Seven Minute Torah

Balak: Talking Donkeys, Miracles, and Your Authentic Voice

This week's parashah has it all: comedy, blessings and curses, and a talking donkey! In our conversation with Rabbi Karen Thomashow we discuss the place of parable and legend in the Torah, and what it means to find your authentic voice.

 

Chukat: The Rituals that Bring Us Meaning

This week's Torah portion describes a ritual that even the Rabbinic commentators can't explain! What does it teach us about the power of ritual and positive habit to bring goodness into our lives?

Korach: Holy is an Action

In this conversation with Rabbi Larry Englander, we talk about Korach's rebellion and about the difference between being holy and striving for holiness. Plus: rabbinic retirement, a new novel about Maimonides, and how secular Israeli music is making its way into Jewish religious life (and vice versa).

Sh'lach: At our Worst and at our Best

This week's parashah tells the story of the "meraglim" - the scouts whose job is to survey the Promised Land and report back to Moses and the Israelites. How does their report, and the rebellion that it causes, show a society at both its worst and its best. A lesson about the power of standing up for your beliefs and values.

B'haalot'cha: How Moses Grows as a Leader

In this conversation with Rabbi Emma Gottlieb, we discuss all the ways that Moses responds to change, adversity, and rebellion in the Sinai desert. How his (and our) capacity for leadership is built on support, compassion, and knowing when to ask for help.

Plus, we talk about pioneering women rabbis, Judaism in South Africa, books and more!

Naso: The Ceremony of Bitter Waters

A conversation with Rabbi Denise Handlarski about the very challenging "Sotah" section of the Torah. How ancient misogyny can teach us about modern Judaism and about feminism, and why sometimes the Torah is an example of what NOT to do. Plus, we talk to Rabbi Handlarski about humanism, online Judaism, intermarriage, and much more.

Bamidbar: Lift Up the Heads

The parashah this week is about a census in the desert. What wisdom does it have for this terrible time of conflict and violence in Israel?

Behar-Bechukotai: The Sabbatical Year and Giving Up Control

The Biblical institution of Sabbatical and Jubilee year - in which the land lies fallow and all debts are forgiven - have a powerful lesson to teach about partnership and relationship, and what happens when we stop trying to control the world around us. An interview with Rabbi Michael Satz.

Emor: The Corners of Your Face/Field

The Torah's strange prohibition against shaving the corners of your face is an opportunity to talk about holiness and about the relationship between ritual and ethics.

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Achrei Mot-Kedoshim: Love Your Neighbour As Yourself

An interview with Rabbi Evon Yakar of Lake Tahoe, California, about the ethical idea that sits at the centre (both literally and figuratively) of the Torah. Is there anything specifically Jewish about "Love your neighbour?" What does it mean to fulfil those words as a Jew?

 

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