Sofer Shalom, there’s a dusty library that’s really the home of a magical portal to another world. Join siblings Miri and Micah as they explore a mysterious land, where stories come to life! Enjoy fairytales with unexpected twists and Jewish lessons as Miri, Micah, and their friends, encounter golems, book worms, giants and even talking animals! For full credits and accompanying activities, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast.
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Have I Got a Story For You is a new podcast from PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. In 2025, PJ Library relaunched Have I Got a Story For You! with eight beautifully told, calming, stories from the Torah and other Jewish texts. Sleepytime visuals accompanying each episode can be found on YouTube as well.
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Kiddo is thrilled to be learning a new language - and he wonders, do the people in his family and community speak multiple languages? Mimi reminds Kiddo that, yes, the Jewish community is full of diversity and together they read a sweet story, ¿Dónde está Shmata? written by Tana Ross and illustrated by Elisa Kleven. You can even follow along with M…
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Bonus Episode: Golem Meets a Monster Hunter
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17:58Hi listeners! While the Beyond the Bookcase team works on the second half of Season 5, we have a very special bonus episode: a chat with a real-life monster expert! Join Golem and producer Alli as they sit down with Jack Zaientz from JewishMonsterHunting.com. If your children are into monsters, magic, and folklore, this episode features a creative …
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The Three Little Pigs and the Very Tall Community Sukkah
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11:47
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11:47It's Sukkot in Mashal - what could be more fun? Join Miri and Micah as they are welcomed into the community sukkah by Zev, Farmer Serach, and some very boisterous little piggies. To learn all about sukkot - and figure out how to build your very own teeny tiny sukkah like Miri and Micah, head to pjlibrary.org/sukkot. Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is …
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Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups About Feelings part 2 featuring Mimi and Kiddo
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19:31Big Emotions: Kids Listen Mashups on Feelings is a 7-part podcast series created by the Kids Listen community to help kids (and their grownups) explore the wide world of feelings. Each episode pairs two emotions that are often connected, offering original stories, clips, and reflections from across Kids Listen shows. We're thrilled that PJ Library …
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Hi Listeners, Did you know that it’s almost time for Rosh Hashanah? The Beyond the Bookcase team sends your family wishes for a High Holiday season and new year full of love, health, happiness, and (of course) great Jewish stories – just like the Rosh Hashanah-themed ones in this playlist. For more ideas - and to download our free holiday guide, vi…
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Evie and Jacob are getting on each other's nerves--to save their friendship, Auntie PJ sends the kids on an errand to Mashal. Come along as Mr. Saifair, Golem, and special guest, Dafi Saifair, help the kids make amends, and return to their best selves in the new year. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive …
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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 Sha…
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The Kids Prepare a Rosh Hashanah Seder
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13:08The kids pop over to Mashal to deliver some Rosh Hashanah cards (and try to cheer up Jacob). While Mama Bear and Mary Quite Contrary prepare for a seder, the kids learn all about the simanim, symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah, and receive some perfect advice for starting the year off right. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. P…
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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 Epid…
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Emergency Alert! The Season 5 Premiere
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16:47Welcome back listeners! Today Chicken Little has a feeling, Bubbe has a vision, and Snow White has a handy solution. Join the crew as we learn about the mitzvah of visiting the sick in the Season 5 Premiere of Beyond the Bookcase. Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid, …
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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, …
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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.…
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Golem Answers a Listener Question And Makes a Playlist
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43:45Beyond the Bookcase will return with new episodes this August! For now, enjoy a special note from Golem, a listener shoutout, and a playlist of our clay protector's favorite stories. For full cast information and credits, please go to pjlibrary.org/podcastโดย PJ Library
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Kiddo's Kindness to Animals
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12:53Today’s episode features the story, The Cats on Ben Yehuda Street, written by Ann Redisch Stampler, illustrated by Francesca Carabelli, and published by Kar-Ben. Read with permission from Kar-Ben Publishing, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher …
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Playlist: National Storytelling Month
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20:55Did you know that May is Jewish American Heritage Month, National Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and National Storytelling Month? Our team has put together a playlist featuring three original Mimi and Kiddo stories to share this special month. And if you're looking for fabulous books to keep your celebrations and learning going,…
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National Storytelling Month Playlist
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44:23In honor of National Storytelling Month, the PJ Library team has put together a small selection of "stories for another time" from Beyond the Bookcase seasons 4 and 5. Enjoy!โดย PJ Library
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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…
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Passover Playlist 2025
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1:02:45It's time for Passover! Settle in for a playlist full of stories featuring Passover traditions from all around the world. In Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast we’ll visit Humpty Dumpty as he prepares to host the seder for the first time. Next we'll Chase Joha Through Passover to see how families all over celebrate and get ready for Passover. And…
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Season 4 Finale: A Royal Wedding
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19:39Prince Charming and Cinderella’s wedding brings a fairytale ending for season 4! Or at least it might. The two royals come from very different backgrounds and can’t seem to agree on what traditions, customs, and creatures to include in the ceremony. They’ll need their friends (including a shockingly revealed rabbi) to help figure out what’s most im…
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Today Kiddo is getting a special treat: a video call from Mimi's friend Ciara. Listen in as our special guest, Ciara, teaches Kiddo all about the history and traditions of the Baghdadi Jewish community of India. Want to learn more? Visit Ciara at The Mizrahi Story on Instagram for all sorts of wonderful interviews, archival video footage, and more.…
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Lag B’Omer celebrations are starting in Mashal. With bonfires, treats, a parade, and even a wedding in the works, Rapunzel still isn’t feeling festive. After getting tangled in a few too many messes, her extra-long hair is feeling like a real drag. Auntie PJ and other friends will try to help Rapunzel trim down her stress with a Lag B’Omer traditio…
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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…
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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 pro…
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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 o…
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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, Aar…
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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…
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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 shout…
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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 shout…
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Auntie PJ and Elijah’s treasure hunt gets sticky, and not just because of their doughnut-smeared map. It’s almost time for Shabbat and they need to pause their search — not to start resting right away, but to help the woman who lives in a shoe. You see, she has so many children but nowhere to get them a challah for a peaceful sabbath. Who knew Gole…
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Kiddo Shares His Hanukkah Traditions - Special Episode with Koala Moon
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24:16Today's episode is a special collaboration between Afternoons With Mimi and Koala Moon, a cozy bedtime stories and sleep meditations show for children from the team at Sleepiest. Koko chats with Mimi and Kiddo to learn all about Hanukkah before sharing a very cozy Hanukkah celebration with his good friend Prickles. To learn more about Hanukkah, ple…
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Bubbe and Zev the wolf are having a blast as roommates. They’ve had music, dancing, and pre-Shabbat shindigs, but there hasn’t been room in their budget to fill their bellies on Friday nights. When neither of them is able to earn enough dough to surprise the other with challah, their kind acts may be just the ingredients they need for a fresh-baked…
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Who told Mr. Saifair that Rapunzel is a noodle-head? Is it okay to call Shirley an apple tree (when she’s obviously avocado)? And did Prince Charming spread a hairy rumor that he heard from … a mermaid? This wave of gossip is more tangled than a head of uncombed spaghetti. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Execut…
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Marion is hosting a gathering for Chag Habanot, the North African Hanukkah festival of daughters. But all the pressure has her being a bit unkind to her friends. Learn all about this holiday plus a valuable lesson about respect and friendship. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; A…
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What do BFFs Goldilocks and Baby Bear make for their Shabbat lunch? Why, harissa of course! But what happens when everyone brings the same pot to the kusha (community oven)? A tasting, of course. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth KorelitzStory Edito…
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Kiddo Learns About Collaboration
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10:26A challenging project has Kiddo and his friends frustrated. They need to construct something that can protect an egg for their school’s Egg Drop event, but each friend has tried their own ideas without success. Mimi reads the book Five Brave Knights vs. the Dreadful Dragon, a story about kids facing similar, though fire-breathing, frustration. What…
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While searching for a game in Mimi’s closet, he finds a trunk full of funny costumes, plus flyers and other memorabilia from old comedy shows. Mimi explains that his great uncle Levi used to be a comedy performer, part of a long line of laughter in the Jewish tradition of finding happiness even in hard times. She shares a few famous names, telling …
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Snow White just wants to host a delightful Rosh Hashanah get together, but the three little kittens and the three little pigs are having one big disagreement. Will they ever forgive each other? Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth KorelitzStory Editor:…
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Kiddo Learns About the Importance of Names
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11:32Sure, Kiddo calls his little brother “Zee,” but what is his full name and where does it come from? What makes names so important anyway? Kiddo learns about the Jewish value of Lekol ish yesh shem, the significance of names. Episode Cast and Credits Afternoons With Mimi is a production of PJ Library The book My Name is Aviva was written by Lesléa Ne…
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Kiddo wants to go to his friend Noam’s birthday party at the trampoline park, but it’s at the same time as his cousins’ play, and cousin Emilia could really use Kiddo there to calm her nerves. Mimi reads the book Rosie Saves the World which highlights the Jewish value of mutual responsibility. Kiddo knows the trampolines would be a blast, but can h…
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Kiddo arrives to find Mimi sewing. She explains that Ms. Jenn left her coat behind when visiting, so Mimi’s giving it some needed repairs. Kiddo is eager to start playing and wants to know why they don’t just bring the coat to Ms. Jenn. Mimi shares a modern version of a classic Jewish story about the importance of not only returning lost items, but…
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It’s challah-baking time, but when Kiddo tries to braid the dough, it keeps ending up in a big tangled blob. Mimi knows the power of a good story, so she reads the book An Egg for Shabbat. It’s about a young boy trying to go fetch an egg for his mother. He keeps accidentally breaking egg after egg in different ways, but eventually shows us all that…
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Playlist: What Makes a Good Friend?
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42:19No one is born with the knowledge of how to be a kind person. That's something we all learn as we grow. Follow along this week in a playlist of stories as Kiddo, with some help from Mimi, learns valuable lessons about being a good friend and neighbor.โดย PJ Library
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Kiddo needs more space to race!! He really REALLY wants a huge playroom so he can build a giant racetrack for his toy cars. He’ll never be satisfied trying to fit a track on Mimi’s kitchen table. Mimi recounts a Jewish folk tale about a man who really REALLY wishes he had as big a home as his neighbor. A rabbi gives advice that seems totally unhelp…
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This episode features the book, The Rabbi Slurps Spaghetti, written by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Sharon Davey. It is used with permission from Behrman House, Inc. Kiddo is pretending to be a grownup, doing what he thinks adults do at work. Inspired by Mimi’s reading of The Rabbi Slurps Spaghetti, Kiddo learns that curiosity is an importan…
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Kiddo tells Mimi of a rumor that the creepy old house in their neighborhood is occupied by a wizard who has his whole yard booby-trapped! Mimi decides to dispel the myth by bringing Kiddo to the house to meet its owner, her friend, Mr. Johansen. The man is very kind and very much not a wizard. In fact, the only magic comes from Mimi, who transports…
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Kiddo balks at the idea of brushing his teeth, but Mimi cleverly explains that it's a mitzvah, -- commandment or good deed -- which is something he loves. In this episode, she reads, Hillel Takes a Bath, written by Vicki L. Weber and illustrated by John Joven, and used with permission from Behrman House. Episode Cast and Credits: Afternoons With Mi…
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Purim is a holiday that feels like it's made for families. Traditions include dressing up, sharing gift baskets or mishloach manot with friends, making noise by shaking groggers, and staying up late with your friends and community. People do tzedakah and also read the Book of Esther, or megillah, which shares the story of how the Jews of Persia wer…
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Sorry, but we’re not gonna spoil the season finale right here, so don’t expect this to tell you if the kids catch elusive Joha, save Sofer Shalom, or finally get to hear PJ and Elijah’s long-held secret story. You’ll just have to listen. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associa…
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Story For Another Time: A Not So Big Bad Wolf's First Shabbat
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16:25The kids want Auntie PJ and Elijah to finally tell all about their legendary treasure hunt, but the grownups try to skirt the subject with “A Story For Another Time.” This one delves into lovable Zev’s first holiday in Mashal. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library.Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer…
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Earlier today, some friends wouldn’t stop arguing on a bumpy bus ride, and Kiddo is feeling so frustrated about it that his tummy hurts. At Mimi's, Kiddo calms down enough to talk about it, and of course Mimi has the perfect story to share, Aaron the Peacemaker. Mimi always finds a way to give Kiddo the tools to get through rough times. Episode Cre…
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