On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - B’shalach: Life's Shortcuts and the Benefits of a 40 Year Journey
Did you know that instead of wandering in the desert for 40 years, the Israelites could have used a shortcut that would get them to their destination in only two weeks? But the decision to wander was an intentional one that lead to a deliberate, challenging, and critical journey.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Yitro: Looking Beyond Our Differences
In Parashat Yitro, Moses gains wisdom and insight from his father-in-law, Jethro. What Moses gains from Jethro changes the course of his leadership, and in turn, has an extraordinary effect on the Jewish people.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Mishpatim: An Eye for an Eye
There’s a notable phrase in Parashat Mishpatim: “An eye for an eye.” Taken literally, this sentence makes it seem like valuing revenge as a substitute for justice is Jewish tradition. We know that’s not true, so what does “an eye for an eye” mean?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Three United Faiths, One Divine Presence - parashat Vayak’heil-P’kudei
In Vayak’heil-P’kudei, we see that God was so pleased with the Israelites’ sacred space (the Tabernacle) that God’s own presence descended upon them as they wandered through the desert.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Slowing Ourselves to Anger - parashat Ki Tisa
What is the Jewish approach to anger? How do we deal with it in a way that’s healthy? This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs explores Parashah Ki Tisa and explores God’s anger toward the Israelites for their idolatry as well as the impact that our own anger can have on ourselves.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Using Our Words to Heal, Not Hurt - Parashiyot Tazria and M’tzora
For many Jews, Parashiyot Tazria and M’tzora are perhaps the most nerve-inducing of all the Torah portions.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Go Ahead, Be an Innovator - Parashat Sh'mini
Parashat Sh'mini tells of the deaths of two men who are though to have been punished for the sin was innovation - but today, don't we look at innovation as a positive thing?