10-Minute Mitzvah

An early act of brotherhood by Aaron explains why we are commanded to honor the Kohanim.

What is the difference between confessing one's sins and repenting for them?

A verse in Leviticus serves as a reminder to read between the lines of the mitzvot.

A verse in Leviticus reveals Egypt and Abraham's contrasting views on immortality.

The Hebrew Bible and the Talmud's different approaches to undecided legal matters teach a profound lesson in faith.

A Sephardic prayer teaches an important lesson about repentance.

A Shakespearean passage and a biblical episode explain why the House of Judah was selected for the kingship of Israel.

A debate over the English monarchy unveils the true nature of kingship according to the Hebrew Bible.

A famous essay helps explain why the Sages instituted "hedges" around the laws of the Torah. 

The ascent up the ramp to the Temple altar symbolizes Judaism's vision of spiritual development.

Talmudic legal discussions regarding monkeys and elephants convey a profound lesson about the nature of friendship.

The Hebrew Bible commands that the Temple priests serve in group shifts rather than all together. Why?

A famous Talmudic story teaches an essential lesson about Jewish jurisprudence.

An idiosyncratic sport sheds light on the prohibition of holding a grudge.

Judaism provides various ways to sanctify the biological need to eat.

A Jewish sage may not issue a legal ruling while intoxicated, underscoring the gravity of the law.

By becoming close to the sages, the transmitters of Jewish tradition, we become closer to God.

What can Yale and the Book of Esther teach us about the Urim v’Tummim, the breastplate worn by the High Priest?

A mitzvah related to the Temple teaches the Jewish perspective on seizing the moment.

Why is one prohibited from plowing with two distinct animal species? The answer lies in a unique reading of Isaiah.

Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik's philosophy on technology and innovation adds meaning to a mysterious prohibition.

Two interpretations of the Jewish wedding's glass-breaking ritual speak to the power of Jewish endurance.

The theft of a famous violin teaches a central lesson about the Jewish view of repentance.

The tales of Sherlock Holmes shed light on a commandment regarding a capital case.

Why is the palm frond the only one of the four species to be mentioned in the lulav blessing?

Why doesn't a sukkah require a mezuzah?

Cain and Abel’s story in Genesis illuminates a commandment found later in Deuteronomy.

The peculiar ritual that follows a murder reminds the community of their duty to care for one another.

The addition of Shemini Atzeret to the Sukkot holiday shows God's desire to be close to His people.

While Sukkot is best known for its particularistic themes, it also contains many universal messages.