TakeTen4Torah Daily Torah Podcast

We learn from multiple sources that constructing the Mishkan was forbidden on Shabbos, but why is it that the construction of the Mishkan actually defines what is forbidden on Shabbat? Take Ten to find out. 

While we might know that the laws of keeping Shabbat are learned from the process of constructing the Mishkan, we might not be aware of the deep similarities that exist between the construction and the actual creation of the world. Take Ten to find out more.   This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l  

As we are about to embark on the first of two "happy months" of Adar, what are we supposed to be thinking or doing during these months? Take Ten to find out.  Sponsored by the Kamelhar family in l'ilui nishmat Golda bat Yitzchak.

Every society has developed some version of tort law and rules for how people are supposed to manage their mutual affairs. Judaism's version of these laws has a particularly religious flavor. How is this so? Take Ten to find out.  Sponsored l'ilui nishmat Denise bat Chaim.

The Torah speaks of the Mitzvah of providing loans to Jews in need. What is this great Mitzvah about? Take Ten to find out. Sponsored l'ilui nishmat Denise bat Chaim.  

There's a known prohibition regarding stealing and using people's property without permission. What are the rules regarding catching thieves? Take Ten to find out.  This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l

Parashat Mishpatim is the first large collection of laws that were given to the Jews. This Ten looks closely at two of those laws: 1) the prohibition against cursing a leader and 2) the command to follow the majority and argues that each target behavior is related to organizing a society and crowd control. Listen to why, for a fledgling nation, these laws may have been the most important.

How are we meant to "remember the Shabbat?" Does it mean remembering it on the day? Before the day? Or to take the memories with us? It seems that all are implied. How? Take Ten to find out.  This Ten is sponsored by the Wolf family in memory of Ruth bas Yosef.  

We know all the prohibitions that restrict what a person can do on Shabbat, but what is the best way to spend your Shabbat? Take Ten to find out. This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l

The Torah refers to four conversational encounters we will have with our children on the topic of the Exodus from Egypt. What is the significance of these four distinct children? What do we learn from these distinctions? Take Ten to find out.  Today's Ten is sponsored by the Brandsdorfer family in memory of Izzy Lindenbaum, Issur Aharon ben Bezalel Aryeh z"l on his yartzeit.

Matzah isn't only a mitzvah performed once a year. It is also is a metaphor for all of the mitzvos we do. Take Ten to find out how.

Of all the Mitzvot, there are three that are referred to as signs. What do they signify and when does this matter? Take Ten to find out. This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l

Take Ten to learn how Rosh Chodesh, the first Mitzvah, offers a unique opportunity for each and every one of us to begin again. 

G-d promises the Jewish people that after the time of their enslavement in Egypt, they would leave with great financial wealth. What was the purpose of this payment? Take Ten to find out. 

We often find the Bnei Yisrael compared to the sand and we even pray that we should be like the dirt. What does this metaphor mean? Take Ten to find out. This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l    

We generally believe that the first mitzvah given to the Jewish people is the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh, in Parshat Bo. This Ten discusses an alternative theory, that the first mitzvah given to the Jews was one that they almost certainly could not do right away and would take a very long time until actually performed. What was this mitzvah? Why would it be first? Take Ten to find out.

Moshe refuses the task offered by G-d to represent the people before Pharaoh due to a problem that he had with his speech. This Ten explores what exactly this problem was and why it may have been a significant reason that he was chosen. This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l

This week we begin to read about the Jewish people's subjugation under the Egyptians. What had they done to deserve this? Take Ten to find out.

Day in and day out, we use the Siddur, the traditional prayerbook, as our tool to connect with G-d. What is its power? Take Ten to find out.

In Parshat Vayechi, we read of the conclusion of the difficult drama of the "Sale of Yosef." How exactly does the story end? Take Ten to find out. 

As our stomach grumbles on this Jewish communal day of fasting, we might wonder: "What are we supposed to be taking from this experience?" Take Ten to find learn the answer. This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l

According to one opinion, if tomorrow's Fast of Tevet would fall on Shabbat, instead of deferring to Sunday, we would fast on Shabbat itself. What is so unique about this fast? Take Ten to find out. 

Our sources indicate a defunct fast day that existed on the 8th of Tevet that had something to do with the translation of the Torah. What are the events that surround this day? Take Ten to find out. 

Our tradition teaches that on Shabbat, we receive a "Neshama Yeseirah", or "extra soul." Take Ten to learn about the nature of this excess soul and the capabilities it provides. 

Our Parsha records that Yaakov's family enters Egypt with 70 people. Take Ten to learn the significance of this number in the context of this "Start-Up" nation.  This Ten is sponsored by the Lewis family in memory of Fred Lewis, Feivel Yitzchak ben Naftali David z"l