Zohar Ammud Yomi

In this episode, Rabbi Ben presents a profound teaching from the *Degel Machaneh Ephraim* on the transformation of Jacob to Israel. Through a mystical lens, we explore Jacob’s wrestling with God and man, his ascent from constriction to expansiveness, and the deeper significance of his name change. Drawing on the *gematria* connection between *Elohim* (God) and *HaTeva* (nature), Rabbi Ben reveals how Jacob’s journey symbolizes our own struggles to rise above the limitations of the natural world and find divine presence in every moment. Tune in to uncover the timeless wisdom of this story and its relevance to our spiritual growth today.

A teaching from the Degel Machneh Efraim on Parshat Vayetzei with an explanation for how it applies today and a guided meditation.

For those on Spotify who didn't get this episode because they didn't post it because it was "music," I have uploaded this again with some speaking at the beginning. Hopefully it will work this time for Spotify listeners.

In this episode, we explore a teaching from the Degel Machaneh Efraim on Abraham as the embodiment of the Torah, living a life woven with wisdom, awe, and divine presence. Through meditation and reflection, we uncover how Abraham's path invites us to cultivate spiritual wholeness and become vessels for Shechinah’s abundant blessings in our daily lives.

In this episode, Rabbi Ben Newman guides a meditation on presence, inviting us to let go of past regrets and future worries. Rooted in ancient wisdom, this practice opens us to the freedom and quiet joy of being fully present, embracing the moment with compassion and awareness.

In this episode, Rabbi Ben Newman explores the Baal Shem Tov's insights on spiritual growth through a mystical lens. Reflecting on Parshat Noach, Rabbi Ben delves into how the Baal Shem Tov compares the spiritual journeys of Noah and Abraham, shedding light on their unique paths toward the Divine. Through stories and teachings, Rabbi Ben brings to life the Baal Shem Tov’s metaphor of a parent guiding a child to walk, a beautiful analogy for how we strengthen our own spiritual resilience when moments of connection and distance arise. This episode offers listeners a chance to explore the rhythm of spiritual life, where closeness and distance both play essential roles in deepening our understanding and fostering a more vibrant inner journey.

In this episode Rabbi Ben Newman presents a guided meditation on teshuvah/returning.

In this episode Rabbi Ben Newman shares a story about how we view time from the Seer of Lublin.

In this episode, I present an interview I did with my friend Moshe Lev (Robert) Greenblatt in around 2004. He discusses early Jewish renewal, and his post Holocaust struggle with God. Here is his Wikipedia page:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Greenblatt_%28anti_war_activist%29

Commentary on Parshat Va-Era from Rabbi Ben Newman and Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl.

In this enlightening episode of the Neshamah Project, Rabbi Ben Newman delves into the profound depths of Parshat Shemot, guided by the insightful commentary of Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl. This discussion unveils the spiritual exile of awareness experienced by the Israelites in Egypt, a metaphor for our own times when consciousness can feel trapped by the mundane and material.

In this episode of the Neshamah Project, Rabbi Ben Newman delves into the mystical teachings of the Degel Machaneh Ephraim on Parshat Vayishlach, exploring its profound spiritual insights. Rabbi Newman offers a unique interpretation that emphasizes mindfulness and the elevation of the material world to divine consciousness. Join us for a journey through ancient wisdom, interpreted through the lens of modern spirituality and inclusivity, enriching our daily practice of finding the divine in every moment.

In this episode we delve into a commentary of Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl on Parshat Toldot.

Some readings from Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav on joy and suffering.

Four Worlds Meditation for Healing and Connection: Embark on a 20-minute transformative journey through the Kabbalistic framework of the Four Worlds. This meditation guides listeners from the tangible realm of Asiyah (Action) to the transcendent sphere of Atzilut (Emanation), fostering a deep connection to one's physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual layers. Designed as a beacon of solace, it offers a pathway to find strength, clarity, and unity, especially resonant amidst the challenges of recent events.

In this short meditation for Sukkot journey through the spiritual dimensions of the Seven Directions – East, South, West, North, Up, Down, and Inside. Embrace the elements of air, fire, earth, and water, and connect deeply with the realms of spirit, the Holy Blessed One, and the immanent divine presence. This serene session harmonizes your soul with the universe's energies, providing grounding, clarity, and a profound sense of connection. Set against a backdrop of tranquil music, this meditation is a soothing balm for the soul.

Join Rabbi Ben Newman in this evocative episode of The Neshamah Project as he delves into the profound theme of impermanence, symbolized by the fragile walls of the sukkah. Drawing inspiration from the Mei HaShiloach's tale of Rabbi Yehoshua's encounter with the Athenian sages, Rabbi Newman weaves together the teachings of Kohelet, the ephemeral nature of the sukkah, and the grounding practices of mindfulness. Listen deeply and let this episode guide you to embrace the delicate balance of existence, reminding us that to truly live, we must breathe in the 'air upon air' of our transient lives. An episode not to be missed as Sukkot approaches, offering spiritual tools for human thriving amidst life's ever-changing currents.

Step into the serene fields of Elul with this guided meditation. Tradition whispers that the Divine awaits us in these meadows, ready to listen and connect. Traverse a landscape of reflection, encounter the radiant Presence, and emerge with blessings and insights to illuminate your High Holy Days and beyond.

In this episode of the Neshamah Project, Rabbi Ben Newman delves into the celebration of Tu B'Av, the Jewish Day of Love. Historically, this summer holiday served as a day of matchmaking, where young women donned white dresses and danced in vineyards. It also marked a significant turning point in Jewish history: the day when intermarriage between Jewish tribes was permitted, ending age-old divisions. But beyond these traditions, Tu B'Av holds a deeper, mystical significance. Rabbi Newman examines teachings from the Talmud and Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl's work "Maor Einayim". He presents an understanding of Tu B'Av as a harbinger of the messianic era, a time of universal love and unity. The circle dance, a common feature of this holiday, is symbolic of a world without hierarchies and divisions. The episode concludes with an inspiring message of hope, patience, and the potential of human love to transcend all barriers.

In this episode, we talk to Rabbi Michael Strassfeld about the future of Judaism and Torah in honor of the Hebrew month of Sivan and Shavuot. Text sheet is here:https://bit.ly/sivantexts