Best Micah Streiffer Podcasts (2024)

1
We Are All Responsible (Shoftim - A Conversation with Alden Solovy) 46:59

4h ago46:59

46:59

Alden Solovy is a poet and a creator of beautiful modern liturgy. In this episode, he joins Rabbi Micah Streiffer to discuss the idea of communal responsibility (as expressed in an intensely strange event in this week's Torah portion), to talk about the ongoing events in Israel and Gaza, and to read some of his original meditations for the High Hol…

1
Disagreeing with the Torah (Re'eh) 12:36

9d ago12:36

12:36

The Torah makes a grand pronouncement: Israelites should distance themselves physically and spiritually from neighboring peoples so as not to be tempted to "follow their ways." But how does this sit with modern, progressive Jews who believe in interfaith dialogue? Isn't it important to learn about other religious and cultural groups? In this episod…

1
Judaism is About Love (Ekev - A Conversation with Rabbi Shai Held) 54:49

5h ago54:49

54:49

Rabbi Shai Held is one of the most important thinkers in modern Jewish life. President and Dean of the Hadar Institute, he is a theologian, rabbi, educator, and author. In this interview, he joins Rabbi Micah Streiffer to talk about the Torah's command to love the stranger, and about the broader idea that Judaism is about love. Rabbi Held's latest …

1
Knowing When to Step Aside (Pinchas) 12:30

2M ago12:30

12:30

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 LAASO…

1
Beware the Demagogue (Korach) 12:38

2M ago12:38

12:38

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/seven…

1
You Don't Know What Someone Else is Thinking (Sh'lach Lecha) 12:54

2M ago12:54

12:54

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 distortio…

1
Would That All God's People Were Prophets (B'ha-alot'cha - encore) 10:48

3M ago10:48

10:48

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/se…

1
70 Faces of Torah (Naso) 14:58

3M ago14:58

14:58

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://l…

1
The Questions that Make Up Jewish Life (B'midbar - A Conversation with Rabbi Mark Washofsky) 1:01:43

3M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

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 aut…

1
Are We in Exile? (Behar and Bechukotai) 15:58

4M ago15:58

15:58

Is Jewish life supposed to be lived in the land of Israel? Can you live a fulfilling and meaningful life in diaspora? How do we, as liberal Jews, relate to the traditional Jewish notion of "exile?" We explore some midrash on the topic. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this …

1
For Whom is the Light? (Emor) 11:48

4M ago11:48

11:48

In this week's Torah portion, God asks the people to provide a Ner Tamid - an eternal light - in the sanctuary. But does God need a light? And by extension, does God need our rituals and prayers? We look at some midrash and explore the question: Who are our rituals for? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK.…

1
Who Is My Neighbor? (Kedoshim) 14:06

4M ago14:06

14:06

The Torah commands: "Love your neighbor as yourself?" But who is the neighbor that I'm commanded the love? The answer is not straightforward. In fact, it's one of the great debates of Judaism. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/seven…

1
Yom Kippur in May?? (Achrei Mot - encore) 11:48

4M ago11:48

11:48

Sacrifice? Demons? A scapegoat?? This parashah describes the strange, levitical practices of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. What meaning is there to be found for modern Jewish life in this ancient, priestly ritual? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit eit…

1
Lessons from Leprosy (Metzora) 13:46

5M ago13:46

13:46

How often do we dehumanize or ostracize people who are suffering from disease, poverty, mental health challenges, etc? This week we focus on some Midrash surrounding how you're supposed to treat people afflicted with leprosy. The Rabbis find some surprising and affirming messages embedded in this strange Torah portion. -----------------------------…

1
The Healing Power of Presence (Tazria - encore) 10:12

5M ago10:12

10:12

Tazria is about scaly skin disease and priestly diagnosis. But when we examine it through the Rabbis' eyes, it is about our responsibility to each other in times of suffering. We explore a story from the Talmud that helps drive home that idea. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production …

1
Don't eat that! Or do... it's up to you (Sh'mini) 13:35

5M ago13:35

13:35

Sh'mini outlines the laws of kashrut - which animals traditionally may and may not be eaten in Judaism. How does liberal Judaism approach the rules and traditions around keeping kosher in modern Jewish life? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.pa…

1
We Need Each Other (Tzav) 10:06

6M ago10:06

10:06

In this portion we find an obscure rule about the thanksgiving offering: it must be eaten on the day that it is offered. Turns out there is an important lesson there about our need for community. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/se…

1
Does God Hear our Prayers... and Does it Matter?? (Vayikra) 12:16

6M ago12:16

12:16

This week's Torah portion is about sacrifice in the ancient Jewish Temple. It's a good opportunity for us to talk about the purpose(s) of prayer, and about how we can relate to prayer if we're not sure that God is on the other end listening. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of…

1
Building a Sanctuary; Building a World (P'kudei) 10:49

6M ago10:49

10:49

The book of Exodus ends with the completion of the Mishkan - the portable sanctuary in the desert. Why do the Rabbis compare the creation of the Mishkan with the creation of the entire world? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenm…

1
A Good Name (Vayak'hel) 12:13

6M ago12:13

12:13

In this episode we explore a Midrash on the Torah portion, in which the Rabbis talk about what it means to have a "good name." --- 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 …

1
Xenophobia and the Golden Calf (Ki Tisa) 12:22

6M ago12:22

12:22

A midrash blames the Golden Calf incident on the "mixed multitude" that accompanied the Israelites in the desert. What can we learn from it about acceptance and xenophobia in Jewish life? --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contri…

1
Do You Have a Shirt That You Really Love? (T'tzaveh) 10:53

7M ago10:53

10:53

This Torah portion is about clothes: colors, fabrics, hems, designs - the details of the priestly clothing. We talk about why the Torah goes into such a meticulous description, and what it has to do with our own spiritual lives. (Plus I sing for you!) --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit…

1
Planting Seeds of Hope (Terumah) 11:20

7M ago11:20

11:20

In the midst of a tedious Torah portion, the Rabbis tell a story that connects the building of the Mishkan (the portable sanctuary in the wilderness) with an audacious act of hope by Jacob 400 years earlier. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (fo…

1
An Eye for an Eye?? (Mishpatim) 11:40

7M ago11:40

11:40

We explore one of the Torah's most infamous laws - the "eye for an eye" passage in Exodus 21 - to discovery what it's REALLY about, and what it says about the imperative for building a just society. We also briefly explore how this law undergirds Jewish views of abortion. To sign up for Rabbi Leah Berkowitz's class on Reproductive Justice in Judais…

1
Recapturing the Silenced Voices (Yitro - A Conversation with Rabbi Dalia Marx) 40:58

7M ago40:58

40:58

We are traditionally taught that we ALL stood together at Sinai. And yet the Torah reveals that certain people and certain voices were excluded from that pivotal moment. I talk with Rabbi Dalia Marx about finding and recapturing those silenced voices, in order to create a more inclusive Judaism. Rabbi Dalia Marx is author of From Time to Time: Jour…

1
Making a Miracle (B'shallach - encore) 9:53

8M ago9:53

9:53

In this parashah, the Torah tells the story of the parting of the Red Sea. The Rabbis tell the story of the brave person who made that miracle possible. In doing so, they turn the story on its head - they make it about OUR capacity for miracle-making. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit…

1
Fear Leads to the Dark Side (Bo) 10:33

8M ago10:33

10:33

The story of Pharaoh and the plagues is a story of how fear leads us toward actions that don't reflect our best selves. --- 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-laasok/ (for a one-time or mon…

1
Hardening Our Hearts (Va’era) 10:56

8M ago10:56

10:56

The idea that God "hardened Pharaoh's heart" is a major theological conundrum. Does it mean there's no free will?? We explore what some of the commentators have said about this, and what it means for our own lives. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to …

1
AND These are the Names (Sh’mot) 14:15

8M ago14:15

14:15

As we start a new book of the Torah, why does it sound like we're right in the middle of something? We talk about the significance of this transitional moment for Jewish identity and continuity, and for both Jewish and Palestinian self-understanding. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or…

1
Judah the Growing Hero (Miketz) 12:19

9M ago12:19

12:19

One of the subtexts of the Joseph story is the ongoing growth of Judah, who increasingly demonstrates an ability to take responsibility and to care about the needs and well-being of others. This makes him a secondary "hero" of Joseph's story. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other l…

1
Envisioning a Better World (Vayeshev) 14:08

9M ago14:08

14:08

Joseph's story is the story of how holding a vision of a better world helps us work toward a better world. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetora…

1
Violence, Vengeance, and Voice in the Rape of Dinah (Vayishlach) 14:30

9M ago14:30

14:30

The terrible story of the rape of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, teaches about cycles of violence and vengeance, and about how victims' voices can so easily be erased or ignored. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the produc…

1
Connection is an Act of Godliness (Vayetze) 11:58

10M ago11:58

11:58

What does it mean when Jacob exclaims, "God is in this place and I did not know it!" How can we work to recognize, and bring, the Divine into the world during dark times? --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the producti…

1
Sharing The Land (Toldot) 13:21

10M ago13:21

13:21

The story of Isaac quarrelling with the Philistines over the digging of wells is a reminder that living in the land of Israel has always meant sharing the land and its resources, making space for multiple peoples and multiple stories. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning …

1
The Abrahamic Family (Chayei Sarah) 14:18

10M ago14:18

14:18

The story of the death of Sarah and Abraham is also a story about their children, and how we are all family. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminuteto…

1
Seeing Each Other’s Humanity (Vayera) 15:41

10M ago15:41

15:41

Abraham's argument with God over the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah is actually a message - an eminently relevant message - about seeing the humanity in each person. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production o…

1
What’s in a Name? (Lech Lecha) 13:11

11M ago13:11

13:11

A prominent feature of this week's Torah portion is the name changes of Abraham and Sarah. We discuss the meaning of their names, and what it means to have a name. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of t…

1
The Earth Was Filled with Lawlessness (Noach) 15:02

11M ago15:02

15:02

The story of Noah's flood begins with a world "filled with lawless violence." With a nod to Donniel Hartman and the "For Heaven's Sake" podcast, we look at how this might apply to Israel's current moment. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://la…

1
Chaos, Order, and Words (Bereshit - A Conversation with Alden Solovy) 43:39

11M ago43:39

43:39

In the wake of last weekend's horrific acts of terror, and in the midst of a mounting crisis in Israel, I talk to poet Alden Solovy about life in Jerusalem, about Bereshit, and about how words can uncover layers of meaning and connection. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learn…

1
A Final blessing (V’zot Ha’brachah) 13:03

11M ago13:03

13:03

In his final blessing to the people of Israel, Moses leaves us with a message for moving forward. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for pe…

1
Adversity and Growth (Ha’azinu - encore) 11:13

12M ago11:13

11:13

The Torah's penultimate parashah is a poem about covenant, fidelity, adversity and growth. A perfect message for the High Holy Days, and for every day. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast,…

1
Until 120 (Nitzavim-Vayelech) 11:31

1y ago11:31

11:31

Moses dies at the age of 120. In this episode, we explore the meaning of that "age" in Jewish tradition and Jewish life. Turns out it may not be about age after all. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of…

1
Praying in Hebrew, Praying in English (Ki Tavo) 13:11

1y ago13:11

13:11

This week's Torah portion describes a ritual that, according to the Rabbis, must be recited in Hebrew. But what if not everyone knows Hebrew? We look at a Talmudic text and a Hasidic story about the importance of praying both in Hebrew and in words that we can understand. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom…

1
Preserving the Earth (KI Teitzei) 12:59

1y ago12:59

12:59

In a parsha packed of laws, a series of statements about not "mixing" things (seeds, animals, materials) leads to a discussion about our responsibility to safeguard the world. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the pro…

1
Judaism in Constant Evolution (Shoftim - encore) 12:04

1y ago12:04

12:04

This week's parashah is about various kinds of leaders in ancient Israel. It's also about the way Judaism is constantly evolving - and our ongoing responsibility to find new meanings in ancient traditions. (An encore of our 2022 podcast for Shoftim.) --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or…

1
Eating is an Act of Holiness (Re’eh - encore) 13:11

1y ago13:11

13:11

This parashah describes the dietary laws - what Jews traditionally may and may not eat. We'll talk about a liberal Jewish approach to keeping kosher. (An encore of our 2022 podcast on Re'eh) --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To …

1
Helping the Rains Fall (Ekev - encore) 13:15

1y ago13:15

13:15

An encore presentation of last year's popular episode about Judaism and the earth. This week's parashah, Ekev, contains the middle paragraph of the Shema - a challenging passage that speaks of God as Source of "reward and punishment." Should this passage be in our prayerbook? How might we read it through modern eyes. Turns it out can also be read a…

1
The Reason(s) For Shabbat (Va’etchanan) 11:41

1y ago11:41

11:41

When Moses repeats the Ten Commandments, he makes some changes - including to the wording around Shabbat. His changes teach us something very important about the reason(s) for Shabbat, and what we're supposed to learn from it. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom Torah study groups or other learning opportun…

1
These Are the Words (D’varim) 13:11

1y ago13:11

13:11

As the book of Deuteronomy opens, Moses retells some of the stories of the Israelites' desert wanderings - but with major changes. We explore why he changes the story, and we explore the possible origins of Deuteronomy in the religious reform of King Josiah centuries later. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zo…

1
On the Other Side of the Water (Mattot-Masei) 13:24

1y ago13:24

13:24

As the Israelites are about to cross over into the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuven and Gad step forward and say that they've decided to stay where they are. What happens next teaches us a lot about what it is to be a Jew in diaspora but still care about - and have a stake in - the land of Israel. --- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Micah Streiffer Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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