Podcasts about modeh ani

In this debut episode of “Sages of the Talmud” with Morty Roth, we explore the life and legacy of Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi, the redactor of the Mishnah. Morty brings to life the turbulent historical backdrop of Roman oppression, the threat to Torah transmission, and the courageous decision to commit the Oral Law to writing. Through stories of Yehuda HaNasi's teachers, his wealth and leadership, his relationship with Roman emperors, and the personal traits that shaped him, we uncover timeless lessons in courage, responsibility, and preserving Jewish heritage.This engaging discussion blends history, biography, and spiritual insight, showing how the choices of one leader nearly 2,000 years ago continue to shape Jewish life and learning today.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Explore The Art of Prayer – a collection of beautifully designed blessings (brachos) including Modeh Ani, Asher Yatzar, Netilas Yadayim and more.  Free to download and perfect for your home by clicking here. 

As a general rule, it is preferable for a person to recite all the Birkot Ha'shahar at home, before coming to the synagogue. It sometimes happens that a person, for whatever reason, was unable to recite the blessings at home, and he arrives in the synagogue late, after the Tefila had begun, and if he now recites Birkot Ha'shahar properly, he will be unable to recite Shema and the Amida with the congregation. In such a case, should he proceed directly to "Baruch She'amar" so he can catch up to the congregation, and then recite Birkot Ha'shahar later? Or is it preferable for him to follow the normal sequence, first reciting Birkot Ha'shahar, even at the expense of Tefila Be'sibur (praying together with the congregation)? Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Jerusalem, 1910-1995) ruled that one must recite the service in its proper sequence. Although there are those who permitted reciting Birkot Ha'shahar after praying Shaharit, Rav Shlomo Zalman disagreed with this ruling. He thus maintained that even if one will miss the opportunity to recite the Amida together with the congregation, he must recite Birkot Ha'shahar before proceeding to Pesukeh De'zimra and the rest of Shaharit. Hacham Ovadia Yosef, however, rules differently, maintaining that one should, in fact, skip Birkot Ha'shahar so he can pray Shaharit with the congregation. Of course, one must first recite "Modeh Ani" – which should be recited immediately upon waking in the morning – as well as the Beracha over hand-washing, which should also be performed as soon as possible after waking up. Additionally, one should recite "Asher Yasar" right after using the restroom, and "Elokai Neshama" should preferably be recited immediately after "Asher Yasar." These blessings, then, should clearly be recited before Shaharit. The other Berachot, however, may be delayed until after Shaharit in the interest of Tefila Be'sibur. It goes without saying that one should do what he can to avoid this situation, and recite all the morning blessings at home, with Kavana (concentration), and arrive at the synagogue on time. If somebody skipped Birkot Ha'shahar so he could pray Shaharit with the congregation, he recites all the Berachot after Shaharit, with two exceptions. He does not recite Birkat Ha'Torah (the blessing over Torah learning), because this requirement is fulfilled through the recitation of "Ahabat Olam" before Shema. The Beracha of "Ahabat Olam" speaks about Torah learning, praying to Hashem for assistance in our understanding and observance of Torah, and thanking Him for choosing us and giving us the Torah. As such, it covers the obligation of reciting Birkat Ha'Torah. The second exception is the Beracha of "Elokai Neshama." As mentioned earlier, even if one skips Birkot Ha'shahar so he can pray with the congregation, he should still preferably recite "Elokai Neshama" immediately following "Asher Yasar" after using the restroom. If, however, one did not recite "Elokai Neshama" before Shaharit, he does not recite it afterward. The reason is that according to some Poskim, this requirement is fulfilled through the recitation of the second Beracha in the Amida, which concludes "Mehayeh Ha'metim" – "who resurrects the dead." The Beracha of "Elokai Neshama" thanks Hashem for "resurrecting" us each morning by restoring our souls – as sleep is considered a form of partial "death" – and so some Poskim ruled that this requirement is covered by the Beracha of "Mehayeh Ha'metim." Others disagreed, noting that this Beracha in the Amida refers only to the resurrection of the dead that will occur in the future, and not to the daily "resurrection" of waking up in the morning, and thus, in the view of these Poskim, one who did not recite "Elokai Neshama" before Shaharit should recite it afterward. Hacham Ovadia applied to this case the rule of "Safek Berachot Le'hakel" – that we do not recite a Beracha if its obligation is uncertain, and therefore one should not recite "Elokai Neshama" after Shaharit in such a case. There is a minority view among the Poskim (the view of the Aruch Ha'shulhan) that a person who did not recite Birkot Ha'shahar before Shaharit does not then recite the Beracha of "Matir Asurim" ("who releases those who are bound," thanking Hashem for enabling us to get out of bed). We mention Hashem's quality of "Matir Asurim" in the second blessing of the Amida – the Beracha that concludes, "Mehayeh Ha'metim" – and so, according to this opinion, the requirement to recite the Beracha of "Matir Asurim" is fulfilled through the recitation of the Amida. However, Hacham Ovadia dismissed this opinion, arguing that although "Matir Asurim" is mentioned in this second Beracha of the Amida, this Beracha concludes with only "Mehayeh Ha'metim." In Hacham Ovadia's view, the conclusion of the blessing is the determining factor, and thus although this Beracha might fulfill the obligation of "Elokai Neshama," because it concludes with the theme of resurrection, it does not suffice to fulfill the obligation of "Matir Asurim," as these words do not appear in the Beracha's conclusion. There is also an opinion that if a person, for whatever reason, did not recite "Asher Yasar" after using the restroom, and then recited Shaharit, he may not then recite "Asher Yasar." Even if the maximum time-frame for the recitation of this Beracha (72 minutes after performing one's bodily functions) had not yet passed, the person does not, according to this view, recite "Asher Yasar," as he fulfilled this requirement through the recitation of "Refa'enu" in the Amida. The Beracha of "Asher Yasar" speaks about the wonders of the human body, praising Hashem for "healing every flesh and performing wonders" ("Rofeh Chol Basar U'mafli La'asot"), and so this requirement is fulfilled through the recitation of "Refa'enu," in which we pray to Hashem to cure the ill. Hacham Ovadia disagreed with this position, noting that whereas "Asher Yasar" praises Hashem for the wonderous functioning of the human body, the Beracha of "Refa'enu" prays to Hashem to heal those who are ill. These are two completely different Berachot, and so one does not fulfill the obligation of "Asher Yasar" through the recitation of "Refa'enu." Summary: Ideally, one should recite Birkot Ha'shahar at home and arrive on time to Shaharit. If, however, a person arrived late to the synagogue, without having recited Birkot Ha'shahar, and reciting them will cause him to miss praying the Amida with the congregation, then he should skip Birkot Ha'shahar and proceed directly to Shaharit so he can catch up. He should, however, first recite the Beracha over the morning hand-washing, as well as "Asher Yasar" after using the restroom, and "Elokai Neshama," which should preferably be recited immediately after "Asher Yasar." After Shaharit, he recites all Birkot Ha'shahar except Birkat Ha'Torah. If, for whatever reason, one had not recited "Elokai Neshama" before Shaharit, he does not recite it after Shaharit.

We are to begin our day, each day of our lives, by expressing our gratitude to Hashem for all the blessings He has granted us. Immediately upon awakening, we recite "Modeh Ani," thanking Hashem for restoring our souls, and we are then required to recite a series of Berachot known as "Birkot Ha'shahar" – the morning blessings. These Berachot thank Hashem for our ability to open our eyes to see, the ability to get out of bed and walk, and other basic functions of the body. They also thank Hashem for spiritual blessings, such as His having chosen us and given us the Torah. As parents, we know how much it means when a child expresses gratitude. The more our children acknowledge what we do for them and thank us, the more we want to do for them. But when children act ungratefully, and do not thank their parents, the parents will be less inclined to give them what they want. We are Hashem's children, and we owe Him an enormous debt of gratitude for the countless blessings He gives us each day, starting with life itself. The more we thank Him for the blessings we have received, the more He will continue blessing us. We therefore thank Hashem each morning for some of the precious gifts that He has given us. Rav Natrunai Gaon (9 th century, Babylonia) traces the origins of the Birkot Ha'shahar to the obligation to recite one hundred Berachot each day. This obligation was taught as a "Halacha Le'Moshe Mi'Sinai" – a law that Moshe heard at Mount Sinai and has since been transmitted orally from one generation to the next. In ancient times, there were no fixed Berachot, and everyone was expected to recite Berachot on his own, until reaching a total of one hundred each day. However, without a fixed text of Berachot, and without specific Berachot required at certain times and on certain occasions, people became lax, and failed to recite the obligatory one hundred Berachot. In fact, the Midrash relates that when a devastating plague ravaged the Jewish Nation during the time of King David, killing one hundred people a day, King David determined that this was caused by the people's failure to fulfill this obligation of reciting one hundred Berachot every day. He therefore issued an edict to ensure that people recite the required number of Berachot, and the plague suddenly stopped. Still, this obligation was not always fulfilled. Therefore, the Ansheh Kenesset Ha'gedola (Men of the Great Assembly), a group of scholars and prophets that was formed at the beginning of the Second Commonwealth, established fixed Berachot that we are required to recite every day, thus ensuring that we recite one hundred blessings over the course of the day. Included in these Berachot are the eighteen Birkot Ha'shahar that we must recite each morning. Indeed, the Shulhan Aruch discusses the Birkot Ha'shahar in the same Siman (chapter) in which he mentions the obligation to recite one hundred Berachot each day – indicating that, as Rav Natrunai Gaon explained, the Birkot Ha'shahar are related to this obligation. They were instituted to help ensure that a person recites the required amount of Berachot every day. As mentioned earlier, underlying the requirement of Birkot Ha'shahar is our debt of gratitude to Hashem. Not surprisingly, we find a close connection between the obligation to recite one hundred Berachot each day and the concept of gratitude. First, the 100 th chapter of Tehillim is the chapter "Mizmor Le'toda" – the song which was sung to express gratitude to Hashem, thus establishing an association between the number 100 and gratitude. And, the first two letters of the word "Modim" ("We thank") are Mem and Vav, which together in Gematria equal 46 – the Siman in the Shulhan Aruch that speaks of the obligation of one hundred Berachot. We might wonder, why is it necessary to recite these Berachot each and every day? Why does it not suffice for us to occasionally praise and thank Hashem for all He gives us and does for us? An important answer to this question is offered by the Rashba (Rav Shlomo Ben Aderet, Barcelona, Spain, 1235-1310). He writes that every morning, we must see ourselves as born anew. As the verse says (Echa 3:23), "Hadashim La'bekarim, Rabba Emunatecha" – G-d performs great kindnesses for us each and every morning by restoring our consciousness, by giving us a new day, showing us His trust in our capacity to achieve and accomplish. Yesterday's blessings do not suffice today, because today we have been created anew, and so we must express gratitude to G-d anew. The Berachot that comprise Birkot Ha'shahar thank Hashem for many things – such as our vision, our ability to stand up straight and walk, our clothing, our having been chosen by Hashem – but does not appear to be exhaustive. Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1868) raised the question of why the Sages did not institute a Beracha thanking Hashem for the ability to speak. It goes without saying that the faculty of speech is one of the human being's most important capabilities. In fact, the Torah says that when G-d created Adam, He infused within Him "Nishmat Haim" – "a living soul" (Bereshit 2:7), and Targum Onkelos translates this expression to mean "Ru'ah Memalela" – "a spirit that speaks." The power of speech can be said to be our defining characteristic, the quality that distinguishes the human being from other creatures in the animal kingdom. Why, then, do we not have a special blessing thanking Hashem for this most precious gift? An answer to this question appears in the work Petah Ha'debir by Rav Binyamin Pontremoli (Turkey, d. 1784). He notes the aforementioned verse, and Onkelos' translation, which teaches us that the faculty of speech is a function of the Neshama, the human soul. Now the Sages instituted as one of the Birkot Ha'shahar a special Beracha thanking Hashem for the soul which He has given us – the blessing of "Elokai Neshama." Hence, as the ability to speak stems from the Neshama, this Beracha which thanks Hashem for giving us our soul also thanks Hashem for the power of speech. (It would thus seem that if parents have a child who, G-d forbid, is not developing the ability to speak, or struggles with speech issues, they should have special intention when reciting the Beracha of "Elokai Neshama," and have in mind the child's soul through which they wish that he develop the faculty of speech.) Moreover, Rav David Abudarham (Spain, 14 th century), in explaining the Beracha of "Elokai Neshama," cites the verse in Tehillim (115:17), "Lo Ha'metim Yehalelu Y-ah" – "It is not the dead that will praise G-d." Once a person's soul is taken, he is no longer able to express Hashem's praises. Rav Abudarham notes the implication of this verse that the primary purpose of speech is to praise G-d. (This is indicated in the text of "Elokai Neshama," in which we say, "As long as the soul is within me, I give thanks before You…") Accordingly, it stands to reason that when we recite "Elokai Neshama" and give thanks to Hashem for giving us a soul, this includes an expression of gratitude for our ability to speak. A second answer to this question was offered by Rav Shmuel Alexander Unsdorfer (1920-2002), who explained that we express gratitude for the faculty of speech by reciting Birkat Ha'Torah – the blessing over Torah learning. The Misva of learning Torah includes the obligation to speak words of Torah and to transmit them to others, and so when we thank Hashem for this precious Misva, we automatically thank Him also for the gift of speech. A different question was asked regarding the omission of the faculty of hearing from the Birkot Ha'shahar. Clearly, our hearing is exceedingly important. In fact, if somebody injured another person and caused him to lose his hearing, he must pay compensation for the damages. Why, then, is this capability not included in our morning blessings? One answer given is that the ability to hear is included in the Beracha of "Ha'noten La'sechvi Bina Le'havhin Ben Yom U'ben Layla" – thanking Hashem for granting the rooster the knowledge to crow in the morning, thus waking people up. Of course, the rooster's crow is effective in waking people only because of the ability to hear, and so this Beracha implicitly expresses gratitude for the sense of hearing. Another answer is that the morning blessings thank Hashem only for those abilities which we lost, as it were, during the night when we slept, and were restored in the morning. Thus, for example, we thank Hashem for restoring our vision after our eyes were closed throughout the night, and for allowing us to get out of bed, stand upright and walk, after we spent the night lying down. Our sense of hearing, however, is unaffected by sleep; we can still hear while sleeping, and so this capability is not included in Birkot Ha'shahar. (Interestingly, the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his work Mi'kavse'el, cites a Rabbi who wanted to apply this theory to explain why we do not recite a Beracha over the ability to speak. This Rabbi noted that some people talk in their sleep, and so this capability is not technically "lost" at night, such that we should give thanks for it when we wake up in the morning. The Ben Ish Hai dismissed this answer, noting that some people sleepwalk, and yet we still recite each morning the Beracha of "Ha'mechin Mis'adeh Gaber," thanking Hashem for the ability to walk. One might, however, distinguish between talking in one's sleep and sleepwalking, as a person who sleepwalks is not actually sleeping as he walks, whereas those who talk in their sleep really are still asleep and have not woken up to talk.) The Sefer Hasidim (Rabbenu Yehuda Ha'hasid, Germany, 1150-1217) writes that he once met an exceptionally pious individual who recited additional blessings each morning, thanking Hashem for each and every part of the body, and the Sefer Hasidim expressed great admiration for this practice. He noted the verse in Tehillim (84:3), "Libi U'bsari Yeranenu El Kel Hai" – "My heart and my flesh shall sing praise to the living G-d" – implying that each and every part of the body which functions properly is a sufficient reason to give praise to Hashem. A different verse in Tehillim (35:10) states, "Kol Asmotai Tomarna, Hashem Mi Kamocha" – "All my bones shall declare: G-d, who is like you?" Indeed, it is worthwhile to express our gratitude to the Almighty for each and every limb and organ in the body. The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806), in his commentary to Sefer Hasidim, asserts that this righteous man could not have actually recited additional Berachot, for a Beracha that was not instituted by the Sages constitutes a Beracha Le'batala – a Beracha recited in vain, which is forbidden. Undoubtedly, this man expressed his gratitude to Hashem for all his working body parts without reciting formal Berachot. By contrast, Rav Meir Mazuz (1945-2025) suggested that this righteous man followed the opinion that one is permitted to create his own Beracha to give praise to Hashem. In any event, the truth is that we do not need additional Berachot – formal or informal – to express our gratitude to Hashem for everything in our body that works properly. The Tur (Rabbenu Yaakov Ben Asher, Spain, 1270-1340) notes that in the Beracha of "Asher Yasar," which one recites after using the restroom, we say that Hashem created "Halulim Halulim" (hollow spaces in the body). The Gematria of the word "Halulim," the Tur observes, is 124, and we recite this word twice, for a total of 248 – the number of limbs and organs in a person's body. This expression, then, alludes to all our body parts. Thus, when we recite "Asher Yasar," we give thanks to Hashem not only for the wondrous ability to eliminate the waste from our body, but also for each and every body part. The Rishonim (Medieval scholars) debate the question of whether a person recites a Beracha that is not applicable to him, because he unfortunately does not have the ability for which that Beracha gives thanks. For example, does a blind person recite the Beracha of "Poke'ah Ivrim," in which we thank Hashem for the gift of vision? The Rambam (Hilchot Tefila 7:7-8) writes explicitly that a person recites each of these Berachot only after performing the action referred to by that Beracha. For example, after standing upright, one recites the Beracha of "Zokef Kefufim" ("Who makes the bent upright"), and after getting dressed, one recites the Beracha of "Malbish Arumim" ("Who clothes the naked"). The Rambam writes that if, for whatever reason, a person did not experience that which a given Beracha speaks of, then he does not recite that Beracha. In the Rambam's opinion, the Birkot Ha'shahar resemble the Berachot recited over food, which one recites only when eating. By the same token, one recites each of the morning blessings only after receiving the benefit for which each blessing gives praise. The Shulhan Aruch follows this opinion. By contrast, the Kolbo (anonymous work from the period of the Rishonim), citing several of the Geonim, writes that every person recites all the Birkot Ha'shahar, regardless of whether or not he personally experiences these phenomena. According to this opinion, the morning blessings express gratitude not for one's personal experience, but rather for the general phenomena mentioned by these Berachot. Even if one is not, Heaven forbid, able to see, for example, he still recites the Beracha of "Poke'ah Ivrim" to praise Hashem for the phenomenon of vision. Common practice follows this view of the Kolbo. One of the interesting questions asked regarding the Birkot Ha'shahar relates to the Halachic principle that applies in situations of a "Beracha Semucha La'haveratah" – a Beracha which is recited immediately following another Beracha. Normally, when a Beracha is recited right after another Beracha, it does not begin with the word "Baruch." Thus, for example, the text of Birkat Ha'mazon consists of four Berachot recited in immediate succession of one another, and thus only the first Beracha begins with "Baruch." The three subsequent Berachot are covered, so-to-speak, by the "Baruch" which begins the first Beracha, and so they do not require the introductory word "Baruch." In the Amida prayer, too, only the first Beracha begins with the word "Baruch," whereas all the subsequent Berachot do not, because they are recited immediately after the first Beracha. When it comes to Birkot Ha'shahar, however, the blessings all begin with the word "Baruch," despite the fact that they are recited as a series of Berachot, one right after the other. Tosafot in Masechet Berachot (46) offer two answers. First, they explain, unlike the blessings of Birkat Ha'mazon and the Amida, the blessings of Birkot Ha'shahar were not instituted as a series of Berachot. The Sages did not require reciting them together in a particular sequence. As we saw, the Rambam maintained that one recites each Beracha as he experiences the phenomenon referred to by each Beracha, and the Rambam writes explicitly that there is no set order for these Berachot. The rule of "Beracha Semucha La'haveratah," Tosafot write, applies only to a series of Berachot which were instituted to be recited together in a particular order, and so it does not apply to Birkot Ha'shahar. Secondly, Tosafot suggest, this rule applies only to relatively lengthy Berachot, such as the Berachot of Birkat Ha'mazon and the Amida. The Birkot Ha'shahar, however, are very brief, and thus they require the introduction of "Baruch Ata Hashem." A person should not unnecessarily get involved in other matters before reciting the Birkot Ha'shahar. Ideally, the Hesed La'alafim (Rav Eliezer Papo, 1785-1827) writes, the first words that come out of a person's mouth in the morning should be words of praise and gratitude to Hashem. One should not write text messages, make phone calls and the like before reciting the morning blessings. The Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakov Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939) warns that according to the Kabbalah, unnecessarily delaying the recitation of Birkot Ha'shahar has the effect of allowing the Kelipot (negative spiritual energies) access to the person's soul, which can cause great harm. One should not be doing anything else while reciting a Beracha. This applies not only to Birkot Ha'shahar, but to all blessings that we recite. The Ben Ish Hai writes that "Lo Tiheyeh Ka'zot Be'Yisrael" – it should never happen that a Jew recites a Beracha while being involved in some other activity. And the Ben Ish Hai laments the fact that many people make this mistake. One common example is Netilat Yadayim – many people mistakenly recite the Beracha while drying their hands. One must ensure not to begin reciting the Beracha of "Al Netilat Yadayim" until after he finished drying his hands. Another common mistake is people reciting Birkot Ha'shahar while rushing to get to shul. This is improper. One should recite a Beracha while standing in place and doing nothing else, focusing his attention fully on the Beracha. The Taz (Rav David Ha'levi Segal, Poland, 1586-1667) writes that one who recites a Beracha while performing other activities is included in the Torah's harsh warnings against serving Hashem "Be'keri" – in a casual, haphazard manner, without focus and attentiveness. Rav Chaim Brim (1922-2002) tells that he once went to visit Rav Moshe Yehoshua Landau in the middle of the night. Rav Landau was in the restroom when he arrived, and so he waited. When Rav Landau came out, he recited the Beracha of "Asher Yasar" without realizing that he was being watched. Rav Brim said that at 2am, without realizing that anyone was around, Rav Landau recited "Asher Yasar" with greater concentration and emotion than most people have while reciting Ne'ila in the synagogue on Yom Kippur. We start our day by thanking Hashem for all the great blessings He has granted us. I had the occasion during my trips to Israel to visit Israeli soldiers who, unfortunately, sustained injuries that necessitated the amputation of limbs. They do not have the ability that the rest of having to easily get out of bed and move about. We need to appreciate these great blessings that Hashem gives us anew each morning, and try, as much as possible, to recite the Berachot with thought and concentration, truly appreciating all that Hashem does for us.

In this transformative episode, part two of our seven-part Merkavah series, Rabbi Meisel explores Yitzchak as the embodiment of Gevurah, the divine quality of discipline, restraint, and the power to transform potential into reality. Building on the foundation of Avraham's Chesed, we uncover how Yitzchak's very existence, and especially the Akeidah, reveals a spiritual blueprint for personal growth, resilience, and the miracle of becoming. Through deep Torah insights, metaphors of birth and laughter, and the cosmic resonance of the shofar, this conversation draws a powerful connection between Gevurah and the hidden strength in navigating life's challenges.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Want to keep going deeper? Explore Revealing the Hidden with Rabbi Gershon Meisel—uncovering the depth behind Torah, life, and the spiritual reality beneath it all.

In this episode we explore the life of Avraham Avinu as the embodiment of Chesed (loving-kindness) and the first to crown Hashem as King. Joined by Rabbi Meisel, we discuss how Avraham's spiritual journey, marked by courage, isolation, and unwavering faith, serves as a model for those navigating their own path back to truth, often feeling alone or disconnected from their past communities. Through his story, we gain insight into the deeper meaning of divine kingship, personal transformation, and the sacred role each individual plays in bringing holiness into the world. This episode is an invitation to recognize the Avraham within, and to embrace the unique purpose Hashem has placed in each of us.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback,  discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Want to keep going deeper? Explore Revealing the Hidden with Rabbi Gershon Meisel—uncovering the depth behind Torah, life, and the spiritual reality beneath it all.

Welcome to Daily Bitachon . We're continuing in the pesukim of chizuk from Eicha, chapter 3. We're now up to the pasuk that says: חדשים לבקרים רבה אמונתך / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. This is the source for the Modeh Ani prayer we say each morning, which ends with the words Rabbah Emunatecha /Great is Your faithfulness. Every morning we get up and we're refreshed. We are, as the pasuk says, chadashim labekarim /new every morning . That's why, when we say Modeh Ani lefanecha , we end with the words Rabbah Emunatecha / Your faithfulness is great, that You gave me back my soul in the morning. But what does this have to do with our story of hope after despair, which has been the theme of the pesukim we've been studying? The sefer Yedei Moshe shares two very beautiful thoughts. The first one is that, Yes, Hashem has tremendous kindness and mercy — that's what we saw in the last pasuk . But there's a problem: A person must prepare himself to receive Hashem's chesed . Hashem has endless ability to give, but what's the value of hope in His kindness if I'm not a kli /a vessel , able to receive it? The Yedei Moshe answers: My emunah in Hashem's kindness is so great that I believe He will also give me what I need to become that vessel! He'll create the vessel if it doesn't already exist. It's like an overly generous person who not only pours you a glass of wine, but also gives you the glass itself. That's what Hashem does. And that's the meaning of: חדשים לבקרים רבה אמונתך Hashem, we understand that You create chadashim labekarim/ something new every single morning, and that's why I hope in You: Because I know that not only will You give me what I need, You'll create the very capacity within me to receive it. That means I myself am the receptacle. I need to become someone who can receive goodness. Rav Wolbe used to say: Everything — even spiritual matters — needs a utensil Just like physical things need utensils, spiritual things do too. Even when you're growing in ruchniyut / spiritual matters , you need the right vessel to hold it. One example of such a utensil is hakarat hatov /gratitude. When someone recognizes Hashem's goodness, that very awareness becomes a vessel to receive even more goodness. The Sefer HaChinuch speaks about this often. That's why, in parashat Ki Tavo , Hashem commands us to bring bikkurim , in order to demonstrate gratitude, so that He can give us more. According to this idea, if Hashem wants to give someone a blessing, but that person doesn't yet have the vessel of gratitude, Hashem might first send them to a class in hakarat hatov — to shape them into someone who is gracious. Hashem has no limit in how He prepares us to receive His goodness. That's one point of the pasuk . Another idea the Yedei Moshe shares is that when a human being does kindness, it's something above his essence. He is who he is, and he chooses to act with kindness. The same is true for the recipient — he exists whether or not he receives that act of kindness. So, the kindness is not essential to the giver or the recipient. But HaKadosh Baruch Hu is different. He performs constant chesed . What's His constant chesed ? Every single second, Hashem renews creation. Every second, He renews us . Every morning, we are renewed. It's a daily techiyat hameitim . If Hashem weren't constantly renewing us, we wouldn't exist. Hashem's kindness to us isn't extra; it's essential. It's not an appendage — it's the very essence of our relationship with God. We don't exist without Hashem's continuous chesed . And how do I know that Hashem's kindness never ends? Simple: I'm breathing. I got up this morning.That's the greatest proof. That is why, right after the Navi says "Hashem's kindness never ends" he follows it with the evidence: I woke up today. I said Modeh Ani this morning. That renewal, that chadashim labekarim , is the proof. According to this explanation, rabbah emunatecha means Our faith in You is great. Most interpret rabbah emunatecha as "God's faithfulness is great . But Yedei Moshe suggests it can also mean: Our ability to rely on You is great. Why? Because we have daily proof . Every single day, Hashem demonstrates His kindness. Waking up in the morning is the proof. It's like the famous question: "What have You done for me lately?" Well, what didn't Hashem do for you lately?Are you breathing? Did you wake up this morning? That's the chizuk that the prophet Yirmiyahah gives us in Eicha. You woke up this morning? That's the proof of: חסדי ה׳ כי לא תמנו / The kindness of Hashem never ends.

How do we distinguish between immutable Torah truths and areas open to interpretation? In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Pill, a Torah scholar and constitutional law professor, to explore the sacred yet complex process of halachic decision-making. We examine whether halacha is a divine system with fixed answers or a human endeavor grounded in humility, judgment, and tradition. From the Talmud to the Shulchan Aruch, we trace how halachic authority is defined and how differing practices are understood. Rabbi Pill brings clarity and reverence to this deep conversation, helping us better understand how halacha is built, sustained, and lived and where we draw the line between the immutable and the debatable.  Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Explore The Art of Prayer – a collection of beautifully designed blessings (brachos) including Modeh Ani, Asher Yatzar, Netilas Yadayim and more.  Free to download and perfect for your home or classroom by clicking here.

In this episode, I open up about a personal journey—why I've been quiet lately, the health challenges I've faced, and how pushing too hard led me into a cycle of burnout. I share what I've learned about the body, the soul, and the importance of listening to both.Then, I revisit one of the most impactful conversations I've had on the podcast: my 2020 discussion with Rabbi Bucsko on the fractal nature of masculinity and femininity. It's a topic that remains deeply relevant—and often misunderstood.Rabbi Bucsko and I explore how these energies aren't just about gender, but are fundamental forces that show up in every relationship and corner of existence. Drawing from Torah, Chazal, and even our own biology, we delve into how masculine energy initiates with boundless potential, and feminine energy receives, nurtures, and brings to life. This framework sheds light on everything from mitzvah obligations to marital roles, from spiritual growth to our relationship with Hashem Himself.This episode is for anyone who wants to understand Torah's timeless wisdom on gender—not through the lens of modern politics, but through the clarity and depth that only Torah can provide.Join the Conversation! Be part of our growing community—join the Shema Podcast for the Perplexed WhatsApp group to share feedback, discuss episodes, and suggest future topics. Click here to sign up.Explore The Art of Prayer – a collection of beautifully designed blessings (brachos) including Modeh Ani, Asher Yatzar, Netilas Yadayim and more.  Free to download and perfect for your home or classroom by clicking here.

Modeh Ani according to Chassidus

Levels of Modeh Ani, part 2

Levels of Modeh Ani, part 1

התוכן א' הטעמים לשמחה בל"ג העומר קשור עם רשב"י – יום ההסתלקות שלו, "יום שמחתו", ועד שביקש שכולם ישמחו ביום זה. הטעם לשמחתו ביום זה – מפני שביום זה הרגיש שהגיע לתכלית השלימות באופן התקשרותו ותאחדוותו עם ה', ובלשונו בספר הזהר "בי' אחידא בי' להטא בי' אתדבקת", למרות שגם לפנ"ז היתה עבודתו בשלימות. וההוראה לכל המשתתפים בשמחתו, כולל ובעיקר ילדי ישראל: כבר משעה שהילד יוצא לאויר העולם משתדלים לקשר ולאחד אותו עם ה' ע"י שמסובבים אותו בשמות קדושים וכו', וככל שהולך וגודל בגשמיות, כך הולך וגודל בהתקשרות והתאחדות עם ה' – ע"י לימוד התורה וקיום המצוות, באמירת "מודה אני" מיד כשניעור משנתו – שמרגיש שהקב"ה החזיר לו את הנשמה, ועי"ז מתקשר עם ה' בכל פעולותיו במשך כל היום כולו. אלא שאין להסתפק בההתקשרות וההתאחדות שהי' ביום שלפנ"ז, אלא תמיד יש להוסיף בזה.משיחת ל"ג בעומר – בעת ה"פאראד" – ה'תשד"מ ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-05-2025 Synopsis One of the reasons for the celebration of Lag B'Omer is that it is the day of Rashbi's passing, “his day of celebration,” to the extent that he requested that everyone rejoice on that day. The reason he celebrated Lag B'Omer is because he felt he had reached the ultimate perfection in his connection and oneness with Hashem on that day, as he says in the Zohar, “one with Him, aflame with Him, attached to Him” – even though his service was already complete before that. The lesson for everyone who participate in his celebration, especially Jewish children, is that from the moment a child enters the world, we strive to connect and unite him with Hashem by surrounding him with names of Hashem etc., and as he grows physically, he also grows in his connection and oneness with Hashem, by learning Torah and performing mitzvos, by saying Modeh Ani the moment he wakes up, expressing the feeling that Hashem has returned his soul to him, and in this way he connects to Hashem in everything he does throughout the entire day. But one must not suffice with the connection and unity that he achieved the day before – rather, one must always increase it.Excerpt from Lag B'Omer parade of 5744 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=16-05-2025 לע”נ מרת לאה בת ר' זאב ע"ה ליום היארצייט שלה ל"ג בעומר. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.נדבת בנה ר' אברהם דוד הכהן שי' טייטעלבוים

Reflections on my birthday, why I think about my mortality, and a Modeh Ani meditation. Episode sponsored by an anonymous sponsor in honor of our LA Tanya class. To support our work, visit humanandholy.com/sponsor.To inquire about sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please email us at info@humanandholy.comFind us on Instagram @humanandholy & subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all our upcoming conversations ✨Human & Holy podcast is available on all podcast streaming platforms. New episodes every Sunday & Wednesday on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Birthday Reflections1:27 - Why I Think About My Mortality 4:30 - The Gift of Another Day 5:45 - Forgetting Who We Are 7:33 - Saying Modeh Ani With Intention 9:22 - The Memory of Prayer12:16 - A Modeh Ani Meditation

If G-d didn't need YOU, He would not have woken YOU up today. You are here because you are NEEDED.A Jew is never Stuck. People are built to stand upright because their minds rule over their hearts.Mitzvot are the spiritual clothing of the soul. They are your responsibility, and they give you purpose. Mitzvot are a connection point between you and Hashem.Above are just some of the deep insights that Rebbetzin Chani Shemtov, a Chabad Emissary at the University of Illinois in Chicago, shares with us in this very powerful conversation. We start off speaking about the Modeh Ani prayer, which is the very first thing that we say when we wake up in the morning. This prayer doesn't have Hashem's name in it. This is because we have just awoken from sleep, and we need to do the traditional washing of our hands (netilat yadayim ) before we say Hashem's name. However, Modeh Ani is said right when we wake up, before we wash our hands. It is for this reason that Hashem's name is not said during this prayer.The first word of the Modeh Ani prayer is "Modeh," translated in English as "grateful." We literally start off our day with gratitude. It has been scientifically researched, studied, and proven that gratitude leads to happiness. By starting off our day with being grateful that G-d gave our soul back to us, we are beginning on a positive, optimistic, and happy note. (When we sleep, we are 1/60 dead, so G-d needs to restore our soul to us in order for us to wake up. We are therefore grateful to Him for giving us life, each and every day.) Remember, if G-d woke you up, He gave you life. The reason He gave you life is because you have a purpose in this world that you still have an opportunity to fulfil. Otherwise, He would not have woken you up.Following the Modeh Ani prayer, we have the morning blessings, birkot hashakar. These are a series of 15 blessings. Each of these blessings begin with the words, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe...," and then goes on to mention specific things.Rebbetzin Chani and I spoke about several of the 15 blessings, in detail.We talked about, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who frees those who are bound." From this, we learn that a Jew is never stuck. We have free will every single moment of the day. What we said or did 5 minutes ago, yesterday, or last year, doesn't need to define what we do or who we are 10 minutes from now. Hashem recreates the world every single moment. Because of this, we are never stuck, and we always have the ability to move forward in any direction, at any moment.Then, we spoke about, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who stands upright those who are bent over." Many animals are made such that their head, heart and lower organs are on the same level. However, humans are created such that our head is on top, our heart is below our head, and then come our lower organs. This structure shows that our head rules our conduct, not our emotions, or our desires. It is the head that must make clear choices for us to follow. We then get to the controversial blessing that a man says in the morning, "Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, for not having made me a woman." The reason behind this blessing is that mitzvot are a point of connection between Hashem and humans. In His infinite wisdom, Hashem gave men more commandments that He gave to women. They need these commandments for their spiritual growth, and since they are commanded with more mitzvot, they have a more points of connection to Him than women. Women, however, do have many mitzvot that they have the responsibility to fulfil. However, they are not confined to time-bound mitzvot because their primary responsibility is taking care of their family. Rebbetzin Chani explains this beautifully!If you don't know how to read Hebrew, you can say the blessings in your native language.

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.

Welcome to our special Shovavim series on Humility. We are continuing with lessons from Rabbi Ades on humility: Rabbi Yehezkiel Abramsky was exiled to Siberia for a year and a half. All he did all day was chop wood in the forest in frigid weather. His hands were cracked and bleeding. One morning after saying Modeh Ani , which is a Thank You to Hashem for getting up, he asked himself, " Why am I saying thank you for getting up? What am I getting up for? I don't pray. I don't learn. I can't serve Hashem. "And he came up with the answer that, " I'm saying, thank you for being able to say, Modeh Ani ." Unbelievable. When Rav Shach eulogized Rav Abramsky, he said, " I'm jealous of you. Not because the books you wrote (Rav Abramsky wrote 24 volumes of commentary on the Tosefta), and because f your learning. I'm jealous of your years of Siberia." Rabbi Ades asked, What is going on? You're jealous of his years in Siberia? And he explained, Man's goal ultimate goal in this world is to connect Hashem. And a person cannot connect himself to Hashem until he nullifies himself before Hashem's will. The first step to that is to humble oneself in front of his Creator, and realize I'm a mortal, created by Hashem and I have to accept His yoke. Reaching this level is extremely difficult but Rav Shach was convinced that the year and a half in Siberia did that for Rav Abramsky. But he stresses, You don't have to go to Siberia . People have challenging situations, when life is not going the way we'd like it to go. For example, if a person has a mono- type of virus, he's in bed for a month and it seems like it'll be another month until he recuperates. Let's say this is a learning man. He gets frustrated by his inability to learn and serve Hashem. He says, What does Hashem want from me? You know what Hashem wants from you? He wants you to have Mono. What should I do ? Do what people with Mono do. Lie in bed and do nothing. What about all the Torah and Mitzvot I should be doing? You decided you should be learning and praying and functioning. That's your opinion. Hashem thinks otherwise. He says that it's a expression of arrogance to say, I think I know what I should be doing, and how I should serve Hashem and how I can bring him pleasure. Wrong. Hashem knows what He wants from you and needs from you in the situation that you're in, but your arrogance doesn't let you accept it. That arrogance actually ends up causing the person to feel down and depressed because their first reaction is to feel worthless, like they have no purpose, and that Hashem doesn't love them. But if you peel away a little of the arrogance and say, " I know I don't understand this, but I know it's all planned by Hashem, and there's a reason for it , and Hashem knows the reason, and probably the reason is for me to be able to say, Hey, I don't get it," that's humility. But our Gaava decides what we think Hashem should give us. And when I don't get it, I decide that Hashem doesn't love me. One of the great Hasidic Rebbes was once asked, " If you were Hashem, what would you do differently? What would you change in the world?" Personally, I think the first thing I would do is let all the hostages out. That's a good thing to do. After letting all hostages out, I would probably destroy Hamas. I would probably also eliminate the burden of the tuition crisis. And solve the shidduch crisis. I have a long list of things that I would do if I was in that position. But the great Hasidic Rebbi answered, " You know what I would do? I wouldn't change a thing. Because whatever God is doing, He knows what He is doing." When we start things to change, it means we think we know how the world should be run. Again, we go back to, So then why do I pray? Well, I pray for a very good reason. I pray because the prayer in itself is humbling. Because prayer says, I'm asking Hashem, I'm not in control. You please do what You can do for me. There's a beautiful thought in Midrash Rabba in Shemot 21:5 which says when the Jewish people left Egypt, Hashem sent the Egyptians after them and they were stuck and they cried out to Hashem. Why did Hashem do this? And it says, because Hashem wants to hear the praises of the sadikim. What does that mean? Rav Yehuda Ben Levi brings a mashal of a king on the road when a princess was screaming out, " Help ! Save me from these thieves. " The king heard her cries and saved her. And after a while they got married, and sometime into the marriage they weren't on speaking terms. He wanted her to talk to him but she didn't want to. So he sent thieves out against her. And again she cried out. The king went and saved her, and the king said to her, " That's what I wanted. I wanted to hear your voice." The Jewish people in Mitzrayim were being subjugated. They were crying out Hashem. They were looking up to Hashem, as it says, " ויצעקו and they cried out Hashem saw their problem and started to take them out with the strong hand and the outstretched arm." He wanted to hear their voice again and they didn't want to, so He sent Paroah to chase after them. And they cried out. Hashem said, that's what I wanted. I wanted to hear your voice. Like it says יונתי בחגוי הסלע השמיעני קול אינו אומר אלא השמיעני את קולך אותו הקול שכבר My dove was in the cleft of the rock. I want to hear the voice -the voice that I heard in Mitzrayim. And then they cried out and that was it. Hashem told Moshe, What are you praying for? I already heard their cries . What does it mean that I want to hear, not the voice but that voice? There's a difference between how you pray when everything's fine and how you pray when you're in trouble. And that is what was going on in Mitzrayim. At first they were crying out from the bottom of their hearts. But then they started to look at things differently. And that was a problem. So when it says that Hashem wants the prayers of the sadikim , it means He wants that connection from us. And He doesn't want it to be the everything's fine type of lukewarm prayer. He wants the prayer of connection . The Sefer Imre Menachem says the prayer of connection means the humble prayer. Going back to what we started with, about Why do we pray if everything is good, why are we praying for it to change? The answer is Yes, it's good and it's wonderful because it's doing what it needs to do right now. But if I could accomplish that without needing the difficulty , I'd like to get there. There is a famous saying, in the name of the Chafetz Chaim: A person is allowed to say about an event that it's bitter, because a medicine that's good for a person is bitter. But you can't say that it's bad because everything Hashem does is good. So it's good. It's bitter and it's good. But what if I don't want it to be bitter anymore? Do how do I get rid of the bitter? The bitterness is necessary to humble us. In another story, the Chafetz Chaim was talking to a certain person who had a job. The Chafetz Chaim asked how he was doing and the man answered, " A few extra dollars wouldn't hurt." The Chafetz Chaim said, " Of course it would hurt. Hashem is merciful and kind. He wants to do what's best for you. And if He gave you what He gave you, that's good." In yet another story the Chafetz Chaim once asked someone, " How are things going?" And the person replied, " Things could be better." Thr Chafetz Chaim's answer was, "If it could be better, it would be better." The Ramchal writes somewhere in his Otzrot " Whatever was done, it can't be better than that." What do you mean that it can't be better than that? This life is difficult. It can't be better because right now you need that dose. It's like saying life would be better without aspirin. But you need it. This is your aspirin, this is your medicine. This is your healing process. But once I get the message of it, I don't need it anymore. That's the answer to understanding this seeming dichotomy.

Episode is sponsored in honor of Uziel ben Moshe Yakov, whose yartzeit is Yud Tes Teves. May his neshama have an aliyah. A conversation with Shternie Rosenfeld -- who is a shlucha, Torah teacher, and single mother -- about her transformative journey through divorce within the Orthodox community. Shternie talks about her darkest moments and how she found light through an unwavering relationship with G-d. We also explore her unique role as a shlucha running a Chabad house alone and the daily choice to see our circumstances with gratitude and faith. Video episode is available on Youtube. Episode Partners: TOVEEDO: An online children's streaming subscription featuring exclusive Jewish content created and sourced by Toveedo. Use code HH10 for 10% off at Toveedo.com. ZELDA HAIR: A wig company that champions the holistic process of hair covering for Jewish women. Shop Zelda Hair at zeldahairshop.com and discover the heart behind the brand on Instagram @zeldahair. To inquire about sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please email us at info@humanandholy.com To support our work, visit patreon.com/humanandholy or humanandholy.com/sponsor. Find us on Instagram @humanandholy & subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all our upcoming conversations ✨ Human & Holy podcast available on all podcast streaming platforms. New episodes every Sunday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Timestamps: 00:00 Host's Introduction 01:33 Toveedo Sponsorship 02:23 Zelda Hair Sponsorship 03:11 Introducing Shternie Rosenfeld 04:26 Shternie's Life and Community Work 06:55 The Dark Period: Divorce and Its Aftermath 12:07 My Relationship With Hashem Saved Me 17:12 Seeing People's Kindness as G-d's Love 21:25 Choosing Not to Wallow in the Pain 23:55 We Are Worthy, But Not Owed 26:38 Gratitude for Small Gifts 29:00 Modeh Ani 33:26 The Struggles Brought Me Here 35:42 Having a Relationship With My Ex 40:33 If You Roll In the Mud, You Get Dirty 46:42 Getting Comfortable With Inner Peace 51:30 Being G-d's Banker 54:56 The Highs and Lows Make Life Rich 01:01:00 Running a Chabad House on My Own 01:07:42 Host's Outro

2 Minute Halacha- Modeh Ani by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita

Harav Yussie Zakutinsky Shlita

What Does It Mean to Live With Your Soul?This lecture was presented to the South African Community on Tuesday, 4 Cheshvon, 5785, 5 Nov, 2024

As Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New  Year, approaches, today's guest, Caroline Bass, reminds us that none of us are perfect. We're all a little broken, a little worn, a little pained. But we hold onto our past as we build anew. We want to refresh our possibilities. Take it step by step and do it with calm. Introducing the calming queen, Caroline Bass. Caroline shares her journey of breaking free midlife, overcoming fear, and taking small steps towards her dreams. She talks about her transition from corporate America to launching her own product, Queen Tulsi, and the challenges and triumphs along the way. Caroline emphasizes the importance of pushing through fear to find one's purpose and the significance of creating a balanced and calm environment, both at home and within oneself. Reena and Caroline discuss the power of small steps in achieving dreams, the importance of authenticity, and the role of natural remedies in managing stress. Caroline's story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.   Caroline Bass, founder of Queen Tulsi, developed this scientifically-backed herbal supplement to provide natural stress relief and mood balance. As a mom of three balancing a full-time job, Caroline struggled with anxiety, fatigue and feeling overwhelmed. She began formulating herbal blends to calm her nerves and soon shared them with friends and family, who loved the results and she realized she had something special on her hands. College students, friends, and family members all started asking for her supplement after noticing how well it helped with everything from managing anxiety to unwinding after a long day. To make her remedy accessible, she partnered with herbal experts to create Queen Tulsi, a carefully crafted unique blend that targets emotional stress, brain fog, hormonal mood swings, and inflammation in the body. She has since sold thousands of bottles of Queen Tulsi driven by word of mouth and her mission to bring this natural stress relief to the greater public so everyone can benefit from the power of these ancient herbs. Better Call Daddy Podcast listeners can get 15% off any order - including subscriptions and multi-packs! Use code, BetterCallDaddy at www.carolinebasshealth.com (00:00) Reena Friedman Watts hosts the better call daddy show each week (02:04) You talk about taking small steps towards your dreams on your podcast (06:39) You create your own supplements and have gone through 14 iterations (11:54) Queen Tulsi gives back to help Israel's struggling farmers (17:14) You signed up for a membership where you get facials every month (18:31) You talk about creating a balance of calm in your home (23:12) shares his favorite prayer, Modeh Ani (26:24) My dad had a catastrophic stroke two and a half years ago (31:56) Music can uplift elderly people, and that's really important (35:35) Tulsi is creating a class on how to connect with God (38:15) She wants to teach a class about King David's prayers (41:04) The program was designed to speed up brain processing for people with disabilities (45:49) Talk about some people you'd like to partner with with Tulsi (48:31) I'm wondering if your dad has any tips on parenting a beautiful daughter (49:04) You've heard from my mom. How did I raise such beautiful girl? And some tips of raising a daughter is Connect with Caroline Bass: - Website: https://carolinebasshealth.com/ Connect with Reena Friedman Watts: - Website: bettercalldaddy.com - LinkedIn: Reena Friedman Watts - Twitter: @reenareena - Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts - Instagram Podcast: @bettercalldaddypodcast We love hearing your feedback. Leave us a review, share your thoughts, and spread the word about this enriching episode. Share it with someone who appreciates the importance of resilience, natural remedies, and the wisdom of experience. Show notes created by https://headliner.app

Farbrengen in honor of Gimmel Tammuz with Rav Pinson (pt. 1). Emunah and the Power of Modeh Ani --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ravpinsonpodcast/support

Te presentamos un ritual ancestral judío llamado Netilat Yadayim, el lavado de manos, para purificar el cuerpo y la mente de las energías negativas acumuladas durante el sueño. Este nos explica que al dormir, el alma asciende a esferas superiores y al regresar al cuerpo puede traer consigo impurezas espirituales. Lavarse las manos con agua al despertar, recitando la bendición del Modeh Ani, permite restablecer la conexión con la energía vital y santificar la perspectiva del nuevo día.

Enjoy the read-along options: Ashkenazic | Sephardic | ChassidicWhat if every mundane activity in your life could be transformed into an act of holiness? Join us as we navigate the profound connection between our physical bodies and the holy soul within, reflecting on prayers like "Elokai Neshama" and "Modeh Ani." We explore how our physical actions, when infused with spiritual intention, can elevate our daily lives, drawing inspiration from Jewish practices and the stories of our patriarchs.This episode takes you on a journey through the essence of our unique spiritual missions and the purity of the soul, using Moshe Rabbeinu's role as a crucial messenger of Hashem to illustrate our direct service to God. We discuss the importance of maintaining the soul's purity and elevating physical experiences through mitzvot and blessings, uncovering the Talmud's divine comparisons between the soul and God.Finally, we explore the concept of second chances through the significance of Pesach Sheni, a holiday that epitomizes the enduring possibility of reconnecting with our Jewish identity. We reflect on the metaphor of a diamond to illustrate the soul's journey, urging us to refine and beautify our neshama through our actions and mitzvahs. This episode inspires us to live a life of spiritual beauty, deeply connected with Hashem, and appreciate the divinity in every stage of our existence.Download the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #16) 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 May 28, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 2, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Enjoy the read-along options: Ashkenazic | Sephardic | ChassidicWhat if every mundane activity in your life could be transformed into an act of holiness? Join us as we navigate the profound connection between our physical bodies and the holy soul within, reflecting on prayers like "Elokai Neshama" and "Modeh Ani." We explore how our physical actions, when infused with spiritual intention, can elevate our daily lives, drawing inspiration from Jewish practices and the stories of our patriarchs.This episode takes you on a journey through the essence of our unique spiritual missions and the purity of the soul, using Moshe Rabbeinu's role as a crucial messenger of Hashem to illustrate our direct service to God. We discuss the importance of maintaining the soul's purity and elevating physical experiences through mitzvot and blessings, uncovering the Talmud's divine comparisons between the soul and God.Finally, we explore the concept of second chances through the significance of Pesach Sheni, a holiday that epitomizes the enduring possibility of reconnecting with our Jewish identity. We reflect on the metaphor of a diamond to illustrate the soul's journey, urging us to refine and beautify our neshama through our actions and mitzvahs. This episode inspires us to live a life of spiritual beauty, deeply connected with Hashem, and appreciate the divinity in every stage of our existence.Download the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #15) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on May 28, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 2, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Achrei Mos- No Tumah Can Stop The Modeh Ani of A Jew by Rabbi Avi Zakutinsky

Enjoy the Read Along: Read AlongEmbark on a spiritual awakening with us, as we uncover the layers of meaning within the morning blessings and prayers that follow the sacred Modeh Ani. Tap into the ancient wisdom of handwashing, a symbolic act of renewal, and join us in contemplating the soul's overnight purification. We'll explore the transformative power of embracing Hashem's omnipresence in our lives, understanding how this deep recognition can cultivate a life filled with joy and devoid of unnecessary worries. By acknowledging Hashem's pivotal role, we learn to trust in His provision, navigating our days with renewed faith and vigor.Together, we'll celebrate the inseparable bond between the Jewish people and the Torah, a relationship as holy as matrimony, cherished anew every Shabbos. We share insights on the paramount duty we hold as parents and educators to pass on the torch of Torah wisdom to our children, ensuring that our heritage blooms for generations to come. We will also delve into the power of prayer for the prosperity and spiritual steadfastness of our descendants, affirming our responsibility to uphold this lineage of devotion. As we close, we extend a heartfelt blessing for the fortitude to hold fast to our daily commitment to this divine connection. Amen.Download the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #13) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on April 2, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on April 7, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Enjoy the Read Along: Read AlongEmbark on a spiritual awakening with us, as we uncover the layers of meaning within the morning blessings and prayers that follow the sacred Modeh Ani. Tap into the ancient wisdom of handwashing, a symbolic act of renewal, and join us in contemplating the soul's overnight purification. We'll explore the transformative power of embracing Hashem's omnipresence in our lives, understanding how this deep recognition can cultivate a life filled with joy and devoid of unnecessary worries. By acknowledging Hashem's pivotal role, we learn to trust in His provision, navigating our days with renewed faith and vigor.Together, we'll celebrate the inseparable bond between the Jewish people and the Torah, a relationship as holy as matrimony, cherished anew every Shabbos. We share insights on the paramount duty we hold as parents and educators to pass on the torch of Torah wisdom to our children, ensuring that our heritage blooms for generations to come. We will also delve into the power of prayer for the prosperity and spiritual steadfastness of our descendants, affirming our responsibility to uphold this lineage of devotion. As we close, we extend a heartfelt blessing for the fortitude to hold fast to our daily commitment to this divine connection. Amen.Download the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #13) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on April 2, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on April 7, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting a prayer read-along in both Ashkenazic and Sephardic dialects, enhancing our personal connection to these sacred words. Ashkenazic Read along is done by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH, and the Sephardic read along is done by Rabbi Danny Masri of Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #12) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 31, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to a transformative journey into the essence of gratitude and servitude with the Modeh Ani prayer at the heart of our discussion. Embark on a path that promises to elevate your spiritual routine by integrating the twelve words that can redefine your mornings, bringing you closer to Hashem. Together, we explore how beginning each day with a thankful heart not only enriches our own lives but also honors our unique connection to the Divine. You'll discover the profound impact of recognizing your irreplaceable soul and the distinct purpose you hold in this world, all through the lens of Jewish thankfulness.As we share this intimate dialogue with God, we reaffirm our role as His servants and embrace the responsibility that comes with it. The episode delves into the idea that our every action is a testament to our relationship with the Eternal Creator, and how this shapes our approach to life's challenges and opportunities. We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting prayer read-alongs in both Ashkenazic and Sephardic dialects, enhancing your personal connection to these sacred words. Join us in reflecting on the beauty of each new day, the potential it holds, and the gratitude we express for the love and belief Hashem has in each of us.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #12) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 31, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting a prayer read-along in both Ashkenazic and Sephardic dialects, enhancing our personal connection to these sacred words. Ashkenazic Read along is done by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH, and the Sephardic read along is done by Rabbi Danny Masri of Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #12) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 31, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Enjoy the Read Along: Ashkenazic Read Along | Sephardic Read AlongWelcome to a transformative journey into the essence of gratitude and servitude with the Modeh Ani prayer at the heart of our discussion. Embark on a path that promises to elevate your spiritual routine by integrating the twelve words that can redefine your mornings, bringing you closer to Hashem. Together, we explore how beginning each day with a thankful heart not only enriches our own lives but also honors our unique connection to the Divine. You'll discover the profound impact of recognizing your irreplaceable soul and the distinct purpose you hold in this world, all through the lens of Jewish thankfulness.As we share this intimate dialogue with God, we reaffirm our role as His servants and embrace the responsibility that comes with it. The episode delves into the idea that our every action is a testament to our relationship with the Eternal Creator, and how this shapes our approach to life's challenges and opportunities. We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting prayer read-alongs in both Ashkenazic and Sephardic dialects, enhancing your personal connection to these sacred words. Join us in reflecting on the beauty of each new day, the potential it holds, and the gratitude we express for the love and belief Hashem has in each of us.Download the Prayer Podcast Worksheets:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBVevW1ydyjSeyeO0iCcina7e8vix3Lt?usp=sharingThis Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #12) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 31, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting a prayer read-along in both Ashkenazic and Sephardic dialects, enhancing our personal connection to these sacred words. Ashkenazic Read along is done by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH, and the Sephardic read along is done by Rabbi Danny Masri of Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #12) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 31, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting a prayer read-along in both Ashkenazic and Sephardic dialects, enhancing our personal connection to these sacred words. Ashkenazic Read along is done by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH, and the Sephardic read along is done by Rabbi Danny Masri of Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #12) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 26, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 31, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

התוכן כדי להבין את דברי הרמב"ם אין צורך להמתין עד "בן חמש עשרה לגמרא". כמ"ש הרמב"ם בהקדמתו שמטרתו "שיהיו כל הדינין גלויין לקטן ולגדול". גם לקטן כפשוטו יכולים להסביר דברי הרמב"ם. ולדוגמא – הלכה הראשונה: ילד קטן מבין בפשטות ש"יסוד היסודות ועמוד החכמות" הוא "לידע שיש שם מצוי ראשון, והוא ממציא כל הנמצאים". והרי על סמך אמונה זו הוא אומר "מודה אני", מברך על האכילה ושתי' וכו'. ואי"ז רק באופן של אמונה כ"א גם באופן המובן בשכלו – "לידע שיש וכו'": ילד קטן מבין שהוריו דואגים לו לכל צרכיו שלכן צריך לכבדם וכו', וכאשר הוריו אומרים לו ש"אבינו שבשמים" נותן להם הכח והאפשרות לזה – מבין בפשטות שצריך לומר "מודה אני" ולברך על האוכל וכיו"ב, ובתמימות – בלי ה"חקירות" של הגדולים... ועד"ז מבין ילד יהודי בפשטות מ"ש הרמב"ם בסיום ספרו ש"באותו הזמן .. לא יהי' עסק כל העולם אלא לדעת את ה' בלבד .. שנאמר ומלאה הארץ דעה את ה' כמים לים מכסים". ועד"ז בנוגע לשאר הענינים שנתבארו ברמב"ם. משיחת ט"ו תמוז ה'תשמ"ה ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=27-03-2024 Synopsis To understand the Rambam, one need not be the age of “fifteen for Gemara”; as the Rambam himself writes in his introduction, his goal is “that all the laws be revealed to young and old alike.” For example, the very first halachah in Rambam: a small child understands plainly that “The foundation of all foundations and the pillar of wisdom” is “to know that there is a Primary Being, and He brings all existence into being.” And it's not just something the child has by faith, but also intellectually – just as he understands that his parents take care of all his needs and that he must therefore honor them, etc., when his parents tell him that “our Father in Heaven” gives them the ability to provide for him – it is obvious to the child that he must say Modeh Ani and make brachos over his food etc. to thank Him, and he does it wholesomely, without any room for debate etc. Similarly, a Jewish child understands plainly what the Rambam says at the end of his sefer, that, “At that time... the occupation of the whole world will be only to know Hashem…as it written, ‘The earth will be filled with the knowledge of Hashem as the waters cover the sea.'” And the same applies to the rest of the Rambam as well.Excerpt from sichah of 15 Tammuz 5745 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=27-03-2024

¿Cómo podemos aprender a manejar la decepción? ¿Y cómo puede ayudar la oración Modeh Ani?

How can we learn to handle disappointment? And how can the prayer Modeh Ani help?

Unlock the vibrant essence of prayer with us as we journey through the transformative power of heartfelt supplication. As we gear up to dissect the morning prayers, starting with "Modeh Ani," we reveal how infusing your prayers with understanding and connection can elevate a static ritual into an electrifying conversation with the divine. Picture two rug stores: one bursting with energy and another stagnant and lifeless. This imagery serves as a poignant comparison to our discussions on prayer, highlighting the necessity of bringing these ancient words to life in our ever-evolving spiritual practice.Embark on a quest to turn every challenge into a blessing as we share wisdom from our forebears and personal anecdotes that showcase the power of a prayerful life. Just as a mother's milk nourishes her child with unending freshness, so too should our prayers be a living, breathing sustenance for our souls. We'll probe the sacred structure set forth by the Great Assembly, and through tales and teachings, we hope to inspire your daily recitations to become as impactful and revitalizing as they are sincere. May every word we utter in prayer climb like a living entity into the heavens, transforming adversities into growth, and leaving you with a week filled with the grace of answered prayers.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #11) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 19, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 24, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Unlock the vibrant essence of prayer with us as we journey through the transformative power of heartfelt supplication. As we gear up to dissect the morning prayers, starting with "Modeh Ani," we reveal how infusing your prayers with understanding and connection can elevate a static ritual into an electrifying conversation with the divine. Picture two rug stores: one bursting with energy and another stagnant and lifeless. This imagery serves as a poignant comparison to our discussions on prayer, highlighting the necessity of bringing these ancient words to life in our ever-evolving spiritual practice.Embark on a quest to turn every challenge into a blessing as we share wisdom from our forebears and personal anecdotes that showcase the power of a prayerful life. Just as a mother's milk nourishes her child with unending freshness, so too should our prayers be a living, breathing sustenance for our souls. We'll probe the sacred structure set forth by the Great Assembly, and through tales and teachings, we hope to inspire your daily recitations to become as impactful and revitalizing as they are sincere. May every word we utter in prayer climb like a living entity into the heavens, transforming adversities into growth, and leaving you with a week filled with the grace of answered prayers.This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June GoldbergThis episode (Ep. #11) 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 - Studio B to a live audience on March 19, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on March 24, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

The most important prayers you pray just might be the routine, seemingly mundane daily prayers. Catch this episode as Pesach and Doug explore the daily Jewish prayer liturgy from first moment you awaken to washing your hands to using the bathroom to before your head hits the pillow. This episode will leave you feeling inspired to be in constant communication with the Most High. To read producer Scott Kahn's meditation on the Modeh Ani prayer, click here.

התוכן [המשך] בזמננו שרוב בני הנוער עסוקים רוב הזמן בענינים שאינם תומ"צ – הי' צ"ל פשוט אצל אלו שתפקידם לחנך אותם, שכל רגע מאותם שעות הספורות שמוקדשים לחינוך בד' אמות של תורה צ"ל מנוצל עבור בניית יסודי היהדות, ובפועל ממשיכים הם בבניית ענינים של "תפארה" כאשר לתלמידים חסרים היסודות! ההורים נותנים בידיהם את הילד כדי שהם יעשו ממנו "יהודי" מה"יסוד". זהו תפקידם! ואא"פ לפעול זאת אא"כ יתחילו לספר לילדים מהי יהדות ולהבטיח שהם מקיימים מצוות בפועל! הילדים רוצים לעשות מה שצריכים אבל לא יודעים מה. מלמד או ר"י שאינו דואג שהילדים יאמרו מודה אני, יטלו ידים, יאמרו ברכת התורה לפני הלימוד, ויתפללו מנחה ומעריב לאחרי הלימוד – תלוי' האשמה בו! השאלה היא האם בכלל מותר ללמוד תורה עם נער שאינו מקיים מצוות... טענת המלמד שלפי הסדר הי' הנער צריך להגיע אליו לאחרי שלימדו אותו את היסודות – צריך להתדיין עם שאר המלמדים... הנער אינו אשם בכך... טענת הנער כלפיו הוא – שינצל את השעות הספורות איתו לפעול עליו שנשמתו תהי' דבוקה בה'! [המשך יבוא]משיחת י' שבט ה'תשט"ו ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=05-02-2024 Synopsis [Continued.] These days, when most of the youth spend most of their time occupied in things other than Torah and mitzvos – it should be obvious to those in charge of educating them, that of those few hours they have for Jewish education within the four cubits of Torah – every moment must be used to build up the foundations of Judaism. But in practice, they continue focusing on lofty concepts, while the students lack the foundations! Parents entrust a child to the teachers to build the child into a Jew from the foundation up; that's their job. And this is impossible without first teaching children what Judaism is and making sure that they actually perform the practical mitzvos. The children want to do what they must, but they don't know what it is. A teacher or principal who doesn't concern himself with making sure the children say Modeh Ani, wash their hands, say the blessings on the Torah before studying, and daven Mincha and Maariv after studying – the guilt lies on him. If the teacher protests that by the rules, the child ought to arrive in his class only after being taught the foundations – that's a discussion to be had with the other teachers, but it's not the child's fault; the child's complaint to him is that you should use those few hours to see make sure the child's soul has a connection to Hashem. [To be continued.]Excerpt from sichah of Yud Shevat 5715 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=05-02-2024 לזכות יוסף הכהן בן שרה דבורה שי' ראדאל ליום ההולדת שלו כ"ו שבט - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובותנדבת ר' יוסף יצחק עמאר ומשפחתו שיחיולזכות חי' מרים בת פריידא שתחי' ליום ההולדת שלה כ"ו שבט - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

Have you ever stopped to consider the true source of your accomplishments? Join us on an enlightening journey through Parshas Beshalach, where we explore the delicate dance between human initiative and divine providence. In the shadow of the miraculous splitting of the sea, we confront our own stubbornness in recognizing Hashem's hand in our successes. With stories from the Torah and personal anecdotes, including a touching tale of my daughter's matchmaking miracle, we're reminded that our lives are not merely a series of coincidences but a tapestry woven by divine intervention. This episode will challenge you to see the extraordinary within the ordinary and to give credit where it's truly due.Awaken each morning with a heart full of gratitude; that's the message we carry forward as we recount the Pesach Seder's tale of deliverance and the daily saying of "Modeh Ani." By acknowledging Hashem's continued kindness and the real source of our achievements, we open ourselves up to a world brimming with blessings. We invite you to consider how every milestone, be it as monumental as freedom from bondage or as personal as finding love, is guided by the Almighty's hand. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on the importance of gratitude and the profound impact of recognizing the divine orchestration in our everyday lives.This episode (Ep 6.16) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Beshalach is dedicated in Honor of our dear friend Gary Nathanson & our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on January 23, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 24, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

Have you ever stopped to consider the true source of your accomplishments? Join us on an enlightening journey through Parshas Beshalach, where we explore the delicate dance between human initiative and divine providence. In the shadow of the miraculous splitting of the sea, we confront our own stubbornness in recognizing Hashem's hand in our successes. With stories from the Torah and personal anecdotes, including a touching tale of my daughter's matchmaking miracle, we're reminded that our lives are not merely a series of coincidences but a tapestry woven by divine intervention. This episode will challenge you to see the extraordinary within the ordinary and to give credit where it's truly due.Awaken each morning with a heart full of gratitude; that's the message we carry forward as we recount the Pesach Seder's tale of deliverance and the daily saying of "Modeh Ani." By acknowledging Hashem's continued kindness and the real source of our achievements, we open ourselves up to a world brimming with blessings. We invite you to consider how every milestone, be it as monumental as freedom from bondage or as personal as finding love, is guided by the Almighty's hand. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on the importance of gratitude and the profound impact of recognizing the divine orchestration in our everyday lives.This episode (Ep 6.16) of the Parsha Review Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe on Parshas Beshalach is dedicated in Honor of our dear friend Gary Nathanson & our Holy Soldiers in the Battlefield and our Torah Scholars in the Study Halls who are fighting for the safety of our nation!Download & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded in the TORCH Centre - Studio B to a live audience on January 23, 2024, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on January 24, 2024_____________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!_____________SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com_____________EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area! ★ Support this podcast ★

“Even when it doesn't feel like there is excitement, there are our rhythms and there are our cycles.”— Bluth After the social and structured rituals of the High Holidays, the month of Cheshvan is a period of personal contemplation during which we turn to the quieter rhythms of our daily commitments. The absence of Holy Days during this month challenges us to source our connection with the sacred from within. In doing so, we are able to look both back and forward to address our priorities — what is meaningful and important at this moment.This instalment of the Living Jewishly Podcasts revisits the Cheshvan episode of Sacred Time, a podcast devoted to the healing art of the Hebrew calendar.  Bluth and Ganga Devi discuss the month of Cheshvan, and the many ways that we can develop structures and systems to reconnect us with our true priorities in life.Though it is a more introspective month, it is still one of action. The process of self-inquiry identifies what is precious and tender to us, so we are then able to step fully into those relationships — with the divine, with our loved ones, and with ourselves.“The structures and systems of religions should exist to support each of our own personal and direct relationships with what is sacred.”— Ganga DeviThis‌ ‌episode discusses:‌ ‌Being mindful of how we relate to systems of authority and power outside of ourselves in our relationship with what is sacredThe importance of motivating ourselves to find empowerment in responsibility by creating our own structures in the absence of external onesWhy Cheshvan is the perfect time to focus on restorative and nurturing self-care  ‌  Highlights:‌ ‌00:51  Intro01:51  The month of Cheshvan04:42  What is sacred to us?08:03  Self-inquiry & creating our own structures10:38  External structures12:22  The sacred in the mundane13:37  Taking action & finding support16:50  Rhythms & cycles18:20  Modeh Ani & daily commitments25:06  The School of Living JewishlyLinks:‌ ‌ Living Jewishly Yoga for Cheshvan with Jenna Zadaka: https://livingjewishly.org/rosh-chodesh-cheshvan-with-guest-yoga-teacher-jenna-zadaka The School of Living Jewishlyhttps://www.schooloflivingjewishly.com To get in contact or learn more about Living Jewishly:  Visit‌ ‌our ‌website: https://livingjewishly.org  Follow us on Instagram: @living.jewishly  Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO2YEegjapKpQeXG6zh6tzw   or send us an email at hello@livingjewishly.org.    Shalom!

In this class we study the origins and development of Elohai Neshama, as well as some of the parallel prayers that were said in other communities. We also take a brief look at Modeh Ani.

Modeh Ani- A Mindful Path to Self-DisciplineIn this week's Pause™ cast the theme we are working on together is the need to cultivate a repeated discipline, a genuine training, in order to let go of our old habits of mind and to find and sustain a new way of BE-ing. Pause Point: Life moves pretty fast Daniel Wirzberger teaches us - if you don't pause to look around once in awhile, you could miss it. For further questions, comments, observations and feedback please be in touch with Dr. Benjy at  benjy.pause@meaninfulminute.org Pause with us with the WhatsApp status that's there for your mental health and wellness. Subscribe here: https://wa.me/message/JTOPZMPC7PZWD1Subscribe to our PodcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pause/id1671585441?uo=4Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7bZGWuAkN5Rz22Q8Gv4oWr?si=f70eff37e9d54d79Google Podcasts: PauseMeaningful MinuteOr wherever Podcasts are available!Follow us on Instagram: @pausemindfulness @drbenjyAudio: Ben WallickEditor: Gavi KutliroffPodcast created by: Dr. Benjy Epstein And Meaningful Minute For more info and upcoming news check out: https://Meaningfulminute.org/pause #jew #jewish #podcast #psychology #frumpodcast #wellness #mindfulness #jewishmeditation #jewishpodcast #israel  #benjyepstein #jewishpod  #torah #selfcare #thankyouhashem #ohrapparel 

Today, I am going to take you on a journey through some Chassidic sources on prayer. What does it really mean to be in a dialogue with Hashem when we pray? How can we use prayer as an opportunity for us to cultivate a daily spiritual clarity? And what is the deeper meaning of the small, daily prayer of Modeh Ani? || To shop our Tefillah Collection, visit humanandholy.com. To sponsor an episode of the podcast, visit humanandholy.com/sponsor.