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.

Premiering this fall -- a new podcast from PJ Library Presents! Radio Chitaika features folk tales, beloved books, and Jewish stories, read aloud in Russian or Ukrainian by talented readers such as Gera Sandler, Marsha Pruss, Angelina Statyeva and more! Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to a bonus episode – Today our question actually comes from a grown-up (Rachel from PJ Our Way) and she wants some book recommendations. The panel chime in with their favorite PJ Our Way stories that feature bar and bat mitzvahs.

This episode features a question from Alexis.

This bite is all about writing speeches.

How did the Covid 19 pandemic impact Ellery’s bat mitzvah? What’s it like to have your ceremony over zoom? Let’s dive in with Linus.

How important are hugs? Very, very important. The panel tackle some big topics in this episode.

During this episode Ellery offers her advice to Gabriella about the importance of practice – and balance.

Welcome to B-Mitzvah Bites– a new, bite-sized podcast from PJ Library! Each episode, you’ll hear real kids ask the hard-hitting questions about how to prepare for their b’nai mitzvah. The best part? They’ll receive answers and real-life examples from older kids who recently celebrated this incredible milestone. Our panel covers everything from who to invite, how far in advance to start preparing, tips for memorizing the torah portion, how to deal with nerves, book recommendations, and more!

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.  Episode Credits 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.   Episode Credits 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.

The work or school week can feel long and hectic -- that's why Shabbat is so awesome. On Shabbat, we get to take a break, take a breather, and slow down. It's the perfect reset - and that's what makes Friday nights feel so special, and dare we say, magical.  Enjoy three Shabbat-themed stories in this playlist: Sweet-Town Rivals, Miracle Bread, and The Missing Ingredient. There are also Shabbat-themed discussion questions to talk over with your family.

What's better than family? How about cooking for family? If you feel inspired by today's story, Two Sisters, share your favorite family recipe with PJ Library and the Jewish Food Society -- it might become a PJ Library book! The ingredients for the next classic children's story might be right in your kitchen! PJ Library is partnering with the Jewish Food Society (JFS) to find a recipe with a backstory that can be whipped up into the next great picture book. Visit jewishfoodsociety.org/pjlibrary to submit your recipe by February 26, 2021.