TakeTen4Torah Daily Torah Podcast

TT4T#17 - Divrei Thanksgiving - 11/22/16

Whether or not you "observe" the rituals of Thanksgiving, you can't miss the overwhelming importance that Judaism places on giving thanks. This Ten contains ideas you can share and an exercise to use to turn your dinner from "gobble" to grateful.

 

 

 

TT4T#16 - The 4:10 Mincha Express - 11/21/16

With Mincha time hovering at 4:10 pm for the next few weeks, it's never as hard to find a window in our busy days to daven. This Ten reveals why even as hard as it is to pull off, this midday Mincha is unparalleled in importance. 

TT4T#15 - Principally Corrupt - 11/18/16

The destruction of Sodom left an indelible mark on our tradition. Their corrupt behavior has forever become the derided "Midat Sedom," the Trait of Sedom. What is this trait and why is it considered so evil? These answers and more in this Ten. 

 

 

TT4T#14 - Too Full for Seudah Shlishit? - 11/17/16

Do you suffer from Shalashuda-ate less? In these winter months, there is barely any time to finish our shabbat lunch meal before we need to get back to it with Seudah Shlishit. Why are these meals important and what do they mean? How important is it to pull off all three? Take Ten to find out. 

 

 

TT4T#13 - The 18 Blessings of History - 11/16/16

In this Ten, we discuss the origins of standardized Tefila. How did prayer come to mean that we all say the same thing? We generally assume that the 18 blessings cover the gamut of all human needs, but here we discuss another possibility: that these blessings aren't only about what we want now, but also about the moments in history when our wishes had been observed, and granted. 

TT4T#12 - Is Gematria Actually a Thing? - 11/15/16

We've heard all sorts of numerical divrei Torah with cute associations that provide some sort of meaning to midrashic interperetation. They are cute, but can they really teach us new ideas and new laws? Can't they be manipulated? Take 10 to find out. Oh, and btw, Shmuel = Shana Tova!

TT4T#11 - Putting G-d on Hold? - 11/14/16

There is a story in this week's parsha where Avraham seems to "put G-d on hold" to engage in the mitzvah of Hachnasas Orchim, hosting guests. How can guests be as or even more important than "hosting" G-d Himself? Here's an answer that might change your perspective on talking to strangers.

 

 

TT4T#10 - A Jewish Mother's Sacrifice - 11/11/16

Tomorrow, the 11th of Cheshvan, is known as the yahrtzeit of Rachel our matriarch. In Israel, today will be a day where thousands of Jews travel to "Kever Rachel," the remote site in Beit Lechem where she is buried. In these ten minutes, we learn about the many sacrifices she made in her life and death, and how - even though she seems so alone - there's no place we'd rather she be.

 

 

TT4T#9 - To the Power of One - 11/10/16

Billions of people, indeed, all members of the "Abrahamic" religions owe the core of their belief system to a single man who went against the current and decided that he knew better. Avraham changed the course of human history because he was able to stand up and be different. Are we?

This "Ten" poses some questions that you might share with your kids at the Shabbat table as well.  

TT4T#8 - Judaism and the Occult - 11/9/16

Avraham taught the world so much, but there was one thing that he needed to learn. In this class we discuss what that was and what that lesson teaches us about believing in the power of things that are unbelievable. Also, we're advertising a prosperity amulet - on sale!