Making modern meaning from ancient texts.! Each week Rabbi Micah Streiffer discusses the weekly Torah portion in about 7 to 12 minutes, through liberal Jewish eyes. We weave together philosophy, spirituality, tradition, and social justice - and derive meaning for today‘s life from our sacred sources. Longer episodes include a bonus interview with leading rabbis and Jewish thought leaders.
Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK, the liberal Beit Midrash (”House of Study”). Contact us at info@laasok.org with comments or questions.
Episodes
Jan 6, 2026
Jan 6, 2026
15 min
What does it mean when the Torah tells us that God “hardened Pharaoh’s heart”? Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores a contemporary interpretation that understands Pharaoh’s stubbornness as a return to entrenched, harmful habits—and considers how this reading speaks to our own era of geopolitical uncertainty and our enduring responsibility to pursue justice.
Notes and Links:
- Seven Minute Torah is a production of Laasok: The Liberal Beit Midrash. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/.
- To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (tax-deductible donation) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah.
- Comments or questions? Email info@laasok.org, or contact Rabbi Micah Streiffer directly at micah@laasok.org.
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