On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah

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Fighting Poverty Aug 29, 2016

Show notes

In life, we are often tasked with a blessing and a curse. In Parashat R'eih, we are reminded to always look at the blessings and the curses in front of us. Chapter four of Parashat R'eih, commands us, "there shall be no needy among you," only a few verses before it tells us, "and there will never cease to be poor ones in your land." Being deeply responsible for eradicating poverty is a fundamental commitment of our Jewish tradition, but how can one fully eradicate poverty? Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss what it means to accept responsibility for the hungry and poor in our midst. View the transcript of this podcast >

Entitlement vs Gratitude Aug 22, 2016

Show notes

It's natural for people who have much more than what they need to spend time thinking about the things that they do not have, rather than being thankful. In many of our lives, there is an extremely prominent divide between those who have more than they need, and those who struggle. In Parashat Eikev, Rabbi Rick Jacobs highlights the divide between what we are entitled to and what we take for granted each day. How do we give spiritual meaning to what we do have rather than focusing on what we could have had?

What is the Essence of Judaism? Aug 15, 2016

Show notes

Ten is an important number in Jewish tradition, and in this parashah we read the second telling of the Ten Commandments. Though many consider the essence of Judaism to be the Ten Commandments, they aren't necessarily the most important of the 613 commandments. More important than being able to recite the Ten Commandments from memory is embodying the essence of those commandments and practicing them. God tells Moses, "Go up on the high place and raise your gaze, look out," challenging him to look up from his everyday tasks and see beyond the present moment to the future. We can all be inspired by that challenge, and look towards a future where each of us can distill Judaism into its essence, perhaps the way Micah taught: "Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss Parashat Va-et'chanan. View the transcript of this podcast >

Leaving the Comfort Zone Aug 08, 2016

Show notes

Parashat D'varim, the opening portion of Deuteronomy, encourages us as individuals, congregations, and communities to avoid getting stuck in one way of thinking. Though there is comfort in the familiar, sticking to the status quo inhibits innovation. Remember that, without innovation and risk-taking in our Reform Movement, there would be no URJ camps or women rabbis. This week, we are encouraged to appreciate how far we've come, and all we've done in our given spaces, but to also take a step forward into the future. Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discuss Parashat D'varim. View the transcript of this podcast >

Life is a Journey, Not a Destination Aug 01, 2016

Show notes

You have probably heard the saying that life is a journey and not a destination, but what exactly does that mean? Wherever we go in life, we are constantly meeting new people, experiencing new things, and exploring new places. Even if something seems like a destination, like landing a new job or moving, people constantly learn and grow from the experiences that they have in any given place. Parashat Matot Ma-sei reminds us to journey forth, journey far, and journey deeply through life, and that the masa (journey), and not the destination, is home. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discusses the importance of changing environments and making new connections to achieve clarity in life.

Religious Extremism Jul 25, 2016

Show notes

In this week's Torah portion, we read the story of Pinchas who kills an Israelite out of zealous belief. There are many who equate "people of faith" with zealotry, doing anything to ensure the continuation of a religion or peoplehood. But how can we turn that definition around to the idea that "people of faith" are good, kind, caring people who tend to their community? We should not let religion be hijacked by zealots – not in the bible, and not today. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, examines Parashat Pinchas. View the transcript of this podcast >

How Does a Curse Become a Blessing? Jul 18, 2016

Show notes

Parashat Balak teaches us to draw strength and inspiration from everyone around us. We read the story of how the Moabite King Balak tried, and failed, to destroy the Jewish people with the help of his sorcerer Balaam. How does a curse become a blessing? This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs highlights how we can welcome all types of people into the family of Judaism, whether they were born into it or not.

Thirsting for Wisdom Jul 11, 2016

Show notes

In Judaism, mayim, or water, is not only crucial to sustaining life, but it is also a symbol of wisdom and Torah. Parashat Chukat addresses the thirst that the Jews have while wandering the desert after Miriam the prophet dies, which also represents the yearning for the wisdom and nourishment that Miriam provided. The Jewish people are thirsty and eager to drink from the well of tradition. Rabbi Rick Jacobs discusses Parashat Chukat, the Torah portion read on 7/16/16.

Questionable Intentions Jul 04, 2016

Show notes

In Jewish history and culture, there has been no shortage of arguments; in fact, the entire Talmud is composed of arguments about some of the most important issues in history. In Parashat Korach, Korach is clearly upset and challenges authority – but why does he do this? Is he a rebel with a cause, or is he acting out with no clear intention? This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, discusses the importance of intent behind leadership and fighting for a cause.

Facing the Future Jun 27, 2016

Show notes

When faced with anxiety about the future, how can one persevere as a strong leader? How have we pushed people to the edges of our Jewish communities, and how do we gather them back? Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, explores Parashat Sh'lach L'cha.

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