Displaying 11 - 20 of 36
Stories We Tell: Who is Your Teacher?
This is the tale of a rabbi who spent his whole life studying and teaching Torah. As he became a well-known and beloved teacher, he started to think highly of himself. One day he had a dream that he was visited by an angel, who predicted that, in the “world to come,” a local baker would be appointed as his heavenly attendant. Disappointed in what he perceived as her lowly status, he sought out the baker… and made a surprising discovery. This story, retold by Rabbi Leora Kaye, will make you stop and think about who your teachers are, and how you see yourself and others. You can find a version of this story in The Jewish Story Finder, entitled, A Worthy Companion on page 83.
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Stories We Tell: Chaim's Heart
There was once a little boy who really disliked school, and wouldn't learn. But one thing changed his life - and his heart - forever. Have you ever had a pivotal life changing moment?
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Stories We Tell: Sparks of Light
At the beginning of time, the Earth was wild and full of darkness—and then, in a moment, a voice shocked through the darkness: “Let there be light.” Shira Kline retells the story. For a written version of this story, see The Shattering of the Vessels and The Gathering of the Sparks, in “The Jewish Story Finder” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
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Stories We Tell: The Importance of an Etrog (Etrog as Big as a Horse)
Isaac’s favorite holiday was Sukkot, and his favorite part of Sukkot was the etrog. He always bought the biggest etrog he could afford, and he dreamed of even bigger ones. One year he had saved up for the biggest and most beautiful etrog, and on his way to buy it, he saw a man crying on the side of the road. What happened next? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a similar version of this story, see So What? in “The Jewish Story Finder: A Guide to 668 Tales Listing Subjects and Sources” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah -- Ki Tisa: Stand Up and Be Counted
Stand up and be counted. In this parashah, a census is taken. To be counted, you must give half a shekel.
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Stories We Tell: Do You See the Big Picture?
Sometimes, it takes time to understand. In this story, two brothers learn how time is necessary to a farmer's work. Was there ever a time you needed to let something grow in order to see what it might turn into?
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Stories We Tell: The Spoonful of Oil
There was a young man who wanted to learn the secret of happiness. He sought out the advice of a wise man, who was too busy to talk with him at that moment but gave him a task: walk around and carry a spoon with two drops of oil and be careful to not let them spill. Listen to find out how this seemingly strange assignment taught the boy an important lesson.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah – Yitro: Breaking Down Labels
This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Yitro, is named for the Midianite Priest, Jethro, and depicts his first encounter with Moses in the desert. The two forge a relationship despite their different faiths and ethnicities, and Moses ends up marrying his daughter, Tziporah.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah – B'Shalach: Remembering Debbie Friedman z"l on Shabbat Shira
This week’s Torah portion, Parashat B’shalach, is read on Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah – Vayak'heil: How Do We Build Our Communities?
Constructing the Miskhan brings us to ask - how can we build our communities? What do we need besides a synagogue space in order to engender a communal environment? Even something as simple as seating makes all the difference.
Three ways to listen:
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