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.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-eira: What Made Moses Great
Moses isn’t charismatic. He doesn’t see himself as a great leader—he’s modest, humble, and he doesn’t speak clearly. But God insists that he lead despite this, because God sees an even more important quality in him: his ability to care for others.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Bo: Finding the Truth in Our Stories
This week’s parashah, Bo, tells the story of the ten plagues that convinced Pharaoh to “let my people go.” It’s an important story, but it often makes people wonder whether God really sent these ten plagues to Egypt.
Unplugged with Alan Goodis, Episode 1 – Featuring Dan Nichols
Enjoy live acoustic performances, interviews, and conversation about songwriting, song leading, and music making hosted by well-known musician Alan Goodis. The podcast is perfect for music lovers, camp song leaders,
Unplugged with Alan Goodis, Episode 2 – Featuring Rosalie Boxt
Enjoy live acoustic performances, interviews, and conversation about songwriting, song leading, and music making, hosted by well-known musician Alan Goodis. The podcast is perfect for music lovers, camp song leaders
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - B’shalach: Life's Shortcuts and the Benefits of a 40 Year Journey
Did you know that instead of wandering in the desert for 40 years, the Israelites could have used a shortcut that would get them to their destination in only two weeks? But the decision to wander was an intentional one that lead to a deliberate, challenging, and critical journey.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Yitro: Looking Beyond Our Differences
In Parashat Yitro, Moses gains wisdom and insight from his father-in-law, Jethro. What Moses gains from Jethro changes the course of his leadership, and in turn, has an extraordinary effect on the Jewish people.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Mishpatim: An Eye for an Eye
There’s a notable phrase in Parashat Mishpatim: “An eye for an eye.” Taken literally, this sentence makes it seem like valuing revenge as a substitute for justice is Jewish tradition. We know that’s not true, so what does “an eye for an eye” mean?