Seven Minute Torah

B’Shallach: Making a Miracle, Doing God’s Work

In this parashah, the Torah tells the story of the parting of the Red Sea. And the Rabbis tell the story of the brave person who made that miracle possible.

Bo: The Importance of Questions & Curiosity

This week's portion tells the story of the Exodus. It also tells about the importance of telling the story, and of asking questions as a mode of learning. Let's talk about why Judaism has placed questioning & curiosity at the centre of ritual and memory.

Va’era: Shortness of Spirit

Why could Moses see the possibility of freedom when none of the other Israelite slaves could? How do you find hope, and a wider perspective, in the midst of the narrow places.

Shemot: Moses and the Women (An Interview with Rabbi Sally Priesand)

The opening of the book is Exodus is the origin story of Moses...but it's also the story of the women in his life. In this episode I am joined by Rabbi Sally Priesand, North America's first woman rabbi, to discuss the women who make Moses's story possible - and to celebrate 50 years of women's rabbinical ordination.

Vay‘chi: Legacy

The final parashah of Genesis is about death, life, and legacy. Ephraim and Menashe receive a blessing from their grandfather Jacob. In a sense, we get to be living expressions of the values of those who came before us.

Vayigash: What does it take to forgive? (encore)

The Joseph story is ultimately a story about forgiveness and about relationships.

Miketz: Jewish Life in Diaspora

Among other things, Joseph is the first "Diaspora Jew." How does his story in this week's parashah mirror and inspire Jewish life today?

Vayeshev: An Act of Joseph

This week's parashah tells the story of Joseph and the "coat of many colours." What is the secret of Joseph's incredible resilience?  Listen in for Rabbi Streiffer's take.

Vayishlach: From Jacob to Israel

Why is Jacob's name change such a pivotal moment in the Jewish story? And what does it have to teach us about our own lives?

Vayetze: Responsible for Each Other

This week's parashah tells the story of the 12 sons of Jacob, who become the 12 tribes of Israel. The symbolism of family has something to teach about the realities of peoplehood and responsibility.