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 free guide, A Time to Hope or visit pjlibrary.org/hanukkah. Episode Credits Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Producer: Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).

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 a special dish for Shabbat. To learn more and to find books featuring Mizrahi characters and stories, visit pjlibrary.org. The background music in the intro is licensed through Epidemic Sound. Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments).Episode Credits:Chasing Joha Through PassoverWriters: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Auntie PJ - Madelaine Ripley Evie - Samantha Philyaw Elijah - Nate DuFort Micah - Maxwell Glick Ms. Shouhed - Daniella Rabbani Farrah - Daniella Rabbani Joha - Ryan Abedi Mr. Fodor - Les Horovitz Catriella - Alli Thresher It's Chag HabanotWriters: Jan Schwaid and Rinat Hadad SiegelCultural Consultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Rapunzel – Daniella Rabbani Snow White – Laura Schreiber Marion, the not-so-old woman who lives in a shoe - Tianna Tagami Cinderella – Gwen D’Angelo Prince Charming – Mike D’Angelo Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Queenie (Queen Bee) – Niki Luparelli Mama Bear – Yolanda Spearman Mary Quite Contrary – Journee LaFond Mermaid – Yolanda Spearman Mermaid (last line) – Tianna Tagami Spice Up Your LifeWriter: Jan SchwaidCultural Consultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel Auntie PJ – Laura Rondinella Elijah – Nate DuFort Goldilocks: Maya Aoki Tuttle Baby Bear – Rich Wentworth Mr. Saifair – Gregory David Barnett Mary Quite Contrary – Journee La Fond

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, magic, and folklore, this episode features a creative look into the background of some of the creatures and characters living in the magical land of Mashal.    This episode was written by Alli Thresher and Jack Zaientz. You can check out Jack and John Baltisberger's podcast for grown-ups at https://waywardchildren.buzzsprout.comBeyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments)More for kids who love monsters and folklore:  Jewish Picture Books for Kids Who Love MonstersOg Goes Rogue: A Modern Folktale About Og the Giant (mentioned in the show)Meet the Land of Mashal's Farmer Serach in the Season 2 finale

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 pjlibrary.org/sukkot.Credits:  Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Petey Gibson and Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments) Cast Micah – Maxwell Glick Miri – Arianna Fox PJ - Laura Rondinella Famer Serach -- Daniella Rabbani Various little pigs -- Alli Thresher

A playlist of Rosh Hashanah-themed stories.

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 is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Petey Gibson and Jan Schwaid Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast: Evie: Samantha Philyaw Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella Jacob: Rebecca Lee The Saifairs: Gregory David Barnett Golem – Pat Bordenave

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 Beyond the Bookcase is a production of PJ Library. Production: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid and Petey GibsonConsultant: Rinat Hadad Siegel Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast: Evie: Samantha Philyaw Blue: Maya Aoki Tuttle Auntie PJ: Laura Rondinella Jacob: Rebecca Lee Mama Bear: Yolanda Spearman Mary Quite Contrary: Journee LaFond

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: Executive Producer, Alli Thresher Writers: Jan Schwaid, Petey Gibson Audio editing, mixing, mastering, and score: Peter Moore, Palace of Purpose Studios in Malden, MA Opening Theme Song: Written by Peter Moore and Alli Thresher. Arranged by Peter Moore. Performed by Mister G (vocals) and Peter Moore (instruments). Cast:Chicken Little: Blair WhichBubbe: EdrieEvie: Samantha PhilyawMicah: Maxwell GlickSnow White: Laura SchreiberAuntie PJ: Laura RondinellaVarious voices: Alli Thresher

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

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!