On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah

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Reward and Punishment Jul 30, 2018

Show notes

Parashat Eikev contains the second paragraph of the Sh'ma, which is no longer read in many Reform communities. Rabbi Jacobs explains why in this episode of On the Other Hand, and explores the question: Do good things happen to people because of their obedience to sacred teachings?

The Future of Judaism Jul 23, 2018

Show notes

In Parashat Va-et'chanan, Moses prepares Joshua to take on leadership of the Jewish people. So, it's fitting that this week, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by Rabbi Matt Green, the assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, New York and director of Brooklyn Jews. They discuss new ways to engage young Jews, the importance of Judaism to young people, and why we shouldn't be worried about the future of Judaism.

Why Tragedies Happen and How to Respond Jul 16, 2018

Show notes

Parashat D'varim is the first portion of the Book of Deuteronomy, and this year it is read just before Tishah B'Av – a day that, throughout Jewish history, has been one of tragedy and destruction. What does it mean that so many horrible events have taken place on this one particular day? Rabbi Rick Jacobs explores this question in this week's episode of On the Other Hand.

Cities of Refuge Jul 09, 2018

Show notes

The double parashah of Matot-Mas'ei introduces the concept of cities of refuge. Today, as American lawmakers are using the bible as justification for the mistreatment of people who are seeking refuge, there is a lot to learn from Parashiyot Matot-Mas'ei. In this episode of On the Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs discusses what the Torah can teach us about welcome refugees.

Defeating Extremism With Acts of Courage Jul 02, 2018

Show notes

Parashat Pinchas is an intense parashah, one with an act of religious extremism—and just because it's in the Torah, doesn't mean it should be taken at face value. In this episode of On the Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs discusses what we can learn from a Torah portion that goes in a different direction than what we believe today.

The Beauty of Humility Jun 25, 2018

Show notes

Parashat Balak's accompanying Haftorah portion features the famous verse: "God has told you what is good and what the Eternal requires of you only to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." For many, if you wanted to distill Jewish tradition into one verse, this would be it. Specifically, what does this passage mean for Jewish people today? Rabbi Jacobs explains in this episode of On the Other Hand.

Remembering Rabbi Aaron Panken, Ph.D, z"l Jun 18, 2018

Show notes

Parashat Chukat, we learn of the passing of two of the most inspired biblical teachers: Miriam and Aaron. In this episode of On the Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs honors the life of Rabbi Aaron Panken, Ph.D., z"l, who, like the biblical Aaron, was a remarkable leader. Rabbi Jacobs reflects on a few of the texts that speak to who Rabbi Panken was, and what made him such a great leader.

What Makes a Leader? Jun 11, 2018

Show notes

Korach, Moses's cousin, proves to be a certain kind of leader: one who cares more about himself than the people he is leading. What can we learn from Parashat Korach today? Rabbi Jacobs gives his take in this episode of On the Other Hand: 10 Minutes of Torah.

Optimism and Hope Jun 04, 2018

Show notes

Parashat Sh'lach L'cha, the Jewish people are wandering the desert and doubting that they'll ever make it to the promised land. So, they send 12 spies ahead to scout the land and report back. The spies come back with different takes—10 aren't so sure the land will provide a comfortable home, but two return with excitement. Is their positive outlook a result of optimism or hope? Rabbi Jacobs gives his take on the difference between optimism and hope in this episode of On the Other Hand.

Don't Kvetch May 28, 2018

Show notes

In Chapter 11 of Parashat B'haalot'cha, the Israelites are wandering through the desert, and they're kvetching. They're not happy about the cuisine, the amount of water, and everything they need to schlep. Even though most of us today aren't tasked with wandering through the desert, we still find things to kvetch about. But what if, when we want to kvetch, we instead focus on building up our community? Rabbi Jacobs explores this question in this week's episode of On the Other Hand.

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