Rabbi Micah Streiffer - Podcast Details

Shows

Seven Minute TorahAcross the River; Not Off the Hook (Matot-Masei)As two and a half tribes choose to settle outside the Promised Land, Moses asks: Will your siblings go to war while you stay here? This week's Torah portion raises timeless questions about what we owe each other as Jews—especially across distance, disagreement, and diaspora. Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores ancient texts, modern Israel-diaspora dynamics, and the Talmudic idea that all Israel are guarantors for one another. What does that really mean in 2025—and what happens when we stay silent? --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK: The Liberal Beit Midrash. For info on our...2025-07-2216 min

Seven Minute TorahWhen the Extremists are in Charge (Pinchas)How do we respond when the Torah condones violent extremism? How might our response shape our own Jewish lives, not to mention our relationship with Israel? In this episode, Rabbi Micah Streiffer argues for the importance of acknowledging when extremism is present, rather than trying to explain it away. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) O...2025-07-1613 min

Seven Minute TorahDonkey Midrash (Balak)What does a donkey have to do with your soul? In this episode, Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores stories from Midrash and Torah about donkeys - and how they teach people about our ethical and spiritual responsibilities. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. Comments or questions? Email info@l...2025-07-0812 min

Seven Minute TorahThe Arrogance That Thinks It Knows All Truth (Korach)Korach is not just a rebel. He's the embodiment of what the prayerbook calls "the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth." The Torah comes to remind us that we have a lot left to learn - even from people we disagree with. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. ...2025-06-2413 min

Seven Minute TorahHow to be Caleb (Sh'lach Lecha)Many of us know very little about the biblical figure of Caleb. But he is a model of positivity, faith, and believing in what's possible - even when the world around you doesn't. Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores some midrash about Caleb, and asks what we can learn for the bleak world we're living in. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time...2025-06-1712 min

Seven Minute TorahRuling by Fear Will Never Work (B'ha-alotcha)Far from being threatened by others, Moses acts in a way that upholds the rights of others to speak their minds. In that sense, this Torah portion portrays him as the opposite of an authoritarian ruler. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. Comments or questions? Email info@laasok.org...2025-06-1012 min

Seven Minute TorahYou're Not So Special (Achrei Mot-Kedoshim)In this week's haftarah, the prophet Amos contradicts the Torah portion! How can he tell us we're not so special when the Torah called us kedoshim - holy? It's in that juxtaposition of ideas that the true essence of Judaism is found. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. Comments...2025-05-0812 min

The Genesis: Conversations About Jewish Arts and CultureS2E13 How a Virtual Home of Jewish Study Is Rethinking Jewish CommunityRabbi Micah Streiffer is a friend of the podcast, colleague, a teacher of Jewish ideas, and the founder of the Jewish organization Laasok, which is an online center of liberal Jewish teaching - a virtual 'beit midrash.' We talk about truth claims and what they mean for the Jewish tradition, we discuss Jewish belonging, the changing landscape of Jewish orgnaizational life and a whole lot more. Enjoy this conversation with the always thoughftul Rabbi Micah Streiffer. 2025-05-0849 min

Seven Minute TorahCreation and Suffering (Sh'mini)In this week's Torah portion, a moment of celebration and creation turns tragic. What is the relationship between creation and suffering? We look at some midrash and try to understand how these two very human experiences can coexist. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. Comments or questions? Email info...2025-04-2214 min

Seven Minute TorahActually Listening to Each Other (Vayikra)In a deeply divided society, Jewish tradition has some advice for how to be with each other: actually listen. Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores texts from Torah and Talmud that teach us about community and about recognizing one another's unique gifts. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either laasok.org/support/ (for a tax-deductible one-time or monthly contribution) OR www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution. Comments or questions...2025-04-0115 min

Seven Minute TorahFinding our Half Shekel of Agency (P'kudei)The kind of society that you have matters. That's the message under the surface of this dry, number-filled Torah portion. Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores how an accounting of silver half-shekels translates into a message about the worth of human beings and justice in society. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. 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...2025-03-2514 min

Seven Minute TorahStudy is an Act of Resistance (Vayak'hel)In challenging times, Jews turn to study not only for comfort and connection, but also to empower ourselves. In this episode, Rabbi Streiffer talks about how our Jewish learning can be an act of empowerment and resistance when those in power attempt to control information and actions. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. To support the production of this podcast, visit either www.patreon.com/sevenminutetorah (for per-episode contribution) OR https://laasok.org/support/ (for a...2025-03-1813 min

Seven Minute TorahBuild WHO a Sanctuary? (Terumah)In the Torah, God commands the people to "build me a sanctuary." But goes God really need a house? Who is the Mishkan really for? We look at some ancient midrash, and also compare to modern, liberal Jewish ways of thinking about ritual. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. For info on our weekly Zoom study groups and other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. 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...2025-02-2512 min

Seven Minute TorahOn Redemption and Relocation: A Response to Trump's Gaza Proposal (B'shallach)As the Torah tells the story of the Exodus, it sends a strong message that redemption is not only about moving to the geographic Promised Land, but also about moving toward a more just society and a repaired world. This is why the idea of forcibly relocating Palestinians from Gaza is completely anathema to Jewish teaching. --------------------------------- 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...2025-02-0713 min

Seven Minute TorahTruth to Power: Bishop Mariann Budde and the Question of Religion and Politics (Bo) Should priests and rabbis have something to say about policy? Is it the role of ministers and imams to speak on matters of politics and partisanship? Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores questions about religion and politics, ethics and responsibilities, through progressive Jewish eyes. You can also read this article on JTA. --------------------------------- 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 Z...2025-01-2809 min

Seven Minute TorahLooking Backwards and Ahead (Vay'chi)Jacob's blessing of his grandchildren also invokes the names of his grandparents. It is a reminder that we are links in a chain of tradition. And that we are responsible both to be aware of the blessings of the past and to commit ourselves to a better future. --------------------------------- 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 study groups or other learning...2025-01-0710 min

Seven Minute TorahBelieving it's Possible (Vayeshev - encore)Joseph seems to keep finding his way of out hard spots, over and over. Is there something about the way he believes and/or acts that makes that possible? --------------------------------- 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 study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. Comments or questions? Email info@laasok.org, or contact Rabbi Micah Streiffer directly...2024-12-1812 min

Seven Minute TorahSorrow to Strength (Vayishlach)Why does Jacob change the name of Rachel's youngest son from Ben-Oni (child of sorrow) to Binyamin (child of strength)? Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores the Torah's message about finding strength in our pain and sorrow. --------------------------------- 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 study groups or other learning opportunities go to https://laasok.org/. Comments or questions? Email info@l...2024-12-1011 min

Seven Minute TorahFamilies Come in All Shapes and Sizes (Vayetze)This week we explore the emotional lives of Rachel and Sara and how they cope with family and societal expectations. Reading a modern Midrash from Hagit Bartov, we explore her suggestion about "opening up" our picture of what family and identity "should" look like. --------------------------------- 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 study groups or other learning opportunities go to https...2024-12-0315 min

Seven Minute TorahShe Fell off Her Camel (Chayei Sarah)Why did Rebekah fall off her camel when she met Isaac? Is that even what really happened? And what does that have to do with marriage, partnership, and misogyny? In this episode, Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores some Midrash on Rebekah and Isaac, painting two parallel pictures of what the matriarch and patriarch mean for Jewish life 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...2024-11-1914 min

Seven Minute TorahSharing the Covenant (Vayera)This week's Torah portion contains two stories - the incident of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the incident of Hagar and Ishmael - that teach important Jewish values about justice and about the way we are supposed to relate to neighboring peoples. In this episode, Rabbi Micah Streiffer speaks about the ideas that come out of these narratives, and about how they relate to Jewish life and to Israel 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...2024-11-1314 min

Seven Minute TorahStanding Against Injustice (Lech Lecha)The midrash teaches us that Abraham is an idol smasher. Heschel teaches us that an idol is "any god concerned with me but not with you." In other words, Judaism says that injustice is idolatry, and that we must to stand up against injustice even when - especially when - it is the policy of our own government. This is an important message in the current political moment, as we look to what the next 4 years will bring. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production of LAASOK. To support the production of this podcast, visit either...2024-11-0612 min

Seven Minute TorahBeing Human (Bereshit)We mostly think of the story of Adam and Eve as a story about sin and punishment, but Rabbi Micah Streiffer wants to suggest that it is actually a story about what it means to be human. This episode is the beginning of season 6! --------------------------------- 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 study groups or other learning opportunities go to https...2024-10-2213 min

Seven Minute TorahWhy Moses Had to Die (V'zot Ha'Bracha)As we read the Torah's last portion, we ask about the death of Moses, and explore a Midrash about life and death, leadership and legacy. Chazak chazak v'nitchazeik! Be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another! --------------------------------- 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.o...2024-10-1514 min

Seven Minute TorahWood Choppers, Water Drawers, and Undocumented Immigrants (Nitzavim - encore) This week's Torah portion suggests a framework for how to include those who live at the outskirts of society. A message of social justice and human dignity that speaks powerfully to our moment. --------------------------------- 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 F...2024-09-2410 min

Seven Minute TorahReclaiming T'fillin (Ki Tavo)In a strange passage of Talmud, the Rabbis imagine God putting on t'fillin. They tie it back to this week's Torah portion - to an image of God and the Jewish people "affirming" their covenant with each other. In this episode, Rabbi Micah Streiffer will talk about this surprising image of the Divine, and why it just might help us reclaim t'fillin in liberal Judaism. --------------------------------- 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...2024-09-1713 min

Seven Minute TorahWho cares?? (Ki Tetze)As liberal Jews, what are we supposed to do with obscure, esoteric laws in the Torah that seem to have nothing to do with Jewish life today? This portion contains one of the Torah's most obscure laws: the prohibition against mixing wool and linen (shaatnez). Rabbi Micah Streiffer talks about the possible meanings behind it, and how to make modern meaning from a section like this. --------------------------------- 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...2024-09-1013 min

Seven Minute TorahWe Are All Responsible (Shoftim - A Conversation with Alden Solovy)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 Holy Days. Alden's newest book is Enter These Gates: Meditations for the Days of Awe from CCAR Press. A 20% discount is available using code HHD5785. --------------------------------- Seven Minute Torah is a production o...2024-09-0446 min

Seven Minute TorahDisagreeing with the Torah (Re'eh)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 episode, Rabbi Micah Streiffer explores what it means to disagree with the Torah on this topic. --------------------------------- 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...2024-08-2712 min

Seven Minute TorahJudaism is About Love (Ekev - A Conversation with Rabbi Shai Held)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 book is Judaism is About Love. --------------------------------- 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...2024-08-2154 min

Jewish Ideas to Change the WorldAre We REALLY in Mourning for the Temple? And if Not What’s the Point of Tisha B’Av?A virtual event presentation by Rabbi Micah StreifferThe event was co-hosted by Temple Chai About the Event: The solemn fast of Tisha B’Av (the Ninth of Av) commemorates the destruction of the ancient Temple. In this session, we will explore its meaning for modern Jews. What are the lessons to be learned from this ancient Jewish tragedy? How does it relate to our Jewish lives today – especially if we don’t mourn the loss of Temple-based Judaism? What does Tisha B’Av mean in 2024?About the Speake...2024-08-071h 00

Jewish Ideas to Change the WorldRadical Jewish Views of God: Maimonides vs SpinozaA virtual event presentation by Rabbi Micah StreifferThe event was co-sponsored by Temple Emanuel About the Event: Think your beliefs about God are “out there?“ Think again! In this session, we will delve into the unexpected views of two of Judaism’s greatest thinkers – Maimonides and Spinoza. Both rebel against the “traditional” notion of God found in the prayerbook, but in very different ways. We’ll explore what each of them has to say about what God is (and what God isn’t), and we’ll explore our theology along the way.About the Speak...2023-12-2759 min

Exegesis: A JLJ Podcast11 - Micah Streiffer; A Wind From The SouthExegesis Episode 11: a conversation with Micah Streiffer on his story, "A Wind From The South." https://jewishliteraryjournal.com/fiction/a-wind-from-the-south/ https://www.patreon.com/thejlj Paypal Donations 2021-02-151h 02