On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah

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When Torah Meets Theater Mar 27, 2017

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Parashat Vayikra is filled with drama. It can be gory and, at times, inexplicable. To help us understand exactly what unfolds in this active and high-stakes parashah, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by award winning playwright Michele Lowe. They discuss the dramatic aspects of Parashat Vayikra and how we can make Torah come alive.

What Makes a Space Sacred? Mar 20, 2017

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In Parashat Vayak'heil-P'kudei, the Israelites build the tabernacle in the middle of the desert, and because it is built from their heart, with their hands, the presence of God comes to dwell in that space. These days most of us don't personally build our sacred spaces, so how do we make these spaces sacred? In this week's episode of On The Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by sacred space planner Father Dick Vosko. They discuss the past, present, and future of the places where we pray.

Are You My Idol? Mar 13, 2017

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If you think about idolatry in the Torah, you might think about Parashat Ki Tisa, where in their restlessness, the Israelites built a golden calf. Many of us view idolatry as far from our contemporary Jewish sensibility, but is the sin of idol worship still alive in today's Jewish world? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, explores the difference between reverence and idolatry in this week's episode of On the Other Hand.

Protecting Our Planet and Other Sacred Places Mar 06, 2017

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In the opening of parashat T'tzaveh, the eternal light reminds us that as we construct our places of worship, we must honor our role as stewards of the earth, and offer a hospitality that allows all of us to participate with dignity. What makes our prayer spaces sacred? Rabbi Rick Jacobs suggests that being in the right relationship with the world around us is the starting foundation.

What Does "Generosity" Really Mean? Feb 27, 2017

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Parashat T'rumah presumes that we can ask people to donate and they will freely, lovingly, and generously give of themselves. What is the nature of generosity? Why are some people natural givers, while others are takers? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism,raises questions about philanthropy and ideas about giving not just money, but of ourselves, and whether we can teach that behavior to others.

An Eye for an Eye Feb 20, 2017

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There's a notable phrase in Parashat Mishpatim: "An eye for an eye." Taken literally, this sentence makes it seem like valuing revenge as a substitute for justice is Jewish tradition. We know that's not true, so what does "an eye for an eye" mean? Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism discuss what fairness means according to Jewish law.

Looking Beyond Our Differences Feb 13, 2017

Show notes

In Parashat Yitro, Moses gains wisdom and insight from his father-in-law, Jethro. What Moses gains from Jethro changes the course of his leadership, and in turn, has an extraordinary effect on the Jewish people. But there's one important detail about Jethro that's important to mention: he's not Jewish. In this week's episode of On the Other Hand, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, talks to Evan Traylor, the URJ's first ever Presidential Fellow for Millennial Engagement. They discuss what it's like to grow up in an interfaith family, and why anyone who wants to be part of a community should be audaciously welcomed.

Life's Shortcuts and the Benefits of a 40 Year Journey Feb 05, 2017

Show notes

Did you know that instead of wandering in the desert for 40 years, the Israelites could have used a shortcut that would get them to their destination in only two weeks? But the decision to wander was an intentional one that lead to a deliberate, challenging, and critical journey. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss Parashat B'shalach, and the journey of the Jewish people from Egypt to Canaan.

Finding the Truth in our Stories Jan 30, 2017

Show notes

This week's parashah, Bo, tells the story of the ten plagues that convinced Pharaoh to "let my people go." It's an important story, but it often makes people wonder whether God really sent these ten plagues to Egypt. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, describe that it may not matter whether or not these ten plagues really happened, because there is truth to the story regardless.

What Made Moses Great Jan 19, 2017

Show notes

Moses isn't charismatic. He doesn't see himself as a great leader—he's modest, humble, and he doesn't speak clearly. But God insists that he lead despite this, because God sees an even more important quality in him: his ability to care for others. When Moses sees mistreatment, he has to intervene, no matter what the consequence might be. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss how Moses embodies the bedrock of our Jewish tradition in Parashat Va-eira, the Torah portion read on January 28, 2017.

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