Ten-Minute Mitzvah

With Rabbi Meir Soloveichik

Hakarat Hatov 11/14/2025

Hakarat Hatov To be a Jew is to express gratitude toward God for all He has given us. Supplemental Materials: — This week's episodes of “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” are sponsored by Julie Goldberg-Botvin in memory of her beloved parents Maurice and Gertrude Goldberg z"l, her husband Melvin Botvin z"l, and her daughter Yael z"l. 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/39034190

Chinuch, Hanukkah, and Piano Playing 11/13/2025

Chinuch, Hanukkah, and Piano Playing One must pass down the mitzvot not just through education, but through action. — This week's episodes of “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” are sponsored by Julie Goldberg-Botvin in memory of her beloved parents Maurice and Gertrude Goldberg z"l, her husband Melvin Botvin z"l, and her daughter Yael z"l. 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/39020490

Love and Empathy 11/12/2025

Love and Empathy If loving one’s family is natural and intuitive, why does the Hebrew Bible command it? Supplemental Materials: — This week's episodes of “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” are sponsored by Julie Goldberg-Botvin in memory of her beloved parents Maurice and Gertrude Goldberg z"l, her husband Melvin Botvin z"l, and her daughter Yael z"l. 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/39006965

Hamotzi in Movies and Life 11/11/2025

Hamotzi in Movies and Life The ritual of washing one's hands before eating bread has a deeper significance beyond cleanliness. — This week's episodes of “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” are sponsored by Julie Goldberg-Botvin in memory of her beloved parents Maurice and Gertrude Goldberg z"l, her husband Melvin Botvin z"l, and her daughter Yael z"l. 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/38992445

The American Revolution Megillah and the Biblical Rabbinic Frightening Festival 11/10/2025

The American Revolution Megillah and the Biblical Rabbinic Frightening Festival The holiday of Purim is full of dualities, and the mitzvot of the day embody this spirit. — This week's episodes of “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” are sponsored by Julie Goldberg-Botvin in memory of her beloved parents Maurice and Gertrude Goldberg z"l, her husband Melvin Botvin z"l, and her daughter Yael z"l. 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/38976355

The Blessing of Mitzvot 11/09/2025

The Blessing of Mitzvot One must say a blessing before performing a mitzvah. Why? Supplemental Materials: . — This week's episodes of “Ten-Minute Mitzvah” are sponsored by Julie Goldberg-Botvin in memory of her beloved parents Maurice and Gertrude Goldberg z"l, her husband Melvin Botvin z"l, and her daughter Yael z"l. 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/38967010

A Man for All Seasons and the Arrival of Royalty 11/07/2025

A Man for All Seasons and the Arrival of Royalty One must prepare for Shabbat as if royalty is about to enter one’s own home. 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/38949320

The Madeleine and the Oneg 11/06/2025

The Madeleine and the Oneg The Shabbat meal not only provides enjoyment in the present but also summons us back to the covenantal past. — 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/38935890

Eruv and Fellow Passengers 11/05/2025

Eruv and Fellow Passengers The eruv is a reminder that those living around us are more than just anonymous neighbors. — 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/38922885

The Candles and the Stars 11/04/2025

The Candles and the Stars The mitzvot of the Shabbat and Hanukkah candles embody the different ways we experience holiness. 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/38909805

Cherem and the Land 11/03/2025

Cherem and the Land If one issues a cherem, an angry declaration, against one's land, the property is given to the kohanim. — 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/38891615

Farmer Boy and the Korban 11/02/2025

Farmer Boy and the Korban How does Laura Ingalls Wilder's famous children's novel connect with Temple rituals? — 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/38878065

The Parts and the Whole 10/31/2025

The Parts and the Whole The rituals of the Temple refer back to the Abrahamic covenant and teach a vital lesson about Jewish time. 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/38858470

An Eating Rule for All 10/30/2025

An Eating Rule for All A law that Judaism applies to everyone, not just Jews, helps us better understand Jewish ethical ideals. — 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/38842360

Love, Blessing, and the Priestly Gifts 10/29/2025

Love, Blessing, and the Priestly Gifts The laws of terumah, priestly dues, remind the kohanim of the love they must feel for the people of Israel. — 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/38823360

The Table, the Meal, and the Priestly Gifts 10/28/2025

The Table, the Meal, and the Priestly Gifts Setting aside a portion of meat for the priests reminds Jews that every meal takes place within a covenant with God. — 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/38806645

The Roman Remnant and the Idolatrous Meal 10/27/2025

The Roman Remnant and the Idolatrous Meal Eating food used for idolatry is forbidden not just because it is idolatrous, but because it inverts sacred Jewish rites. — 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/38791775

Hamlet's Pearl and Ruth's Marriage 10/26/2025

Hamlet's Pearl and Ruth's Marriage The contrasting marriages of Hamlet and Ruth reveal the values of Jewish matrimony. — 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/38782220

Paying Attention to Inattention 10/24/2025

Paying Attention to Inattention The children's novel The Phantom Tollbooth helps explain the reasoning for a strange Temple sacrifice. — 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/38768160

The High Priest's Hat, the High Priest's Offering, and the High Priest's Oil 10/23/2025

The High Priest's Hat, the High Priest's Offering, and the High Priest's Oil The grain offering brought by the High Priest serves as a symbol of Aaron's love for his brother. 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/38753855

The Horrors of Carthage and the Endurance of Jerusalem 10/22/2025

The Horrors of Carthage and the Endurance of Jerusalem What does a famous painting have to teach us about the Hebrew Bible's aversion to the pagan god Moloch? 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/38740400

Soul and Body 10/21/2025

Soul and Body The rule against eating an offering before its blood is placed on the altar symbolizes the unity of body and soul. 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/38724930

Between Shiloh and Jerusalem 10/20/2025

Between Shiloh and Jerusalem The ban on offering the Passover sacrifice at private altars embodies how much Judaism values community. 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/38643045

Nicanor and the Love of the Temple 10/19/2025

Nicanor and the Love of the Temple The story of a wealthy Alexandrian Jew sheds light on a seemingly superfluous commandment. 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/38633365

Which vs. Wyrd 10/17/2025

Which vs. Wyrd The prohibition against necromancy is part of the Hebrew Bible's larger rejection of the pagan perspective. 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/38618250

Of Seers and Sycophants 10/16/2025

Of Seers and Sycophants An exchange between the kings of Israel and Judah reveals the dangers of false prophecy. 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/38603325

Scripture vs. Sophocles 10/13/2025

Scripture vs. Sophocles The prohibition against pagan prophecy serves as a rejection of the Greeks' concept of tragedy. — 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/38562045

I Am vs. I Will Be 10/12/2025

I Am vs. I Will Be The prohibition of invoking false gods provides surprising insight for the translation of a famous biblical verse. 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/38552090

Tekiah, Teruah, Tekiah, and the Proclamation of Liberty 10/10/2025

Tekiah, Teruah, Tekiah, and the Proclamation of Liberty The order of the blasts of the shofar teaches a valuable lesson about Jewish hope. — 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/38537700

Sunset, Sunrise 10/09/2025

Sunset, Sunrise Why does the oral law connect the sh'ma with the purity of the kohanim? — 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/38524625

Ten-Minute Mitzvah

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