On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah

Latest Episodes:

Is the Torah Colorblind? Jun 05, 2017

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In this episode of On The Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by April Baskin, URJ Vice President of Audacious Hospitality, to discuss the provocative text in Parashat B'haalot'cha when Miriam and Aaron talk behind Moses's back about Moses marrying Tziporah, a Kushite woman. Listen to Rabbi Jacobs and April Baskin discuss this text, whether Judaism is colorblind, and where the North American Jewish community can do better by Jews of Color.

What is a Blessing May 29, 2017

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Parashat Naso features a very famous blessing – but what does it mean for one person to bless another? Is it a power reserved for the ancient priests, or is it something that we are all capable of? What kinds of actions constitute a blessing? Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, describe what he sees as a blessing in this episode of On the Other Hand.

Do Numbers Matter? May 22, 2017

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Do you know which countries have the largest population of Jewish people? What about how many Jews serve in the United States Congress? As we begin the Book of Numbers with Parashat B'midbar, Rabbi Jacobs talks us through the numbers of the Jewish people today, as Parashat B'midbar does with the Israelites wandering the desert after the Exodus. Listen to this episode of On the Other Hand to learn what Rabbi Jacobs thinks about these numbers, and whether they matter.

What the Torah Says About Being Green May 15, 2017

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For anyone who doubts that Judaism includes social and environmental justice, this week's commentary on the double portion of B'har-B'chukotai sings forth that we have a fundamental responsibility to care for God's Earth, and to be attentive to the neediest among us. How does this section of the Torah ask that we do that? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, tells us how in this episode of On the Other Hand.

Gratitude, Obligation, and Responsibility, A Jewish Year with Abigail Pogrebin May 08, 2017

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Parashat Emor lays out the sacred calendar of the Jewish people as we know it in the Torah, and there's no one better to discuss this parashah with Rabbi Jacobs than Abigail Pogrebin, author of the book "My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew." Pogrebin tells us about her year of studying, preparing for, and observing all 18 holidays on the Hebrew calendar, and what she learned about gratitude, obligation, and responsibility.

The Torah's Take on Love May 01, 2017

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It's another two-parashah week, and this time we're reading about love. The phrase "love the stranger" appears in the Torah 36 times. Why is this phrase written so often, and who is the stranger? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, gives his take in this episode of On the Other Hand.

What We Get Wrong About the Dreaded Parashiyot Apr 24, 2017

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Parashiyot Tazria and M'tzora are perhaps the most nerve inducing parashiyot in many Jewish circles, and it makes sense—most people aren't typically eager to discuss leprosy. But if we know that illness can often be seen as a metaphor in Jewish tradition as punishment for sin, what is this case of leprosy actually about? Listen to Rabbi Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, explain why he thinks Parashiyot Tazria and M'tzora should transcend the dread.

Kashrut Explained (Or, Why I Can't Eat A Camel) Apr 13, 2017

Show notes

In Parashat Sh'mini, while we learn the laws that distinguish which animals are and are not kosher, we do not learn the rationale behind kashrut. Because of this, there is a lot of misinformation spread around why certain animals are deemed unsuitable to eat. Does kashrut exist because of cleanliness, practicality, or something else? Listen to this episode of On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah, to find out.

Why is This Passover Different from Other Passovers? Apr 10, 2017

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In this special Passover episode of On the Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs discusses empathy. The story of Passover asks that we put ourselves in the shoes of those who escaped slavery and travelled to freedom, and that we think about what it's like to have nothing. But this year, it isn't enough to discuss this type of tragedy as a thing of the past. Find out why Rabbi Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, thinks that this seder should be different from other sedarim in this week's episode of On the Other Hand.

How to Be a Leader Apr 03, 2017

Show notes

Parashat Tzav opens with a command to Aaron, the high priest. It's a moment to think about leadership – who are our leaders and what do they do? Are our leaders born into the role, like Aaron, or are they called to leadership, like Moses? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discusses what it means to be a leader, and who among us should take a leadership role (spoiler alert: it's all of us!)

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