Seven Minute Torah

Shoftim is the Torah's portion about leadership. This week I talk with author and journalist Anya Kamenetz about different modes of information, how to assess leaders, and the centrality of social justice. Plus, in the bonus interview: children in the pandemic, resiliency in hard times, and making Jewish practice meaningful.

How a mindset of stewardship and generosity can help cultivate happiness. (Encore presentation.)

A conversation with Rabbi Miri Gold: we talk about the (ancient and modern) Jewish connection to the land of Israel, about ecology and the rhythms of Jewish life. Plus, in the bonus interview - the growth of non-Orthodox Judaism in the Jewish state; Israeli baseball in the Olympics; gratitude rituals and more!

This week we are joined by Rabbi Denise Eger, for conversation about the Shema, the concept of God's oneness, and what that means for our relationships with people.

Plus: Social justice in Judaism, a groundbreaking new LGBTQ prayerbook, and more!

This episode is a conversation with Rabbi Ben Shalva. 

D'varim is the beginning of Deuteronomy: the book of (Moses's) words. How does Moses's final act - an act of creating words - teach us about legacy, about memory, and about owning our own traditions?

Plus, we talk about Jewish camp, about the place of mindfulness and yoga in Judaism, about books and more.

"What matters in life is not where you are, but who you have by your side." In this week's parashah we explore what it means to be on a journey, and what the pandemic has taught us about being on a journey together. (Encore presentation.)

A unpleasant incident in the desert reveals a deeper lesson about cultural integrity, racism, and how we maintain the rights of vulnerable and oppressed peoples. How does this relate to Canada's residential schools (and the United States' treatment of its indigenous and minority peoples)? What lessons are there to be learned here for life in the 21st century?

This week's parashah has it all: comedy, blessings and curses, and a talking donkey! In our conversation with Rabbi Karen Thomashow we discuss the place of parable and legend in the Torah, and what it means to find your authentic voice.

This week's Torah portion describes a ritual that even the Rabbinic commentators can't explain! What does it teach us about the power of ritual and positive habit to bring goodness into our lives?

In this conversation with Rabbi Larry Englander, we talk about Korach's rebellion and about the difference between being holy and striving for holiness. Plus: rabbinic retirement, a new novel about Maimonides, and how secular Israeli music is making its way into Jewish religious life (and vice versa).