On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah

Latest Episodes:

A Little Drop of Sweetness Sep 23, 2019

Show notes

This week we read Parashat Nitzavim, and we ring in the year 5780. Join us as Rabbi Rick Jacobs shares memories of Rosh HaShanah and enjoying the unique holiday customs and rituals within our Ashkenazi and Sephardic communities, and discusses the sweetness of sharing them with each other. Shanah Tovah!

The Commitment of Covenant Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

In this week's Parashah, Ki Tavo, we are told to follow the commandments and uphold our covenants, as there will be blessings if we do, but curses if we do not. Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on the various types of covenants that we experience and agree to throughout our lives, and the responsibilities, and indeed blessings, that come with keeping our word to each other, to God and to ourselves.

Everyone Thinks They Are The Good Guys Sep 09, 2019

Show notes

Rabbi Rick Jacobs discusses Ki Teitzei, his Bar Mitzvah portion, which mentions the ethical constraints and restrictions that a person must consider, when going into war. Joining the conversation is this week's guest, Rear Admiral Rabbi Harold L. Robinson, the highest ranking Jewish Chaplain in the history of the United States military, as they reflect on, among other things, how one's values are tested, when faced with possibly endangering yourself, at the risk of doing what's right.

The Pursuit of Justice Sep 02, 2019

Show notes

In this week's Torah portion, Parashat Shof'tim, Moses tells the people of Israel to select judges for every city. Rabbi Rick Jacobs discusses the standards that Moses set for those judges, how they are still relevant today, and what we must we do when those standards aren't met.

On The Road Again Aug 26, 2019

Show notes

When are the times that you knew you needed to show up and be present? This week Rabbi Rick Jacobs discusses Parashah R'eih, the three pilgrimage festivals of Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot, and how our pilgrimages can connect us not only to each other and our ancestors, but our friends and partners of other faiths as well.

The Heart Of The Matter Aug 19, 2019

Show notes

Rabbi Rick Jacob's reflection on Parashah Eikev, teaches about how imperative it is that as we encounter the natural ups and downs of life, we really try to remove the layers and get to the heart of the matter. He emphasizes that we must remain open to honest emotion, compassion, love and even vulnerability.

It Only Takes One Aug 12, 2019

Show notes

What was the most inspirational advice or speech or quote you ever heard? Who is the person that changed your life for the better? This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs discusses Parashah Va-et'chanan, sharing words from Rabbi Harold Schulweis, where we learn that it only takes one - one moment, one person, one God - to inspire us, and to move us.

Raising Our Voices Aug 05, 2019

Show notes

Often, we think about what actions we might've taken during trying moments in history -- but what are we doing right now? It's not always easy to step forward. As Moses teaches us in this week's Parashah, D'varim, and Rabbi Rick Jacobs reminds us by relating his experience at the Texas/Mexico border last week, learning to be a strong, yet fair leader may be challenging and even alienating at times, but it's always worth it.

Our Moral Compass Jul 29, 2019

Show notes

We all face difficult decisions, but how do we reconcile our obligations and the repercussions of our actions? We should always ask ourselves – what is the better or kinder way to speak, to listen and to act? This week, as we learn about Matot-Mas'ei, Rabbi Rick Jacobs discusses the complications of ethics and war, hard choices, and the necessity of incorporating our moral compasses in the most challenging of times.

Bridging The Divide Jul 22, 2019

Show notes

What happens when zealotry is mistaken for passion? How do we measure our responses and find the humanity in each other during tense times? Rabbi Rick Jacobs delves into the unexpected lessons found in this week's Parashah, Pinchas, through a Torah lens as well as how that applies to modern-day Israeli politics.