Winters in Chelm are cold. The Black Forest is especially dark, and the frigid air gets into the bones.

Most years, the arrival of Chanukah is a welcome break, an excuse to rejoice and celebrate, and maybe overeat.

This year… in one house… not so much…

THE SECRET TO GREAT BREAD IS FORGIVENESS…

Reb Stein the Baker has always had trouble keeping apprentices. Yes, he works them hard, but he has a secret that's been eating at him for years.

Few people dare to travel in The Black Forest known as the Schvartzvald… except Doodle, the village orphan.

One day, while wandering, Doodle meets a fearsome stranger… and, as often happens in the village, confusion reigns.

This episode happens long after the events in THE COUNCIL OF WISE WOMEN and THE BROTHERS SCHLEMIEL

Winters in the village are cold and hard. Everyone welcomes the signs of spring…

Marriages are blessings. They can also produce anxiety and fear. In this episode, a young girl shares her pre-wedding jitters with her mother, and learns a long-hidden secret. 

What happens when the butcher develops a conscience? A thoughtful and eloquent story about respect, integrity and consequences. 

A Hanukkah program for the whole family. Stories song and conversation. It's free, donations accepted or buy a book. Book your tickets at https://izzyabe.com/tour

You may have heard a version of the story, "Rachel the Wise." It is a wonderful story, but widely considered a myth. Not at all.

The original wise Rachel was Rachel Cohen, a young girl from The Village. In this story, she pits her wits against wise Rabbi Sarnoff from the neighboring village of Smyrna.