Displaying 1 - 10 of 25
Stories We Tell: The Dancing Bear
All is not always what it seems, as we learn when a man from Pinsk tricks a woman in Minsk with a dancing bear and a very sweet Minchah (afternoon service). Join Rabbi Steven Bob, as he shares the tale of “The Dancing Bear”.
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Stories We Tell: The Seed
The king, who is ready to retire, is holding a contest to find his successor. He gives seeds to all of the young people in the kingdom, and tells them whoever can grow the finest tree, plant, or crop will become king. A young boy with a green thumb knows that he has a real shot at winning, but no matter what he does, he can’t seem to make these plants grow. Can he make it work in time? Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz retells the story.
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Stories We Tell: Chiribim
Years ago, the Chiribim and Chiribam families were enemies--but, the feud had been going on for so long that nobody could even remember how it began! Eventually, the rabbi decided that he would bring the families together and urge them to make peace. He asked both families to meet him in the forest, but after forgetting his glasses, the plan became difficult to carry through. Was the rabbi able to bring the families together? Cantor Rosalie Will retells the story. You can find a written version of the story in Stories for Peace by Mark Binder.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: The Altar of Achievement - Parashat Tol'dot
This week, Rabbi Jacobs discusses Parashat Tol'dot, or "The generations." Like Rebecca and her son Jacob, Rabbi Jacobs asks: Are we as parents inclined to put unrealistic expectations on our children? How can we help them grow to be their own unique, fulfilled individuals?
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: The Power of Jewish Meditation - Parshat Vayeitzeh
Many of us lead busy lives, but what if we were to take just one moment each day to simply "be present"? Rabbi Jacobs uses the story of Jacob's dream to guide us in meditating Jewishly so we can connect more deeply to the Divine, to ourselves, and to one another.
Three ways to listen:
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: A Place Unlike Any Other - Parashat Vayishlach
In Parashah Vayishlach, we find Jacob transforming a site into a holy and special place. Rabbi Rick Jacobs wonders what it means to make a place special and how we ascribe meaning to places near and dear to us.
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Stories We Tell: The Two Who Studied Torah
Aaron and David love studying Torah, and even want it to be their livelihood. But a truth-telling rabbi may send them down a different path. Join Rabbi Leora Kaye as she tells a story which reminds us that we can sometimes reach our dream destination by traversing an unexpected path.
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Stories We Tell: How To Fix The World
We all want to make the world a little better, but as it turns out, it’s not always easy. Join Aliza Greenberg, as she tells the tale of Abigail and Ella, two women who try, try and try again, to make the world perfect, in their own eyes.
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Stories We Tell: The Window Box
A woman, walking with her wife around Manhattan, hears a cricket. How could she have heard a cricket among all of the New York City noise? Cantor Rosalie Boxt, URJ Director of Worship tells the story. For a written version of this story, by Rabbi David E. Stern, read Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Stories edited by Laney Katz Becker.
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Stories We Tell: Two Visits to the Palace
How do you see beauty? Rabbi Leora Kaye tells the story of Adam and Joshua’s visit to the palace. While they each see something special and amazing in their individual experiences, it’s what they learn to see, through each other’s eyes, that’s truly beautiful
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