Episodes
-
Alebrijes, Quetzals, and Coquis, Oh My! (Playlist)
Join PJ Library and Jewtina y Co for a special adventure through El Reino de lo Mistico - a magical new realm in Mashal teeming with Latin culture, music, and art. Learn about special Rosh Hashanah customs, dance through musical rain, and help Luna earn her stripes as an alebrije in this four...
-
The Coquí Who Lost His Chirp
Our adventure is almost done - but there's still more of El Reino de lo Místico to explore. Our adventurers meet Raul, a sad little coqui who has lost his chirp. Blue and Jacob know just how to help Raoul get his groove back, in time for a dance party in the musical rain! Beyond the Bookcase is a...
-
La Sala de Orgullo (Hall of Cultural Pride)
While Jacob loves exploring this new area of Mashal, he's still pretty stressed about his school project. What should he write? What details are most important? A lively quetzal may have some answers... Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library Writers: Jan Schwaid and Jennifer Stempel...
-
A Great, Great, Great Adventure
Supplies in hand and bellies full, Jacob and Blue follow Luna out into El Reino de lo Místico in search of a lost grape. It's part of a very important Rosh Hashanah tradition. Suddenly our crew finds themselves right in the middle of a monarch butterfly migration. Mari Posa and family help the…
more -
Time to Explore El Reino de lo Místico!
Jacob and Blue head to the library for help with a school project, Jacob's "About Me" poster. Rather than steer them to the autobiographies, PJ recommends the kids check out a vibrant book about alebrijes and magical and mysterious things start to happen. Join Blue, Jacob, and new friend Luna in…
more -
Beyond the Bookcase Season 6 Trailer
PJ Library’s award-winning original podcast series Beyond the Bookcase returns to the PJ Library Presents podcast network with new episodes this August. The four-episode special is produced in collaboration with Jewtina y Co., a vibrant global community dedicated to celebrating, elevating, and...
-
A Very Mashal Bat Mitzvah
One of Marion’s kids is getting ready for her Bat-Mitzvah, but she’s so nervous. The kids are there to help – along with special guests Cinderella and Prince Charming. For more about preparing to have a bar or bat mitzvah, head to pjlibrary.org/blog for expert advice and tips from Rabbi Rebecca...
-
To Bee or Not to Bee: A Shavuot Story
Blue is feeling a little let down by their friends this week – can a trip to Mashal, and a chat with Queenie and Mr. Saifair help? Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library Writers: Jan Schwaid and Petey Gibson Production: Executive Producer: Alli Thresher Digital Production Coordinator:...
-
Marion’s Mashal Adventures
You know her, you love her – she's Marion, the not-so-old woman who used to live in a shoe. Sometimes she still does... mostly she lives in a giant pumpkin with her many MANY children. Season 5 has a special surprise in store for our friend Marion, so let’s take a walk down memory lane through…
more -
Mr. Saifair’s New Golem
Rules are important – but are they fixed? Are there ever circumstances where a rule can or should be broken? Are there ways to reinterpret rules, even if they’ve been around for a very long time? The kids explore these questions with Queenie, Golem, and… another Golem?! Beyond the Bookcase is a...
-
Hanukkah Playlist (Re-air)
Chag Sameach! Enjoy a Hanukkah gift from PJ Library: a curated playlist of stories just for you. Whether you enjoy these on the way to a gathering with friends or snuggled up enjoying the light of the candles, we wish all of our listeners a wonderful Hanukkah. For more Hanukkah fun, download our...
-
Mizrahi Heritage Month Playlist
November is Mizrahi Heritage Month - celebrating the culture and customs of Mizrahi Jews - those with heritage from around the Middle East, Southwest Asia and North Africa. In this playlist, listeners will attend a Persian Passover, celebrate Chag Habanot with the mermaids of Mashal, and prepare…
more -
Bonus Episode: Golem Meets a Monster Hunter
Hi 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,...
-
The Three Little Pigs and the Very Tall Community Sukkah
It'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...
-
The Rosh Hashanah Playlist
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 -
Turn Around Teshuva
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…
more -
The Kids Prepare a Rosh Hashanah Seder
The 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...
-
Emergency Alert! The Season 5 Premiere
Welcome 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:...
-
Golem Answers a Listener Question And Makes a Playlist
Beyond 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/podcast
-
National Storytelling Month Playlist
In 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!
-
Passover Playlist 2025
It'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…
more -
A Magical Mashal Wedding: The Season 4 Finale
Prince 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...
-
Rapunzel's New 'Do
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...
-
Golem's Challah
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...
-
Bubbe's Miracle Bread
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…
more -
Mermaid Murmurs
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...
-
It's Chag Habanot!
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...
-
Spice Up Your Life
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...
-
A Fairytale Feud
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…
more -
2024 Purim Playlist
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,...
-
Season 3 Finale
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....
-
Story For Another Time: A Not So Big Bad Wolf's First Shabbat
The 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:...
-
Joha in the Woods
The kids are playing an epic game of pretend in the woods when they’re interrupted by none other than Joha! What’s he up to now? Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story Editor: Petey...
-
Story for Another Time: Passover in Mashal
Passover in Mashal is as enchanting as you’d expect. But who hosts the best seder, Cinderella or Snow White? Follow Auntie PJ and Elijah as they seder-hop through Mashal in this “Story For Another Time.” Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer…
more -
Chasing Joha Through Passover
It’s the Passover episode! Learn about Passover traditions from around the world as the kids continue their globe-trotting search for Joha. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher; Associate Producer, Elizabeth Korelitz Story…
more -
Shabbat Playlist
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…
more -
Story For Another Time: The Butcher, the Baker, and the Candlestick Maker
The kids enjoy hearing another “Story For Another Time.” This one involves the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker. Auntie PJ and Elijah collaborate on a tale about collaboration, and how it makes for the perfect Shabbat. They’ll talk about the Jewish value of… upcycling? But it’s…
more -
A Special Hanukkah Message from PJ Library
A special Hanukkah message from PJ Library. Hanukkah begins in the evening tonight (or, depending on your time zone, may have already started) and runs through December 15, 2023. This year, PJ Library encourages all of our listeners to "share the light" by participating in Project Menorah. To…
more -
Joha Does a Mitzvah?!
It's the season of Jewish heroes. Everyone is in the library getting ready for Purim when the kids discover a clue from Joha. Find out where the magic atlas will take them this week, how good PJ’s French accent is, and how many jelly beans Elijah can eat. To learn more about the Jewish holiday of...
-
Playlist: Sharing Family Traditions
Right now, you might be on a long car or airplane ride, or maybe you're snuggling in a nice comfy blanket fort. Today we're bringing you a playlist of stories about sharing special family traditions. Enjoy!
-
A Story For Another Time: Cinderella’s New Kicks
New this season, it’s Stories for Another Time. PJ and Elijah regale the kids with an only-partly familiar fairy tale featuring Cinderella, Prince Charming, a High Holidays party, and a new pair of shoes. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer,...
-
Joha, a Donkey, and a Missing Skateboard
Jacob is busy teaching Blue how to land an ollie when his skateboard goes missing. This has to be the work of Joha. Miri, Blue, and Jacob join PJ and Elijah as the game begins. Join them as they try to find Joha, find Jacob’s skateboard, and find out if pizza is allowed in the library. Credits...
-
Meet Joha: The Season 3 Premiere
Our heroes are back in this world and ready to head home – but there’s someone they don’t recognize with Auntie PJ, and someone else being kind of mysterious! The kids must embark on an epic game of hide and seek to save the library. Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library....
-
Preview: Radio Chitaika Episode 1
Want to hear the full episode? Just search "Radio Chitaika" wherever you listen to podcasts. Series premieres late October.
-
Coming Soon: Radio Chitaika
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.
-
Bonus Episode: Auntie PJ (sort of) Answers Your Questions
Welcome to our last summer bonus episode. Today we're (attempting) to catch up with Auntie PJ to ask the hard-hitting questions: Is food allowed in the library? What does Auntie PJ do when she's not at Sofer Shalom? What was she like as a kid? Listen in as we attempt to learn more about our...
-
Bonus Episode: Catching Up With Mr. Saifair
What has everyone's favorite bookworm been up to since we last heard from him? Find out in today's bonus episode! Have a question for Mr. Saifair, his brother Dafi, or any of our other characters? Leave us a voicemail at pjlibrary.org/podcast. Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production…
more -
Bonus Episode: A Chat With Golem
Listen in as we chat with our buddy, the Mayor of Mashal, Golem! What has he been up to lately? Does he have any hobbies? How old is he? All of this and more in today's bonus episode. Who will we catch up with next? Stay tuned... Episode Credits: Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library....
-
Bonus Episode: Listener Questions
Today we're answering questions from you: our listeners! Tune in this summer for bonus content including character interviews, sneak previews, and more. Beyond the Bookcase returns with a new season in the fall. Want to send us a voicemail? Visit https://tinyurl.com/pjpodcasts to leave one.
-
Bonus: The 2023 Shavuot Playlist
Shavuot is coming up! Learn more about this important -- and super kid-friendly holiday -- with a playlist of episodes about Shavuot from across our network. Visit pjlibrary.org/shavuot for book lists, recipes, and more to help you celebrate your first Shavuot.