On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah

Latest Episodes:

How to be a Hero Nov 07, 2016

Show notes

Parashat Lech L'cha tells us the story of the very beginning of Jewish history, when God says to Abraham and Sarah that they are to "go forth" and begin the story of Jewish commitment. We learn a lot about the first Jews from this parashah, but perhaps one of the most important lessons is about what it means to be a hero. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss the part of the story that is too often skipped over, and what we have to learn from it.

Electing a Righteous Leader Oct 31, 2016

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Almost everybody knows the story of Noach. God tells Noach that there is going to be a flood that will destroy all living things, and it's up to Noach to build an ark in order to save his family and repopulate the Earth. But how many of us have looked deeper into the story, and noticed those details that may not jump out at first look? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discusses those details that often get left out of the story, and even tells us how those details relate to our current US election.

Creationism vs Science: Which is the Truth? Oct 23, 2016

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This week we enter the beginning of a brand new cycle of Torah reading with a parashah that has become controversial in today's political climate: B'reishit (in the beginning). The creation of the world is described beautifully and poetically in the Torah, but in our world where we're always trying to figure out what's true and what's false, people seem to get stuck on this first portion of Genesis. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, describe his interpretation of B'reishit, and the difference between factual and moral truth.

Sukkot and the Fragility of Life Oct 16, 2016

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Five days after Yom Kippur, we turn our gaze out to the world around us and take notice of the harvest season. Sukkot is a holiday that teaches us to appreciate what we have, while reminding us that life is fragile. Just like a sukkah, everything is fleeting, and everything is temporary. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss how Sukkot reminds us to have empathy for those who are in need, and to enjoy life.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place Oct 10, 2016

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Parashat Haazinu includes the word tzur, or rock, eight times. But in this case, tzur isn't referring to just any rock; it's referring to God, as the rock of Israel. Sometimes, a rock can have a positive connotation, like our friends that are always there for us. But other times, it can signify something that's cold, unfeeling, and unbending. What can be understood about these conflicting implications of a rock when we're talking about God and the High Holidays? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discusses Parashat Haazinu, and tzur yisrael, God as the rock of Israel.

The Sacred Art of Letting Go Oct 02, 2016

Show notes

Parashat Vayeilech is read between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a time of transition for all of us. We've brought in the new year with hopes, prayers, and the shofar, and we look toward Yom Kippur, where we are tasked with letting go of the last year and moving forward. Letting go and coming to terms with change can be difficult. What does the Torah teach us about how to move on? Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss Parashat Vayeilech and the sacred art of letting go.

Standing for What Matters Most Sep 26, 2016

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At the beginning of Parashat Nitzavim, we hear the phrase, "Today you are all standing." This phrase isn't referring to people simply standing, it means that the Jewish people stood together and entered into a Covenant, affirming the things that matter most. But, what are the things that matter most today? Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss Parashat Nitzavim, and what it means to continue the Covenant. See also: The Reform Movement's call to action: Nitzavim: Standing Up for Voter Protection and Participation

Spiritual Centering Sep 19, 2016

Show notes

Hasket, which translates to silence or stillness, is a word that appears in the Torah only once, during this week's Parasha, Ki Tavo. With the High Holidays coming up, setting aside time for silence or stillness can be difficult, but it can offer a unique form of spiritual centering. Still, while silence can be positively powerful this close to the High Holidays, silence can also be dangerous. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss the power of silence and stillness, and how we know when they are appropriate.

The Morality of War Sep 12, 2016

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Ki Teitzei translates to "when you go out," but it doesn't mean going out to dinner or the movies. The full phrase, Ki teitzei l'milchamah, translates to "when you go out to war." The Torah recognizes that there is an inevitability to war, and because of that, there must be certain moral boundaries and ethical requirements in the ways that we fight. This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, examines Parashat Ki Teitzei and what it means to fight a war with strength and humility. View the transcript of this podcast >

Demanding Justice Sep 05, 2016

Show notes

At the core of being Jewish is a fundamental demand for justice. Demanding justice involves asking others to work toward a more just world, but it also involves asking ourselves to do that work. In Parashat Shof'tim, we are introduced to the three-word phrase that has inspired bookshelves of scholarship and controversy: "tzedek, tzedek, tirdof." In English, the phrase translates to "justice, justice, you shall pursue." Why would this simple, short phrase incite such controversy? Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss the controversy, the significance of the repetition of the word tzedek, and more. Read the transcript of this podcast >