The Neshamah Project

In this special Purim episode of The Neshamah Project, we explore two powerful teachings from the Esh Kodesh, Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, delivered in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1940 and 1942. The Piaseczno Rebbe teaches that the joy of Purim isn’t dependent on circumstances—it’s a decree, even when joy feels impossible. Through the mystical idea of Or Makif—a surrounding light beyond human merit—he shows that salvation and joy can reach us even in the darkest times. Join us as we reflect on how his words offer hope and strength, even when everything seems lost.

In this episode of The Neshamah Project, we explore a deep teaching from the Degel Machaneh Ephraim about the spiritual connection between work, wisdom, and rest. Drawing from the story of Bezalel, who built the Mishkan with divine wisdom, we uncover the powerful insight that spiritual experiences need to be grounded through action. But what happens on Shabbat, when that work is forbidden? How do we integrate spiritual insight without action? Through the lens of the Degel’s teaching, we’ll explore how Shabbat represents a state of spiritual completion—a moment when heaven and earth align naturally, and the work is to simply dwell in the divine presence. Join us as we reflect on how to hold spiritual insight in both work and rest, action and surrender.

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.