Seven Minute Torah

Tazria-Metzora: A Ritual of Gratitude

The Torah's "ickiest" portion has a lot to teach about life and death, contagion and purity, and about gratitude.

 

#Gratitude #Torah #ParashatHaShavua #JewishPodcast #Judaism #JewishLearning

Shemini: Making Mindful Choices

This week's parashah tells two very different stories: one about the death of two priests and one about the rules of keeping kosher. What do these mysterious accounts have to teach us about mindfulness and about thoughtful living?

#Judaism #JewishLearning #Podcast #Mindfulness #Kosher #Jewish

Pesach: When a song is more than just a song

The Torah portion for the 7th day of Pesach is probably Judaism's oldest song. It has not only a beautiful melody but an important lesson to teach about gratitude and social justice.

 

#Passover #Pesach #Judaism #JewishLearning #SocialJustice #Justice #Rabbi

Tzav: Why did the matzah cross the road?

This week's parashah teaches some surprising things about unleavened bread and about human nature. Pertinent to the Pesach holiday, and to our everyday lives. Plus, my best matzah jokes!

Vayikra: Of Temples, Prayers, and Pandemics

A conversation with Rabbi Joel Simon of Congregation Schaarei Zedek in Tampa, Florida, about sacrifice and prayer, how the synagogue saved Judaism, and what it all has to do with Covid.

 

#JewishLearning #Covid19 #Judaism #Rabbi #TorahPortion #ParashatHashavua #JewishPrayer

Vayakhel-Pekudei: Holy Space and Holy Actions

Is the sanctuary holy because God is there, or is it the other way around? (Hint: it's about what YOU do.) Plus, a brief explanation of some of the intricacies of the Jewish calendar.

Ki Tisa: The Only Thing We Have to Fear....

The story of the Golden Calf is a story of the dangers of acting out of fear. Our fears can bring out the worst in us, but they can also impel us to be our best. We quote the research of Dr. Kelly McGonigal about stress and wellness.

Mishpatim: Our Responsibility for the Vulnerable

By reminding us that we were once slaves in Egypt, the Torah teaches that we are responsible to care for the vulnerable in society.

 

#Torah #JewishLearning #Podcast #SocialJustice

Yitro: Our Own Sinai Moments

Did God hand down 10 Commandments on stone tablets at Mount Sinai? When we stop reading the Torah so literally, we can see that it is actually about us and our own lives.

 

#Judaism #Torah #TenCommandments #JewishPodcast

B'shallach: Taking the long way to the Promised Land

The Torah says that the Israelites took the long route through the wilderness to the Promised Land. A perfect metaphor for our own journeys.

#Torah #Podcast #Judaism #Transformation #BestSelf #Wellness