TakeTen4Torah Daily Torah Podcast

TT4T#77 - Believe It or Not #10 - 2/14/17

What is the actual requirement when it comes to prayer? In this Ten, Rabbi Lerner discusses the history and development of the standardization of prayer. From the early beginnings with minimal responsibility to a full, prophetically inspired siddur, see how and why the prayers came to be and important, practical implications of this history. 

TT4T#76 - A Ten Commandment Jew? - 2/13/17

There is a conception out there that of the various 613 mitzvot, the 10 taught to us in the moments of revelation at Sinai are the most important. Does this idea bear out in our sources? This Ten discusses the historical consideration of this notion and the reactions to it. Will we "stand" for the idea that these ten are more important than the others? Take Ten to find out.

TT4T#75 - Trees - Huggers or Haters?

G-d tells Adam and Eve to "conquer" the world. In that case, what is the Jewish perspective in Environmentalism? Are concepts such as conservation and pollution actually found in the Torah? In honor of Tu b'Shvat, take Ten to find out how Judaism attempts to navigate the delicate balance between want and waste. 

TT4T#74 - Of Natural Interest

This Shabbat, the 15th day of Shevat, has become something of a Jewish Arbor Day, on which we focus on an appreciation of the natural world. This Ten sources the notion that the natural world, with all of its minutia, is understood to have layers of purpose and that it behooves us, on this day and all others, to investigate and appreciate all it has to offer. 

TT4T#73 - Miriam, Redeemer of Israel

Miriam is often seen as a "third wheel" among her more active brothers, Moshe and Aharon. There were critical, and overlooked roles that she had in the salvation of the Jewish people, and is listed equally as one of their saviors. Take Ten to find out why.

TT4T#72 - A Misplaced Song?

This Ten discusses the "Az Yashir," the song the Jews sang after they crossed the sea and how and where it finds itself in our daily prayers. If it is important enough to bear daily repeating, why does it come last in its section? Where does it really "belong" and why would its reading be so significant? Take Ten to find out.

TT4T#71- Believe it or Not #9 - 2/6/17

In this Ten, Rabbi Lerner shares a response to his question on the 4th principle of belief. He then continues with the 5th principle on the fundamental nature of prayer. What is the basic structural obligation? Is it about requests or praise or is it about both? Which is the most critical? Take Ten to hear the answers.

 

TT4T#70 - Which Tefillin did Moshe Wear? - 2/3/17

We are probably familiar with the great debate between Rashi and Rabeinu Tam regarding how to configure Tefillin. While most follow Rashi's opinion, many wear Rabeinu Tam's Tefiilin as well. This Ten wonders how, if Tefillin are worn so consistently, this debate could have ever occurred? Why couldn't they just look inside the Tefillin of those before them? Which Tefillin did Moshe Wear? Take Ten to find out. 

TT4T#69 - Meaningless Matzah? - 2/2/17

This week's parsha contains the mitzvah to eat matzah at the Seder on Pesach. The reason the Torah gives for eating matzah - because we escaped to quickly for our dough to rise - doesn't seem to be consistent with other sources in the Seder, or even in the Torah! This Ten looks at those sources and shares an approach that suggests that perhaps, there is no reason for this mitzvah altogether.

TT4T#68 - Miracles Don't Work for Me - 2/1/17

While miracles play a large role in the Exodus story, this Ten discusses the role they play in our day-to-day life. Should we be praying for or relying on miraculous intervention? Or, in other words, can we pray to pass the test we already took? Take Ten to find out.