On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah – Mishpatim: When Judaism Calls Us to Speak Out Courageously
Parashat Mishpatim presents a full catalog of laws, rituals, observance, and obligations that guide us in living a Jewish life of moral depth and courage. But, Rabbi Rick Jacobs asks, how do we, as liberal Jews regard these laws – which of them are we obligated to observe, and how?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-et'chanan: Why We Should Bring Politics to the Pulpit
Everybody has an opinion on whether politics should be brought to the pulpit, but according to Rabbi Jacobs, this debate was settled centuries ago.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Eikev: A Seat at the Table
A chapter in Parashat Eikev reads, “when you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless.” What does it mean to be satisfied, and what kind of power does a good meal have?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - R'eih: Eating With Compassion
Parashat R’eih includes that infamous line: “you shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk.” Jewish tradition categorizes the mitzvah of not mixing milk with meat as one without specific reasoning, but many scholars think th
B'midbar for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this parasha, God commands Moses to take a census of all the Israelite males over the age of twenty as well as firstborns. Each tribe is assigned specific places in the camp around the Tabernacle (the altar). The sons of Levi are counted and their responsibilities are set forth. Listen as the laws for the priests and Kohens are given.
D'varim for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this parasha, Moses recaps the physical journey the Israelites underwent, and reflects on the reports of the spies. Joshua will become the next leader. Listen to other reflections from Moses.
Noach for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this week’s parasha, Noah is told by God to make an ark before a big flood. He is told to gather animals two by two and bring them aboard, along with his family. After the flood, God promises never to destroy God's people again, and the generations that are born are listed. Listen now to hear these names and to find out what happens when people try to build a tower to the sky!
Naso for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
God is taking roll call in this parasha – God tells Moses to take a census, and more laws are detailed.
B'haalot'cha for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this parasha, God speaks to Moses, describing the menorah for the Tent of Meeting. The Levites are appointed to serve as assistants under Aaron and his sons. A cloud by day and fire by night show God's Presence over the Tabernacle (altar). When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe. Listen to the Sha-rap to learn about the troubles they have on this journey.
Sh'lach L'cha for Teens: Shabbat Sha-raps
In this parasha, Moses sends twelve spies to the Land of Israel to report on the inhabitants and the country, but their reports aren’t completely truthful. To punish the people, God announces that all those who left Egypt would not enter the Land of Israel except for Joshua and Caleb.