In this episode of Rabbi Ben Newman offers poetic, interpretive translations of the Morning Blessings, and Modeh Ani inviting us to awaken with presence, gratitude, and wonder.

A commentary on Parshat BeShalach (specifically Exodus 14:15) by the Maor VaShemesh (R' Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl).

In this episode, we explore the Me’or Einayim’s mystical reading of Parshat Bo, which sees the Exodus story as an inner liberation of our awareness from “Egypt.” The commentary teaches that even mundane labors or tough experiences contain hidden sparks of divine wisdom, if we bring mindful attention to them. Ultimately, we move from constricted consciousness to the full light of oneness, redeeming the Aleph hidden beneath the Bet.

In this episode of the Neshamah Project Podcast, Rabbi Ben Newman presents a deep exploration of Maor VaShemesh on Parashat Vaera. Through the lenses of Kabbalah and mindfulness, he unpacks the divine attributes of loving-kindness, awe and justice, and compassionate balance embodied by the patriarchs. Tune in to discover timeless wisdom for cultivating harmony and resilience in your spiritual journey and everyday life.

In this episode of The Neshamah Project, we explore the Degel Machaneh Ephraim's profound teaching on Shemot 9, reimagining the burning bush as a symbol for distracting thoughts in prayer and meditation. Through the lens of the Baal Shem Tov's wisdom, we delve into how these "foreign thoughts" are not obstacles but opportunities to elevate hidden sparks of holiness within them. Discover how this transformative perspective can enrich your spiritual practice, turning moments of distraction into profound connections with the divine. Join us in uncovering the sacred potential within the mundane.

This guided meditation and teaching recording is drawn from a session Rabbi Ben Newman led at the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing in Cragsmoor, NY, on December 22nd, 2024. The practice is inspired by Abraham Abulafia’s mystical traditions, incorporating chanting, intentional head movements with the five vowel sounds, and mindfulness of the four dimensions—body, heart, mind, and spirit. It’s a journey into spiritual awareness and connection.

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.