Jewish Audio Theater with Heshy Riesel

Yossel left the rabbi's house with less money than he had dreamed of possessing, but with something far more valuable: the knowledge that Hashem's blessings never need to be hidden beneath the floorboards It is often said that the path to wrongdoing is paved with good intentions. And somewhere along that road, each of us will face difficult choices... especially when we come upon a signpost that reads... The Bein HaShemashos Zone.

Welcome to Jewish Audio Theater. Previously, Yossel found what appeared to be a blessing from Heaven—a misplaced envelope containing 30,000 guilders. But what he believed was a gift soon became a test of honesty, faith, and judgment. In Part 2, the consequences unfold.  Gittel faces an impossible choice—one that could save her husband... or bring disaster upon her family and the entire Jewish community.  

Money is a curious thing. By itself, it is nothing more than paper, ink, and numbers.  It has no morality. It cannot distinguish honesty from theft, truth from deception, or virtue from greed. Yet few things influence human behavior more.  Money can inspire generosity and kindness, but it can also cloud judgment, persuading otherwise decent people to see not what is true, but what they wish to be true.  And once a person’s wishes and desires become entangled with his conscience, those wishes can slowly become a person’s ethics, excusing a crime as justified, and even convincing himself that Heaven approves.

The final chapter—at last—of The Chacham Yosef and the Arab Butcher. Chapter 4 completely disappeared. It was likely saved on an old DVD or thumb drive, and the original Vimeo version is no longer accessible. So… I recreated Part 4. I combined 3 and 4. You will notice a difference in sound quality between the original recording and the new material, starting around the 5:40 mark. Compared to my previous stories, which were always serious retellings of Jewish historical fiction, this story turned into a zany comedy. I added some zany twists along the way, including turning a parrot (who originally appeared for about 10 seconds in Chapter 2) into a major character.  The voices for this story were not easy on the vocal cords—fortunately, the Yomim Noraim are still in the distance. Enjoy the grand finale!    

The Arab Butcher becomes very wealthy. The Jews in Egypt are in danger of being expelled. The Chacham Yosef is moving to Eretz Yisrael to live out the rest of his life.  How will this all end for the Jews of Egypt, the Chacham Yosef, and the Arab Butcher?

The Chacham Yosef was revered by both Jews and Muslims. One night, the Arab Butcher helped Chacham Yosef and received a blessing from the revered Rabbi, which would cause strange things to happen for the Arab Butcher. Historical correction: The Rial was the currency in Tunisia at that time period 

There is a special time of day—just as the sun begins to set—when it is not fully day, and not yet night. This time is called bein hashmashos… a moment between two worlds. And tonight, we enter a story that feels just like that— a story where things are not quite what they seem… where a simple action leads to something mysterious… and where an important lesson awaits discovery. Our story takes place long ago in the Jewish city of Krakow, during the time of the holy Megaleh Amukos, Reb Nosson Nata Shapiro, and the Bach, Reb Yoel Sirkis.

The Rebbe told Mottel to find a bride and to get married.  It becomes a journey of suspense, international intrigue, and danger.  Mottel said, " There has to be an easier way to find a wife."   sfx courtesy of Pixabay

Mottel becomes engaged in a joke. Pun intended. Good surprise ending, at least I think so. Please click like, follow, and thank you  

A historical fiction based on a story from The Storyteller series by Nissan Mindel. It's 1800s Mainz, Germany, where frum Yidden were pressured to live under the authority of liberal Jews who rejected Maamad Har Sinai and observance of the Torah Laws. Rabbi Marcus Lehmann petitions the Education Minister in Berlin for official recognition of an independent Orthodox community. But everything hinges on one thing—will the alter yid prevent Rav Lehmann from making it to the train station on time? sfx courtesy of pixabay

A story from The Storyteller series by Nissan Mindel inspires this historical fiction. It's 1800s Mainz, Germany, where religious Jews are pressured to live under the authority of liberal Jews who reject Maamad Har Sinai and the observance of the Torah Laws. Rabbi Marcus Lehmann petitions the Education Minister of Berlin to officially recognize an independent Orthodox community. But everything hinges on one thing—a sudden critical debate with the leader of the reform movement. Rabbi Lehmann was successful in Mainz, getting official recognition in 1877

One by Land, Two by Chanukah is a historical fiction adventure set on the eve of the American Revolution. While the Mendez family and a handful of other characters are fictional, most of the figures and events—including Paul Revere's famous ride—are drawn from history. The story explores a perspective often overlooked: that many of the ideals that helped shape the American Revolution and Western civilization—human dignity, moral responsibility, justice, equality before the law, and the belief that all people are created in the image of G-d—have deep roots in Jewish teachings. At a time when Jews were frequently portrayed as outsiders or negative influences, this story highlights how Jewish values helped lay the moral foundation for the freedoms that would transform the Western world. Blending suspense, history, and Chanukah symbolism, this fictional tale offers a fresh look at the revolutionary ideals that changed history. The Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist, and believed blind eternal fate, I should still believe that fate had ordained the Jews to be the most essential instrument for civilizing the nations. John Adams For more on this topic read World Perfect by Rabbi Ken Spiro. Would like to thank  Rifky Saks. playing Mrs Mendez Tiffy Saks playing Miriam Mendez Moshe Fox playing young Ezra Gabi and Elisha  Shick playing Rebecca and Levi Shmuel Eliezer Bistritz playing teen Ezra Eli Hertz playing Lt Col Smith and Captain Leslie  

"Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice... What shining examples of Patriotism do we behold in Joshua, Samuel, Maccabeus, and all the illustrious princes, captains and prophets among the Jews!"  Benjamin Rush, Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The exciting conclusion of One by land two by sea. General Gage failed, was replaced by another general, and returned to England in disgrace. Dr Joseph Warren died 2 months later, June 17th, during the Battle of Bunker Hill. He was 34.  

Dmitry found favor in the eyes of the feared and dreaded Czar Nicholas I. He was brave, well-liked, and most importantly, a quick-witted thinker. He was being trained in the Czar's most secret elite service. The Czar was ready to promote Dmitry, but something was discovered in the files that was going to change everything for everyone. Military service was made compulsory for Jews in Russia in 1827, the age for the draft being established as between 12 and 25 years. Some were as young as 8. The objective of the Russian authorities was to alienate the cantonist children from their own people and religion. For more info on this topic https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/cantonists I used information for this story from the book The Cantonists: The Jewish Children's Army of the Tsar by Larry Domnitch 

  Dave was touring Rome and suddenly went on a mission to find his baby's pacifier. He became intrigued by a confrontation at the Arch of Titus between a tour guide and a young Jewish boy. He found something else that he did not realize he had lost. It is said that the victors write history. But this is not necessarily true when it comes to Jewish history, as you will find out in this episode of the Bein Hashmoshos Zone.

Young Shmilik, the only son of elderly parents, has been taken by the Russian army. The general said 5000 rubles would get him released. Only Mr Holtzer, the wealthy land baron could help. But he is never interested to help others. The Rebbe has a plan, but Shmilik's parents and the townspeople do not understand the Rebbe's actions.

Yossel said no to Russian General Rumyansev, a Russian war hero. No business on Shabbos. The General learns to respect Yossel.  I picked this time and place because it fits the narrative of the Partition of Poland and General Rumyansev.  Surprisingly, many years later, General Rumyansev's son helped build a shul in that village. This makes sense in light of the story.

Dovid has been discovered by Bernadino of Siena, who has arranged for Alfonso Camenero to return him to his friend, the Archbishop of Burgos. Dr. Sababto defends Dovid against Bernadino to prevent Alfonso from returning Dovid to Spain. The Count also has a plan to keep Dovid in Brescia. But Bernadino of Siene has the Duke and the Pope's support.  It does not look good, and Pedro is working on another escape. The conclusion of the Art of the Sofer        

Dovid is living in the count's castle, admired for his stellar artistic achievements at such a young age. ' Maybe my momma should come here to Brescia.' Until one day when Dovid made a big mistake, ' I thought today was Tuesday!' Dovid's hidden Jewish identity has been revealed to friends ......and enemies    

A harrowing escape from Spain. Dovid follows Master Anderson to Brescia to pursue his new found passion to become an artist. Dovid is really very good......too good Notes: Yechiel da Pisa is a real character. His son, or grandson, was very instrumental in helping Jews escape 60 years later from the Spanish Inquisition and Expulsion of 1492

The Spanish riots and pogroms of 1391 killed many Jews, and many, out of fear, converted to Christianity.  Rabbi Joseph Abotrani was secretly helping and guiding the Jews who were secretly keeping Yiddishkeit. They were called the  Conversos. The church discovered this. The Archbishop, who was once the Rav of Burgos, realized that Rav Abotrani was a threat and needed to be dealt with..... by any means.

The Zlatcha, Polish noblemen, entrusted the Jews with many of their industries, including the very profitable liquor industry and innkeeping. The Jew was recognized as responsible and trustworthy while loathed for their religious observance.  If they sold too much liquor, they were reviled as poisoning the populace. If they did not sell too much liquor, the zlatcha would harass them for the lack of business and profits. The son of a wealthy nobleman shocked Sara with a proposal of marriage. No one ever told Matis, NO.....until now

The Baal Shem Tov, the great Jewish leader of the early 1700's gave his last instructions to his followers. While everyone was given an important mission and responsibility, Zalman was perplexed when he was told to become storyteller. " Keep telling stories about me until you get an invitation to a far away place for a great sum of money. Tell the story and your mission is over. If you cannot tell the story leave immediately." " But Rebbe, which story should I tell? "You will know when it is the right time." Notes:  Internal strife among the Jews and anti-Jewish decrees forbidding marriages in the Austria-Hungarian Empire PIZZA WITH CHEESES WAS NOT INVENTED YET

Mr Holtzhacker was a very simple man known for always being happy with what he had and always thanking Hashem. The discovery of a diamond will suddenly bring a drastic change in his life. Leaving his village, traveling the open sea, meeting up with a former pirate, and making very difficult decisions. Notes 1. Alcohol was served on long ocean voyages because it prevented algae and contamination of the water with disease.  The pirates would take long voyages, and the ships' casks that held their water began to grow algae, spoiling their drinking water quickly. This is where rum came into play. By adding rum into the casks, it would act as a preservative and prevent things such as slime from overgrowing in the water. ( Drink like a Pirate)  Also considered the bread of the sea bc of nutrient content. 2. Moses Cohen Henriquez was a real Jewish pirate. Why did Jews become pirates? Click and read below. https://www.jewoftheweek.net/2021/12/29/jew-of-the-week-moses-cohen-henriques/

Mr Moscowitz could always be relied upon for a donation to the Yeshiva of the Chatam Sofer. Suddenly Mr Moscowitz has no money. The Chatam Sofer lends money to Mr Moscowitz and gives him a directive " Make the first deal" " But what if it is impossible or ridiculous?" " Make the first deal and Hashem will bless you with success."  

The thrilling conclusion of the Twins, a story based on a Marcus Lehman short story. I hope you will enjoy

Circumstances lead to Maria making a false and dangerous accusation against Jacob.

Katrina is furious that Prince John rejected her to marry Maria, the daughter of the Lancasters. " I'll get me revenge. You'll see." Story based on a Marcus Lehman story