Jewish stories for children of all ages

The two brothers

When two brothers inherit a farm from their father, they share the work and share the harvest. When each decides that the other deserves a larger share, Hashem takes notice.

The beggar of Harki

Getzel Shlomo was a humble beggar in the town of Harki, but when he issues a strange request to the chevra kadisha before his passing, it becomes apparent that he was actually much more than he seemed.

Rabbeinu Saadia Gaon and the true son

A wealthy merchant disappears while on a lengthy voyage, and it is up to his son to find out what happened to his beloved father. After the discovery is made, the son must prove his identity as the true heir when his father's former servant emerges as a pretender to the estate.

The Berditchever Rebbe saves a soul

When the Berditchever Rebbe takes his talmidim on a journey, they are surprised to learn that the mustachioed villian who rushes out of his house to attack them is the purpose of the trip. They are even more surprised to learn that the man is a wayward Jew, who soon decides to make some major changes in his life.

Leah and the enchanting bluebird

Leah and her grandmother earn money by washing clothes at the river for their neighbors. One day, Leah runs after a bluebird that sings so beautifully and becomes lost in the forest. After Leah's grandmother visits Shlomo HaMelech to ask the King to bring the bluebird to justice and restore Leah to her, they discover an amazing sight and find out the secret of the bluebird's magical song.

The melamed and the robber

A poor melamed collects for hachnosas kallah one summer, only to be waylaid on his return journey home by a robber. Feeling like he has no choice, he hands over the money and then asks for a moment to daven. The wise melamed is soon on his way, with the money.

The cardinal and the counsellor

When the Spanish King's faithful counselor falls gravely ill, he is visited by the cardinal, who whispers a strange prayer in his ear. After the counselor's unexpected recovery, he has some very strong questions for the cardinal that lead to a new life for both of them.

On the horns of a deer

Reb Meir Anschel Rothschild once made a large sum of money "hefker", public property, whereupon it was picked up by the Chacham Tzvi. The mishna describes a person who has no hope of recovering their money as being "like someone who placed their money on the horns of a fleeing deer". In this case, it was a very good idea!

Reb Nochum and the Baal Teshuva

A weary traveler stops at Reb Nochum's inn for a bite, but refuses the offer of a bed and a donation. He shares his tale of woe and leaves, only to return some months later with good news to share.

The Nikolsburger Shamash

Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke was a talmid of the Mezritcher Maggid who became the Rov of Nikolsburg and the Chief Rabbi of Moravia. After a community dispute puts the Rabbi's position in jeopardy, the old shamash ends the dispute with a tale of a mysterious event that occurred some years before.