Making modern meaning from ancient texts.! Each week Rabbi Micah Streiffer discusses the weekly Torah portion in about 7 to 12 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.
Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK, the liberal Beit Midrash (”House of Study”). Contact us at info@laasok.org with comments or questions.
Episodes
Apr 29, 2021
Apr 29, 2021
8 min
The Torah's strange prohibition against shaving the corners of your face is an opportunity to talk about holiness and about the relationship between ritual and ethics.
#Judaism #Podcasts #JewishLearning #SocialJustice
Apr 22, 2021
Apr 22, 2021
19 min
An interview with Rabbi Evon Yakar of Lake Tahoe, California, about the ethical idea that sits at the centre (both literally and figuratively) of the Torah. Is there anything specifically Jewish about "Love your neighbour?" What does it mean to fulfil those words as a Jew?
#Judaism #JewishLearning #JewishPodcast #LoveYourNeighbour #BeingHuman
Apr 15, 2021
Apr 15, 2021
8 min
The Torah's "ickiest" portion has a lot to teach about life and death, contagion and purity, and about gratitude.
#Gratitude #Torah #ParashatHaShavua #JewishPodcast #Judaism #JewishLearning
Apr 8, 2021
Apr 8, 2021
8 min
This week's parashah tells two very different stories: one about the death of two priests and one about the rules of keeping kosher. What do these mysterious accounts have to teach us about mindfulness and about thoughtful living?
#Judaism #JewishLearning #Podcast #Mindfulness #Kosher #Jewish
Apr 1, 2021
Apr 1, 2021
8 min
The Torah portion for the 7th day of Pesach is probably Judaism's oldest song. It has not only a beautiful melody but an important lesson to teach about gratitude and social justice.
#Passover #Pesach #Judaism #JewishLearning #SocialJustice #Justice #Rabbi
Mar 26, 2021
Mar 26, 2021
8 min
This week's parashah teaches some surprising things about unleavened bread and about human nature. Pertinent to the Pesach holiday, and to our everyday lives. Plus, my best matzah jokes!
Mar 18, 2021
Mar 18, 2021
13 min
A conversation with Rabbi Joel Simon of Congregation Schaarei Zedek in Tampa, Florida, about sacrifice and prayer, how the synagogue saved Judaism, and what it all has to do with Covid.
#JewishLearning #Covid19 #Judaism #Rabbi #TorahPortion #ParashatHashavua #JewishPrayer
Mar 12, 2021
Mar 12, 2021
8 min
Is the sanctuary holy because God is there, or is it the other way around? (Hint: it's about what YOU do.) Plus, a brief explanation of some of the intricacies of the Jewish calendar.
Mar 4, 2021
Mar 4, 2021
8 min
The story of the Golden Calf is a story of the dangers of acting out of fear. Our fears can bring out the worst in us, but they can also impel us to be our best. We quote the research of Dr. Kelly McGonigal about stress and wellness.
Feb 12, 2021
Feb 12, 2021
8 min
By reminding us that we were once slaves in Egypt, the Torah teaches that we are responsible to care for the vulnerable in society.
#Torah #JewishLearning #Podcast #SocialJustice