I am familiar with a Passover seder, but what is a Tu BiShvat seder?
Tu BiShvat (Hebrew for the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat) is the new year of the trees.
What role have Jews historically played in the civil rights movement?
Jews in the United States have a long and proud history of advocating on the behalf of others. Our own history has taught us about the importance of respecting the fundamental rights of all people.
Can a Reform Jew believe the Torah is the word of God?
In answer to your question, "Can a Reform Jew believe that God gave the Torah at Sinai?" I think that the most honest answer is, "Yes, but..." Let me start with that "but.
What does the Jews’ covenant with God mean?
We live our lives as a tapestry of relationships: with parents, siblings, partners and other relatives; with friends, neighbors, and colleagues; with the larger world and the environment; and with God.
Why is the Jewish Sabbath observed on Saturday?
Genesis, Chapter 1 provides the basis for the Jewish week and the understanding of its days.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Yitro: Humility and Advice
In this weekly podcast, we will offer insight into the weekly Torah portion, condensing 2,000 years of Jewish wisdom into just 10 minutes of modern-day commentary. This week Rabbi Rick Jacobs delves deep into parashat Yitro from the book of Exodus. Enjoy!
Three ways to listen:
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Mishpatim
In this weekly podcast, we will offer insight into the weekly Torah portion, condensing 2,000 years of Jewish wisdom into just 10 minutes of modern-day commentary. This week Rabbi Rick Jacobs delves deep into parashat Mishpatim from the book of Exodus. Enjoy!
Four ways to listen:
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Tazria: Where and How Do We Heal?
This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs teaches us from Parashat Tazria in the book of Leviticus, asking where we start when we need healing.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Metzora: Shabbat HaGadol
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, wonders if asking questions during a Passover seder is a religious mandate, or if it is actually demanded of us, and whether eating kosher for Passover bagels is really in the spirit of the holiday.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Pesach
Passover means matzah, and this week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, talks about how, love it or hate it, eating the “bread of affliction” might actually teach us about empathy.