On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - D'varim: Leaving the Comfort Zone
Parashat D’varim, the opening portion of Deuteronomy, encourages us as individuals, congregations, and communities to avoid getting stuck in one way of thinking. Though there is comfort in the familiar, sticking to the status quo inhibits innovation.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-et’chanan: What is the Essence of Judaism?
Ten is an important number in Jewish tradition, and in this parashah we read the second telling of the Ten Commandments. Though many consider the essence of Judaism to be the Ten Commandments, they aren’t necessarily the most important of the 613 commandments.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Eikev: Entiltement vs Gratitude
It’s natural for people who have much more than what they need to spend time thinking about the things that they do not have, rather than being thankful. In many of our lives, there is an extremely prominent divide between those who have more than they need, and those who struggle.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - R’eih: Fighting Poverty
In life, we are often tasked with a blessing and a curse. In Parashat R’eih, we are reminded to always look at the blessings and the curses in front of us.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayigash: Putting Judah in Judaism
Do you ever wonder why Judaism is called Judaism? This week’s parashah, Vayigash, has an answer. This is the moment when Joseph and his brothers, including Judah, dramatically reconnect, and Judah demonstrates a deep caring for his people.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Mikeitz: Fighting Darkness with Light
Even though the miracle of the oil wasn’t an original part of the Hanukkah story, it has become one of the most enduring narratives in modern Judaism.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayishlach: Healing a Negative Relationship
Have you ever dreaded seeing a friend or family member that you don’t get along with, only to end up having a positive experience? After twenty years away from home, Jacob dreads his reunion with Esau, but our text teaches the two end up embracing and healing their tumultuous relationship.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayeitzei: Our Spiritual Ascents
Rabbi Israel Salanter wrote that it’s easier to learn the entire Talmud than to change one character trait in ourselves. Even Jacob, when he dreams of the ladder that connects heaven and Earth, is still on his path of growth and awakening.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-y'chi: What Lives After Death
Va-y’chi, the title of the last parashah of the book of Genesis, translates to “and he lived.” It’s an odd title for a parashah that details the death of Jacob and Joseph.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Sh'mot: The Amazing Women of Exodus
This week we start a new book of the Torah, Sh’mot, or Exodus. The book opens with, “These are the names of the children of Israel,” but it’s misleading.