Seven Minute Torah

Metzora is about a mysterious plague that appears on the walls of a house. In debating whether it describes something real or mythical, the Rabbis teach a lesson about knowing, and knowing what we don't know.

Tazria is about scaly skin disease and priestly diagnosis. But when we examine it through the Rabbis' eyes, it is about our responsibility to each other in times of suffering. We explore a passage from the Talmud that helps drive home that idea.

In this interview with Alden Solovy, we try to understand the tragic story of Nadav and Avihu in the context of what it means to be a prayer leader. We also talk about creative liturgy, poetic midrash, and making the prayerbook accessible for "Jews in the pews." Alden's website: tobendlight.com/ And his books of liturgy and poetic midrash are available at https://www.ccarpress.org/.

Rabbi Michael Satz offers thoughts about the ancient Temple sacrifices, how we can relate to them in a post-Temple world, and what it means to offer the worship of our hearts.

As we open the book of Leviticus, the Torah turns to the rules of sacrifice. The message of these ancient Temple offerings is, ultimately, about recognizing wrongdoing and striving toward being your best self.

In this conversation with Rabbi Barry Block, we talk about the precious gems in the High Priest's breastplate, as a metaphor for the imperative to create equity by considering the individual needs of students/communities in education. Plus, in the bonus interview, we talk about the Jewish context around social and racial justice in the American south. Rabbi Block's book: The The Social Justice Tor...

In yet another portion about the building of the Tabernacle, the Torah discusses the unexpected skills and talents that the Israelites discovered in the wilderness. What does this have to do with our own skills and talents, and with the journey to being your best self?

This week's Torah portion speaks about a census in the wilderness. We'll explore why they only counted the Israelites from age 20 and up, and what it has to do with our own Judaism.

In this parashah about priestly clothing and institutions, Moses is conspicuously missing. What's the lesson in his absence? I consult the commentary of the great Israeli educator Nehama Leibowitz and look for meaning for today's world in an ancient text.

This week's Torah portion is about the construction of the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary in the desert). What does that have to do with relationships and with finding God in each other? Listen in for Rabbi Streiffer's take on the parashah. Click HERE to join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group.

The Torah's command to care for the widow, orphan, and stranger sits at the base of a rich Jewish theology of compassion, kindness, and social justice. I am joined by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, author and activist, to talk about why the ethical and the ritual can't be teased apart, and how the world benefits from a Jewish approach to social justice. R' Shmuly's Social Justice Commentaries can be...

Yitro is about the Torah portion about Mount Sinai. I am joined by Rabbi Oren Hayon to discuss the Ten Commandments, and why they represent a unique, dialogue-based framework for encountering God and encountering fellow human beings. We also reflect on the events in Colleyville, Texas, and the heroic acts of Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

This week's Torah portion teaches about how to disagree respectfully. We could learn a thing or two for our own lives and our political system.

Chayei Sarah is a portion about death that is really about life. The death of Sarah and of Abraham teach us an important lesson about relationships and about living our best life. Per the episode, my short story "A Wind From the South," which is about Isaac and Ishmael burying their father together, can be found here: https://jewishliteraryjournal.com/fiction/a-wind-from-the-south/ .  

Vayera is the story of Abraham and Sarah. It teaches us that we can transform the world from mundane to sacred through mitzvot - acts of holy obligation.