Wholly Jewish: Noa: The Beauty of Taking Up Space
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Lech L'cha: How to Be a Hero
Parashat Lech L’cha tells us the story of the very beginning of Jewish history, when God says to Abraham and Sarah that they are to “go forth” and begin the story of Jewish commitment.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayeira: Where is God?
Parashat Vayeira starts with a cliffhanger. We’re told that God appeared before Abraham, but that’s it—we never find out where God appears or what God says. Instead, we get three desert wanderers, who have important news for Abraham. So, where is God in this story?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Chayei Sarah: Seeing Blessings Every Day
Translated, Chayei Sarah means “the life of Sarah.” It’s an odd title for a parashah that opens with Sarah’s death, but even though this parashah doesn’t detail Sarah’s life, it does teach us about the kind of life she lived.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Tol'dot
Many of us know the story of Jacob and Esau, the brothers who could not be more different from one another.
Stories We Tell: Hero Israel
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Korach: Sacred Disagreement
In this infamous parashah, Korach, a relative of Moses, argues with Moses, wondering why he can’t be the leader of the Israelites instead.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Chukat: When to Ask Why
Parashat Chukat contains the commandment of the red heifer, and it’s one that many people find puzzling. What should we think of the commandments that don’t have an explanation?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Balak: Songs of the Soul
This week, Rabbi Jacobs welcomes singer/songwriter Neshama Carlebach. They discuss Parashat Balak¸ which songs speak to their souls, and what it’s like to travel the world as a Jewish singer. Plus, she shares a melody about gratitude and moving forward from pain.