Displaying 11 - 20 of 26
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Breaking Barriers and Saving Lives - Parashat B'haalot'cha
In this week’s Parashah, B'haalot'cha, Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses - leading to Miriam's affliction of leprosy. When Moses sees his sister’s illness he exclaims “Oh God, please heal her!" Rabbi Rick Jacobs and his guest, Dr. Raphael Walden, explore what it means to both spiritually and literally heal the world, regardless of the boundaries that lie before us. And as Dr. Walden’s story proves, sometimes building bridges, saving lives, and creating connections can happen even in the most unlikely times and places.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Challenge Accepted - Parashat Sh'Lach L'cha
What’s your holy mission? In Parashah Sh'lach L'cha, we learn about the 12 scouts, or emissaries, sent by Moses to learn about the land of Canaan. Join Rabbi Rick Jacobs as he discusses the importance of representatives within Judaism and their obligations, and how each of us can be emissaries of kindness, respect, and justice.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Rebel With (or Without) a Cause - Parashat Korach
As we learn this week, sometimes our past rituals don’t match our present values. Join Rabbi Rick Jacobs as he discusses Parashat Korach, and what it means to challenge a decision for the sake of the ego... versus what it means to challenge for the sake of a greater purpose.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Wonder Women - Parashat Chukat
This week, in Parashat Chukat, we learn about the death of one of Judaism’s greatest ancestors: Miriam. Rabbi Rick Jacobs and his guest, Dr. Tsvia Walden, discuss how the strength, importance, and wisdom of women have been woven throughout our history, and how, like water, they are a necessary and valuable element of life.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: From Curses to Blessings - Parashat Balak
Sometimes the darkest moments bring out the light and opportunities arise for adversaries to become advocates. This week, in Parashat Balak, we learn about King Balak, who fears the Israelites and decides to have them cursed. Balak’s hired soothsayer tries to curse the Israelites three times, but the words that come forth are a wonderful surprise, which can inspire us all.
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Wholly Jewish: Amanda: Identities, Politics, and Spiritual A-Ha Moments
In this episode: Who runs the world? Chances are high that soon it will be Amanda Ryan, a Nebraskan Latina community bridge builder.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-et'chanan
In Parashat Va-et'chanan, Moses prepares Joshua to take on leadership of the Jewish people. So, it’s fitting that this week, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by Rabbi Matt Green, the assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, New York and director of Brooklyn Jews.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Eikev: Reward and Punishment
Parashat Eikev contains the second paragraph of the Sh'ma, which is no longer read in many Reform communities.
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Stories We Tell: The Miser's Slippers
Once, there was a family who had quite a bit of money. They were always warm and well fed, and often bought toys for their children and gifts for each other. But, when the rabbi would come by and ask if they could give to support those in the community who were not always warm and could not always afford food, they would say no. Why not, and what would it take for them to start giving? Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program at the Union for Reform Judaism, retells the story. You can read a written version of this story, titled “How It Feels to Be Poor,” in The Essential Jewish Stories, collected, annotated, and retold by Seymour Rossel.
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Stories We Tell: The Samovar
Rivka is preparing for Yom Kippur when she gets an unexpected visitor. It’s a stranger, who asks her to keep her samovar (a silver pot used for making tea) while she goes on a trip. Rivka agrees, and as soon as the woman leaves, curious things start to happen. How could a tea pot completely change Rivka’s life? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a written version of this story, read Gabriel's Horn by Eric Kimmel, available from PJ Library.
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