Ten-Minute Mitzvah

With Rabbi Meir Soloveichik

Urim v’Tummim 09/10/2025

Urim v’Tummim What can Yale and the Book of Esther teach us about the Urim v’Tummim, the breastplate worn by the High Priest? Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38155730

The High Horse and the Early Opportunity 09/09/2025

The High Horse and the Early Opportunity A mitzvah related to the Temple teaches the Jewish perspective on seizing the moment. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38141285

The Wolf and the Lamb, the Ox and the Donkey 09/08/2025

The Wolf and the Lamb, the Ox and the Donkey Why is one prohibited from plowing with two distinct species? The answer lies in a unique reading of Isaiah. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38126730

Majesty and Humility in the Cosmos and on the Farm 09/07/2025

Majesty and Humility in the Cosmos and on the Farm Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik's philosophy on technology and innovation adds meaning to a mysterious prohibition. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38117295

The Unbreakable Glass and the Eternal Marriage 09/05/2025

The Unbreakable Glass and the Eternal Marriage Two interpretations of the Jewish wedding's glass-breaking ritual speak to the power of Jewish endurance. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38100810

The Stolen Violin 09/04/2025

The Stolen Violin The theft of a famous violin teaches a central lesson about the Jewish view of repentance. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38083675

Sherlock Holmes and the Biblical Witness 09/03/2025

Sherlock Holmes and the Biblical Witness The tales of Sherlock Holmes shed light on a commandment regarding a capital case. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38071175

The Lulav and the Spine 09/02/2025

The Lulav and the Spine Why is the palm frond the only one of the four species to be mentioned in the lulav blessing? Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38055990

The Non-Home Away from Home 09/01/2025

The Non-Home Away from Home Why doesn't a sukkah require a mezuzah? — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38045270

Raising Cain and Raising Abel 08/31/2025

Raising Cain and Raising Abel Cain and Abel’s story in Genesis illuminates a commandment found later in Deuteronomy. Supplemental Materials: . — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38034050

The Shakespearean Whodunit and the Biblical Whodunit 08/29/2025

The Shakespearean Whodunit and the Biblical Whodunit The peculiar ritual that follows a murder reminds the community of their duty to care for one another. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/38019555

The King's Speech and the Last Celebration 08/28/2025

The King's Speech and the Last Celebration The addition of Shemini Atzeret to the Sukkot holiday shows God's desire to be close to His people. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37998690

Disraeli's Sukkah and the Seventy Offerings 08/27/2025

Disraeli's Sukkah and the Seventy Offerings While Sukkot is best known for its particularistic themes, it also contains many universal messages. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37977375

Little Men and the Sukkot Harvest 08/26/2025

Little Men and the Sukkot Harvest The proximity of Yom Kippur and Sukkot on the Hebrew calendar suggests a deeper connection between the two holidays. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37960100

Eternal Time and the Yom Kippur Musaf 08/25/2025

Eternal Time and the Yom Kippur Musaf The Yom Kippur musaf prayer allows worshippers to experience the service of the past in the present. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37944725

Superman, Repentance, and Time Travel 08/24/2025

Superman, Repentance, and Time Travel While Yom Kippur begins on the 10th of Tishrei, one is commanded to start the holiday on the evening of the 9th. Why is that? Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37934615

The Sole Soul 08/22/2025

The Sole Soul The prohibition of eating and drinking on Yom Kippur reinforces the singularity of the human soul. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37920645

The Yom Kippur Feast 08/21/2025

The Yom Kippur Feast The story of Amschel Rothschild and his Yom Kippur "feast" captures the surprisingly joyous nature of the Day of Atonement. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37902980

Frost on Frost, and Frost on Spring 08/20/2025

Frost on Frost, and Frost on Spring The poetry of Robert Frost captures the many essences of Rosh Hashanah. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37889875

Beat to Quarters and the Sound of the Shofar 08/19/2025

Beat to Quarters and the Sound of the Shofar The call for sailors to man their battle stations mirrors the commandment to hear the shofar on Rosh Hashanah. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37876010

The Purity of the Temple and the Bones of Joseph 08/18/2025

The Purity of the Temple and the Bones of Joseph Moses taking the bones of Joseph out of Egypt links Judaism's past with its future. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37860775

Humpty Dumpty and the Power of Confession 08/17/2025

Humpty Dumpty and the Power of Confession Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik's interpretation of the laws of repentance speaks to the power of verbal expression. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37850550

Tacitus and the Emperor's Offering 08/15/2025

Tacitus and the Emperor's Offering The writings of the Roman historian Tacitus provide literary insight into a Talmudic tale. Supplemental Materials: — This episode of "Ten-Minute Mitzvah" is sponsored by Lauren and Marc Shapiro and family in memory of Lauren's beloved sister, Lara Sobel, z"l, in commemoration of her 10th yahrzeit on 22 Av 5785. Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37834395

Poussin's Painting and the Servant's Sign 08/14/2025

Poussin's Painting and the Servant's Sign A classic painting omits a vital detail of the biblical scene it recreates. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37815310

A House for One People and for All Peoples 08/13/2025

A House for One People and for All Peoples The Temple is a place for Israelites to live out their covenantal bond with God as well as a site for all peoples to gather in prayer. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37801005

A Profound Matter of Translation 08/12/2025

A Profound Matter of Translation There are multiple translations of the sh'ma—the declaration of Jewish faith—but each one expresses a fundamental truth. — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37772490

As the Romans Do Not Do 08/11/2025

As the Romans Do Not Do The stark difference in the ways Jews and Romans entertain themselves provides insights into the values of each culture. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37757885

Envy vs. Gratitude 08/10/2025

Envy vs. Gratitude Traditional depictions of the Ten Commandments position the prohibition against envy next to honoring one's father and mother. What's behind their proximity? Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37747435

Lincoln and the Finest of the Flock 08/08/2025

Lincoln and the Finest of the Flock The commandment to sacrifice the best of the flock is a reminder of the fragility of life and the grace of God. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37728945

Holiness and Human Potential 08/07/2025

Holiness and Human Potential How the laws of sacrifices reveal what's possible—and what's not—in creating holiness on Earth. Supplemental Materials: — Rabbi Soloveichik’s yearlong “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” podcast is generously sponsored by Ivan and Suzana Kaufman. /episode/index/show/77c53347-3d15-4823-8334-70581ad2105e/id/37717045

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