Can gratitude truly unlock the secret to happiness? In our latest episode of the Prayer Podcast, we explore this profound question through the lens of Jewish prayer. We begin by examining the 15 blessings of gratitude recited each morning, highlighting their role in fostering appreciation for life's often-overlooked abundance. As we connect these blessings to happiness and the significance of the number 18 in Jewish prayer, we reflect on the spiritual marvels of our senses and emotions and the symbolic renewal a night's sleep offers.

Every morning, our capacity for discernment helps us set the day's tone. Using the natural world as inspiration, such as a rooster's ability to distinguish between night and day, we delve into our own struggles to differentiate between good and evil. This ability is underscored as life's greatest gift, as we express gratitude for the wisdom to make conscious choices. By acknowledging the eternal struggle between spiritual and physical pursuits, we remind ourselves of the importance of living each day with clarity and intention, steering clear from distractions that tempt us away from awareness.

This episode also takes a thoughtful look at traditional Jewish blessings, offering a nuanced understanding of phrases like "Shaloh Asani Goi." Through comparing the merits of biblical figures like Methuselah and Esther, we emphasize the unique obligations and opportunities these blessings acknowledge. As we wrap up, we extend heartfelt thanks to our listeners for their support and engagement, underscoring the value of community and connection in our shared journey of understanding and growth. Join us for these reflections and insights as we appreciate the profound gifts of intellect and time.

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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg

• Download the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharing

This episode (Ep. #25) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!

Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on January 14, 2024, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on January 19, 2025
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DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
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SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 

• NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodes
• Jewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodes
• Parsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodes
• Living Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodes
• Thinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodes
• Unboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodes
• Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodes

For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com

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EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: [email protected]
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Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!
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