Now that we’ve taken three steps back and three steps forward, and delved into the first three words of each bracha, it’s time to explore the first blessing of the Amidah- Avot V’Imahot, patriarchs, and as we discuss, also matriarchs. There is so much to uncover in just this one paragraph, including: Our feelings about adding to prayer, Poetic language that goes up to the heavens and back down to earth, inter-text galore, many musical modes, and Jedi ghosts. Really.

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This week’s episode was a difficult one to title- throughout my interview with the wise and compassionate Rabbi Steve Sager, he brought to light so many beautiful facets of t’fillah: what t’fillah means, is, and can be; what it takes to lead t’fillah; the “joyful reunion” of prayer and liturgy; what ritual requires; and g?d as the impulse to live. Rabbi Sager is a scholar of prayer, poetry, Rabbinic literature, and the art of conversation, and this is our first of many. Take a breath, listen in, and see where it takes you.

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When we said we were going to dig deep into the Amidah, we meant it! In this week’s episode, Josh, Ellen, and Eliana explore/geek out over just three words- Baruch, Atah, and a four-letter name we can’t even pronounce. These three words begin the Amidah, appear at the end of every section of the Amidah, and begin every traditional blessing, and there is so much to explore, including (but not limited to): knees, curtain calls, praying to a “You,” Jewish numerology, and diving into the pool of blessing.

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We’re so blessed to welcome the amazing Cantor Rosalie Will to the Light Lab! In this episode, Eliana and Rosalie explore what worship is, why it matters, and how better questions can elevate prayer communities. Plus we sing the praises of the songleading and music conference Hava Nashira, and Rosalie introduces her brand new nonprofit Sing Unto God.

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We are embarking on our most ambitious deep dive yet- the Amidah. But before we get too far in, we need to take a step back. Well, three. This week, Josh, Ellen, and Eliana explore “Adonai S’fatai Tiftach,” the preamble to the Amidah, what the Amidah even is, and what it means to prepare for prayer.

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Shalom dear listeners! We're taking a break through the end of '21. In the meantime, make sure you're caught up on all our episodes! For more learning, check out the in depth show notes at elianalight.com/podcast and follow us @thelight.lab. 

In the shema, we say g?d is one. Yet in the aleinu, we say on that day, g?d will be one. Which is true? Hear some thoughts from Eliana, breathe along with a short practice, and stay until the end for a gorgeous shema from the magical, mindful musician Chava Mirel.

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In this first full-length interview episode, Eliana connects with Yoshi Silverstein, founder of Mitsui Collective. We dig into embodied Jewish practice and what it has to do with racial justice, prayer, and the concept of time. It goes some pretty wonderful and wild places, just like a canoe in the river (a reference you’ll understand once you hear our conversation!)

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Happy Hanukkah! In this very special holiday episode, Eliana, Josh, and Ellen explore the ritual of Hanukkah candles: from the opening blessings, to the difference between a menorah and a chanukiah, to the many verses of Maoz Tzur. Plus, Josh shares his brand new melody for Hanerot Hallalu! We hope this adds some sparkle to your festival of lights.

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It’s time for thanks-giving! Eliana, Ellen, and Josh explore the gratitude prayer of the Amidah, Modim Anachnu Lach. We nerd out on Jewish-people-monikers, intertext, and gematria (numerology,) plus share our favorite melodies and Thanksgiving traditions. What a great excuse for gratitude!

Transcript at bit.ly/LLP5transcript 

Show notes at https://www.lightlab.co/podcast/

Spotify playlist at bit.ly/modimmix 

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