Making modern meaning from ancient texts! Each week Rabbi Micah Streiffer discusses the weekly Torah portion in about 7 to 10 minutes, through liberal Jewish eyes. We weave together philosophy, spirituality, tradition, and social justice - and derive meaning for today‘s life from our sacred sources. Longer episodes include a bonus interview with leading rabbis and Jewish thought leaders. With questions or comments, please contact me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com.
Episodes
Friday Dec 11, 2020
Vayeshev: Little Actions Have Big Meaning
Friday Dec 11, 2020
Friday Dec 11, 2020
The story of Joseph teaches a lesson about the little ways that we change the world.
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Vayishlach: Does Prayer "Work?"
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Is praying just about asking God for things, or is there something deeper, more unexpected going on? This week's Torah portion has some insight.
Friday Nov 27, 2020
Vayetze: Scary Times and Unexpected Holiness
Friday Nov 27, 2020
Friday Nov 27, 2020
The story of Jacob's ladder teaches about finding holiness in unexpected places. It's an idea that saved and formed Judaism in ancient times. There couldn't be a more important message for the pandemic.
Friday Nov 20, 2020
Toldot: How (Not) To Disagree
Friday Nov 20, 2020
Friday Nov 20, 2020
This week's Torah portion teaches about how to disagree respectfully. We could learn a thing or two for our own lives and our political system.
Friday Nov 13, 2020
Chayei Sarah: Life and Death and Legacy
Friday Nov 13, 2020
Friday Nov 13, 2020
Chayei Sarah is a Torah portion about death. So why does its title only mention life??
Friday Nov 06, 2020
Vayera: Let every voice be heard; let every vote be counted
Friday Nov 06, 2020
Friday Nov 06, 2020
In this week's #Torah portion, the strange and challenging story of Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us that a just society is one that hears the voices of its citizens. #socialjustice #counteveryvote
Friday Oct 30, 2020
Lech Lecha: Children of Abraham
Friday Oct 30, 2020
Friday Oct 30, 2020
This week's parashah introduces Abraham, the first Jew. But who is Abraham anyway?? Come hear an ancient story about the beginning of the #Jewish journey, and how it is still shaping our way of life.
Friday Oct 23, 2020
Noach: Righteous in Our Generation
Friday Oct 23, 2020
Friday Oct 23, 2020
Noah is not a children's story at all! In this week's "Seven Minute Torah" podcast, we discuss how this Torah portion teaches about responsibility, dignity, and the origins of civilization.
Friday Oct 16, 2020
Bereishit: Our Responsibility to the Earth
Friday Oct 16, 2020
Friday Oct 16, 2020
Did you know that the Torah tells two different, contradictory stories about the origin of the earth? Together they remind us that we are responsible to take care of this planet.
Friday Oct 09, 2020
V'zot Ha'Brachah: Endings and Beginnings
Friday Oct 09, 2020
Friday Oct 09, 2020
The Torah's final message is that it belongs to everyone. Let's explore together in the finale of season 1.