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
    • 4.8 • 34 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.

    Lessons from Leprosy (Metzora)

    Lessons from Leprosy (Metzora)

    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.
    ---------------------------------
    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

    • 13 min
    The Healing Power of Presence (Tazria - encore)

    The Healing Power of Presence (Tazria - encore)

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

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

    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.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

    • 13 min
    We Need Each Other (Tzav)

    We Need Each Other (Tzav)

    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/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
    Does God Hear our Prayers... and Does it Matter?? (Vayikra)

    Does God Hear our Prayers... and Does it Matter?? (Vayikra)

    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 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
    Building a Sanctuary; Building a World (P'kudei)

    Building a Sanctuary; Building a World (P'kudei)

    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/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

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
34 Ratings

34 Ratings

EZF-BR ,

So interesting and relevant

Appreciate how interesting and relevant Rabbi M makes these short episodes. I learn every time.

slp clt ,

Great program

Micah’s commentary is always full of passion and energy yet is also always very approachable

my name is also sarah ,

The best!

This is my favorite podcast for learning about the weekly parsha. It’s a quick listen but packed with great insight. Love it.

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