Let’s talk bedtime battles. We’ve all been there: the little ones demand a story, but you’re juggling three tasks at once. Now, PJ Library has your back. On Jan. 16, the organization, which offers free, high-quality Jewish books and music each month to over 100,000 children between birth and 12 years, is relaunching its beloved podcast “Have I Got a Story for You!” It features 10-episodes of Torah-inspired stories for kids ages 5 and up.
This isn’t just any bedtime tale, though. “Have I Got a Story for You!” brings Jewish culture, traditions and history to life in a calm, engaging format perfect for car rides, playtime or winding down before bed. And here’s the kicker: it’s brought to you by PJ Library, the same folks who’ve been delivering Jewish storybooks to family mailboxes since 2005.
“When we launched our kid story podcasts in 2019, we knew we had the opportunity to fill a gap,” said Alli Thresher, PJ Library’s director of digital content. “Audio offers a different avenue to break down complex stories for young listeners. And because their parents know us, they can hit ‘play’ without extra vetting.”
The podcast’s new episodes feature characters like Moses, Ruth, Deborah and Rebekah, told by a single narrator in a soothing style. Think Jewish traditions meet kid-friendly storytelling magic. You can catch “Have I Got a Story for You!” wherever you get your podcasts starting Jan. 16.
Podcasts we’re following
Our team at the Jewish Light is on the hunt for Jewish-themed podcasts each week, which we will share with readers in the Morning Light email newsletter. Do you have a podcast we need to checkout? Please share your discovery with us by emailing the name and why you enjoy it to Jordan Palmer.
Here are a few we’re keeping an ear on this week:
- “Unorthodox”
- Hosts: Stephanie Butnick, Liel Leibovitz, and Joshua Malina
- Producer: Tablet Magazine
- Topics: News, interesting guests, and more
- Guests: Both Jewish and non-Jewish guests have appeared on the show, including Roxane Gay, Simon Doonan, Kathryn Hahn, and Dan Savage
- “Israel Story”
- Hosts: Mishy Harman, Yochai Maital, Shai Satran, and Ro’ee Gilron
- Producer: The Jerusalem Foundation and the Times of Israel
- Topics: Some episodes include stories about Moriah Cohen, who was stabbed by her neighbor’s daughter, and Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror
- Format: The podcast features extraordinary tales about ordinary Israelis
