199 episodes

Making modern meaning from ancient texts! Each week Rabbi Micah Streiffer discusses the weekly Torah portion in about 7 to 10 minutes, through liberal Jewish eyes. We weave together philosophy, spirituality, tradition, and social justice - and derive meaning for today‘s life from our sacred sources. Longer episodes include a bonus interview with leading rabbis and Jewish thought leaders.

With questions or comments, please contact me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com.

Seven Minute Torah Rabbi Micah Streiffer

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.7 • 13 Ratings

Making modern meaning from ancient texts! Each week Rabbi Micah Streiffer discusses the weekly Torah portion in about 7 to 10 minutes, through liberal Jewish eyes. We weave together philosophy, spirituality, tradition, and social justice - and derive meaning for today‘s life from our sacred sources. Longer episodes include a bonus interview with leading rabbis and Jewish thought leaders.

With questions or comments, please contact me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com.

    Knowing When to Step Aside (Pinchas)

    Knowing When to Step Aside (Pinchas)

    In this portion, Moses faces the prospect of his own death. The Midrash paints a picture of him as a leader who both struggles with own mortality and cares deeply about the welfare of the people he leads. We explore these messages, comparing them with contemporary events.
    ---------------------------------
    Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution).
    For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/.
    To join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup
    Comments or questions? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com

    • 12 min
    Beware the Demagogue (Korach)

    Beware the Demagogue (Korach)

    Korach claims that "all the people are holy," but his actions seem to be less about the people and more about his own interests. In that sense, he reminds us of some politicians we know today.
    ---------------------------------
    Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution).
    For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/.
    To join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup
    Comments or questions? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com

    • 12 min
    You Don't Know What Someone Else is Thinking (Sh'lach Lecha)

    You Don't Know What Someone Else is Thinking (Sh'lach Lecha)

    The Torah's famous story of the "scouts" is a pivotal moment - the beginning of the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. But what did the scouts do wrong? We take a look at a Midrash that suggests that, in part, it was because they made assumptions about what the people of the land were thinking about them. We talk about the cognitive distortion of "mind reading" and how it harms our well-being, our relationships, and our world.
    ---------------------------------
    Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution).
    For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/.
    To join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup
    Comments or questions? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com

    • 12 min
    Would That All God's People Were Prophets (B'ha-alot'cha - encore)

    Would That All God's People Were Prophets (B'ha-alot'cha - encore)

    This parashah tells about a strange incident in which two Israelites prophesy "illicitly." Moses's reaction to them teaches something important about leadership and listening. (Encore from 2022.)
    ---------------------------------
    Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution).
    For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/.
    To join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup
    Comments or questions? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com

    • 10 min
    70 Faces of Torah (Naso)

    70 Faces of Torah (Naso)

    A midrash says that the Torah is "one" but has seventy faces. We explore how Jewish life sits at the intersection of unity and pluralism.
    ---------------------------------
    Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution).
    For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/.
    To join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup
    Comments or questions? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com

    • 14 min
    The Questions that Make Up Jewish Life (B'midbar - A Conversation with Rabbi Mark Washofsky)

    The Questions that Make Up Jewish Life (B'midbar - A Conversation with Rabbi Mark Washofsky)

    In this interview episode, Micah talks with Rabbi Mark Washofsky about B'midbar, the opening parsha of the book of Numbers. They discuss the census in the desert, why it takes place and what it says about Jewish life. And they go on to talk about a variety of related topics around Reform Judaism and halakhah (Jewish law).
    Rabbi Washofsky is the author of Reading Reform Responsa.
    ---------------------------------
    Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution).
    For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/.
    To join the Seven Minute Torah Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sevenminutetorahgroup
    Comments or questions? Email me at rabbistreiffer@gmail.com

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

Kawartha6 ,

Great podcast

If you are interested in multiple perspectives, including feminist perspectives, on the Torah, this is a well-researched, clearly presented, and succinct podcast. Highly recommended!!

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