
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

Friday May 22, 2020
B'midbar: Together in the Wilderness
Friday May 22, 2020
Friday May 22, 2020
The desert is a symbol for times of uncertainty. What can we learn from this week's Torah portion, and from the famous story of Nachshon, about community during the pandemic. A seven-minute exploration of the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Micah Streiffer.

Friday May 15, 2020
Torah of the Earth
Friday May 15, 2020
Friday May 15, 2020
Judaism encourages us to build a relationship of connection and respect with the earth. A 7-minute exploration of the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Micah Streiffer.

Friday May 08, 2020
Emor: The Holiness of Ordinary Actions
Friday May 08, 2020
Friday May 08, 2020
This week's Torah portion teaches about how to find meaning and holiness through everyday actions. A seven-minute discussion with Rabbi Micah Streiffer.

Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Kedoshim: Love Your Cable Company as Yourself
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Why it helps, in frustrating moments, to remember that other people are doing the best they can.

Friday Apr 24, 2020
Tazria-Meztora: Why shouting about contagion is good for your health
Friday Apr 24, 2020
Friday Apr 24, 2020
The Torah has a message about how to deal with infectious disease. Turns out it's a message that is still relevant today. A 7-minute exploration of the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Micah Streiffer.

Friday Apr 17, 2020
Shemini: How to Make God "Appear"
Friday Apr 17, 2020
Friday Apr 17, 2020
How we can all be agents of holiness during difficult times. A 7-minute discussion of the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Micah Streiffer. Plus a joke from TV's "West Wing!"

Friday Apr 10, 2020
Lessons of Passover: How to Cope with Fear in Scary Times
Friday Apr 10, 2020
Friday Apr 10, 2020
What does Pesach have to do with the Coronavirus crisis? How can we cope with our anxieties during these uncertain times?
Thoughts from Rabbi Micah Streiffer and an interview with J Streiffer. As always, a 7-minute listen.

Thursday Apr 02, 2020
Tzav: Finding Reasons to be Grateful
Thursday Apr 02, 2020
Thursday Apr 02, 2020
This week's Torah portion teaches us about how we might find miracles in ordinary moments. A 7-minute listen.

Friday Mar 27, 2020
Vayikra: Gratitude in Difficult Times
Friday Mar 27, 2020
Friday Mar 27, 2020
Cultivating gratitude in difficult times, and why it's good for us. An exploration of the weekly Torah portion with Rabbi Micah Streiffer.

Friday Mar 13, 2020
Ki Tisa: The Torah of Coronavirus
Friday Mar 13, 2020
Friday Mar 13, 2020
What lessons does this week's Torah portion offer in the time of COVID-19? Find out in this 7-minute podcast