Seven Minute Torah

In this interview with Alden Solovy, we try to understand the tragic story of Nadav and Avihu in the context of what it means to be a prayer leader. We also talk about creative liturgy, poetic midrash, and making the prayerbook accessible for "Jews in the pews."

Alden's website: tobendlight.com/

And his books of liturgy and poetic midrash are available at https://www.ccarpress.org/.

Rabbi Michael Satz offers thoughts about the ancient Temple sacrifices, how we can relate to them in a post-Temple world, and what it means to offer the worship of our hearts.

As we open the book of Leviticus, the Torah turns to the rules of sacrifice. The message of these ancient Temple offerings is, ultimately, about recognizing wrongdoing and striving toward being your best self.

In this conversation with Rabbi Barry Block, we talk about the precious gems in the High Priest's breastplate, as a metaphor for the imperative to create equity by considering the individual needs of students/communities in education. Plus, in the bonus interview, we talk about the Jewish context around social and racial justice in the American south.

• Rabbi Block's book: The The Social Justice Torah Commentary, published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis.
• Rabbi Block's book recommendation: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson.

In yet another portion about the building of the Tabernacle, the Torah discusses the unexpected skills and talents that the Israelites discovered in the wilderness. What does this have to do with our own skills and talents, and with the journey to being your best self?

This week's Torah portion speaks about a census in the wilderness. We'll explore why they only counted the Israelites from age 20 and up, and what it has to do with our own Judaism.

In this parashah about priestly clothing and institutions, Moses is conspicuously missing. What's the lesson in his absence? I consult the commentary of the great Israeli educator Nehama Leibowitz and look for meaning for today's world in an ancient text.

This week's Torah portion is about the construction of the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary in the desert). What does that have to do with relationships and with finding God in each other? Listen in for Rabbi Streiffer's take on the parashah.

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The Torah's command to care for the widow, orphan, and stranger sits at the base of a rich Jewish theology of compassion, kindness, and social justice. I am joined by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, author and activist, to talk about why the ethical and the ritual can't be teased apart, and how the world benefits from a Jewish approach to social justice.

R' Shmuly's Social Justice Commentaries can be found here and here.

Yitro is about the Torah portion about Mount Sinai. I am joined by Rabbi Oren Hayon to discuss the Ten Commandments, and why they represent a unique, dialogue-based framework for encountering God and encountering fellow human beings. We also reflect on the events in Colleyville, Texas, and the heroic acts of Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker.