TakeTen4Torah Daily Torah Podcast

On Yom Kippur, we spend a lot of time "confessing" to the mistakes we have made throughout the year. Might there ever be a time to "confess" to a mitzvah? Take Ten to find out.

An old tradition has developed where we find the acronym of Elul in a variety of different Biblical and Rabbinic statements. Why is this specific to this month? What are the messages we are meant to learn? Tale Ten to find out. 

Why is the month of Elul associated with reflection and self-improvement? Is it because it's the final month of the year or is it something more? Take Ten to find out.

In the shadow of Yom Yerushalayim, this Ten discusses the millennia-old tension that exists between "forgetting" and "awaiting" when it comes to Yerushalayim and the Beit Hamikdash. 

  Why is the book of Bamidbar referred to as "Numbers"? Take Ten to find out.   

The holiday of Shavuot begins late due to the hour of sunset this time of year, but as you might be aware, we delay its start even further than we do for other holidays. Take Ten to learn how this delay came about and how it speaks to our Shavuot "Pursuit of Perfection."

The Torah instructs us that we should be "holy," but what exactly does that mean? Take Ten to find out.

It seems that Magid takes more than ten minutes, so take Ten for Part 2 of our "Ten Minute Seder." 

Can we complete the entirety of Magid—where we retell the story of the Exodus at the Seder—in ten minutes? Unlikely, but take Ten to be sure. 

Five rabbis met for a seder in Bnei Brak in the only story told in the Magid sequence. Why is this story significant? What can we learn from it? Take Ten to find out.

  Many of us have the custom to engage in the ransom of the Afikoman on the seder night. Take Ten to learn the origin of this custom and why, to some, we've been doing it all wrong.   

How much is too much when it comes to cleaning for Pesach? This short series discusses some of the well-known controversies relating to Pesach observance and the actual requirements for cleaning. Take Ten to find out why it might be easier than you think! Part 3 - Where to look for Chametz? How do we "kill" Chametz? What's the difference between cleaning bedrooms and "food" rooms? And some practic...

How much is too much when it comes to cleaning for Pesach? This short series discusses some of the well-known controversies relating to Pesach observance and discusses the actual cleaning requirements. Take Ten to find out why it might be easier than you think! Part 2 - What is Chametz vs. Seor? What are we actually looking for when we search our homes for Chametz?

  How much is too much when it comes to cleaning for Pesach? This short series discusses some of the well-known controversies relating to Pesach observance and discusses the actual cleaning requirements. Take Ten to find out why it might be easier than you think!  

This week we read of the first Mitzvah, the command to sanctify the months and declare Rosh Chodesh. Take Ten to learn the significance that this Mitzvah has to Pesach and all of the holidays. 

After learning about the extreme way we treat Chametz, why is it that we go to such levels? Take Ten to find out. This Ten is sponsored by the Ismach family in memory of Michoel ben Yosef on his Yahrtzeit.

Aside from the Torah's strictness regarding the laws of Chametz, we find generations of customs that have added to these difficulties. Take Ten to learn about some of the famous - and not so famous - extremes of Pesach. 

In this first of a series, we discuss the overwhelming stringency applied to Pesach preparations. What is the nature of the stringency? How did it develop? Take Ten to find out. This Ten is sponsored by the Anfang family in memory of Tzipora bat Menachem Mendel on her Yartzeit.  

It is said that "teaching a man to fish" is the greatest type of charity. Take Ten to learn the Jewish origins of this idea. 

Taanit Esther is anomalous from the other fasts we find on the Jewish calendar. How and why is this fast different than all other fast days? Take Ten to find out. 

Of the four mitzvot of Purim, the Rambam teaches that spending on the poor should be where we allocate the most resources. Take Ten to learn about the specific mitzvah of giving on Purim and how it is different than other charitable donations. 

What are the requirements for the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot? Why is this Mitzvah connected to Purim in the first place? Take Ten to find out. 

Moshe's behavior regarding the accounting for the materials donated to the Mishkan teaches us an important lesson about transparency in all of our behavior. Take Ten to learn this lesson.

Is it appropriate to receive an honor or recognition for doing a good thing or for giving a donation? Take Ten to learn the answer.

How important is it to answer cynics' claims? Should they be dismissed out of hand, or should we defend ourselves? Take Ten for a Torah perspective on the damage cynics can cause and the responses they require.