The Neshamah Project
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In this episode, I present an interview I did with my friend Moshe Lev (Robert) Greenblatt in around 2004. He discusses early Jewish renewal, and his post Holocaust struggle with God. Here is his Wikipedia page:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Greenblatt_%28anti_war_activist%29
Commentary on Parshat Va-Era from Rabbi Ben Newman and Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl.
In this enlightening episode of the Neshamah Project, Rabbi Ben Newman delves into the profound depths of Parshat Shemot, guided by the insightful commentary of Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl. This discussion unveils the spiritual exile of awareness experienced by the Israelites in Egypt, a metaphor for our own times when consciousness can feel trapped by the mundane and material.
In this episode of the Neshamah Project, Rabbi Ben Newman delves into the mystical teachings of the Degel Machaneh Ephraim on Parshat Vayishlach, exploring its profound spiritual insights. Rabbi Newman offers a unique interpretation that emphasizes mindfulness and the elevation of the material world to divine consciousness. Join us for a journey through ancient wisdom, interpreted through the lens of modern spirituality and inclusivity, enriching our daily practice of finding the divine in every moment.
In this episode we delve into a commentary of Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl on Parshat Toldot.
Some readings from Rebbe Nachman of Bratslav on joy and suffering.
Four Worlds Meditation for Healing and Connection: Embark on a 20-minute transformative journey through the Kabbalistic framework of the Four Worlds. This meditation guides listeners from the tangible realm of Asiyah (Action) to the transcendent sphere of Atzilut (Emanation), fostering a deep connection to one's physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual layers. Designed as a beacon of solace, it offers a pathway to find strength, clarity, and unity, especially resonant amidst the challenges of recent events.
In this short meditation for Sukkot journey through the spiritual dimensions of the Seven Directions – East, South, West, North, Up, Down, and Inside. Embrace the elements of air, fire, earth, and water, and connect deeply with the realms of spirit, the Holy Blessed One, and the immanent divine presence. This serene session harmonizes your soul with the universe's energies, providing grounding, clarity, and a profound sense of connection. Set against a backdrop of tranquil music, this meditation is a soothing balm for the soul.
Join Rabbi Ben Newman in this evocative episode of The Neshamah Project as he delves into the profound theme of impermanence, symbolized by the fragile walls of the sukkah. Drawing inspiration from the Mei HaShiloach's tale of Rabbi Yehoshua's encounter with the Athenian sages, Rabbi Newman weaves together the teachings of Kohelet, the ephemeral nature of the sukkah, and the grounding practices of mindfulness. Listen deeply and let this episode guide you to embrace the delicate balance of existence, reminding us that to truly live, we must breathe in the 'air upon air' of our transient lives. An episode not to be missed as Sukkot approaches, offering spiritual tools for human thriving amidst life's ever-changing currents.
Step into the serene fields of Elul with this guided meditation. Tradition whispers that the Divine awaits us in these meadows, ready to listen and connect. Traverse a landscape of reflection, encounter the radiant Presence, and emerge with blessings and insights to illuminate your High Holy Days and beyond.
In this episode of the Neshamah Project, Rabbi Ben Newman delves into the celebration of Tu B'Av, the Jewish Day of Love. Historically, this summer holiday served as a day of matchmaking, where young women donned white dresses and danced in vineyards. It also marked a significant turning point in Jewish history: the day when intermarriage between Jewish tribes was permitted, ending age-old divisions. But beyond these traditions, Tu B'Av holds a deeper, mystical significance. Rabbi Newman examines teachings from the Talmud and Rabbi Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl's work "Maor Einayim". He presents an understanding of Tu B'Av as a harbinger of the messianic era, a time of universal love and unity. The circle dance, a common feature of this holiday, is symbolic of a world without hierarchies and divisions. The episode concludes with an inspiring message of hope, patience, and the potential of human love to transcend all barriers.
In this episode, we talk to Rabbi Michael Strassfeld about the future of Judaism and Torah in honor of the Hebrew month of Sivan and Shavuot. Text sheet is here:https://bit.ly/sivantexts
A short teaching from Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's book "The First Step: A primer of Jews Spiritual Life" called mmaleh kol almin.
In this episode we interview Rabbi Jill Hammer, Phd. on the topic of Shechinah in honor of the Hebrew month of Nisan. The text sheet can be found here: bit.ly/shechinahpdf
In this week's episode we present Hasidic teachings on parshat Vayakhel as translated by Dr. Arthur Green. If you would like to support the work of this podcast and receive bonus content, become a patron here: https://www.patreon.com/TheNeshamahProject
In honor of the Hebrew month of Adar this episode contains an interview with Professor Nathaniel Berman on Sitra Achra (The Other Side) and an exploration of Evil in the world, in the Divine and in ourselves. We follow a text sheet created by Professor Berman which can be found here: bit.ly/sitraachra . If you would like to donate to help support the Neshamah Project Podcast, become a Patron here: https://www.patreon.com/TheNeshamahProject (you also can get exclusive content like the unedited version of this interview)
In this episode I read a text sheet prepared by Professor Nathaniel Berman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathaniel_Berman on Sitra Achra (the Other Side)-- supernatural evil that can be found here: bit.ly/sitraachra
In this episode in honor of the month of Shvat when we celebrate Tu Bishvat (the New Year of the Trees), we have part one of our interview with Professor JH Chajes who wrote the recent book The Kabbalistic Tree (https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-09345-1.html) Also see ilanot.org. A wonderful discussion ensues! If you would like to purchase the book go to the above website and enter the code ILANOT for %30 off.
Reading texts on the idea of the Tree of Life/ Etz Chayyim in honor of the Hebrew month of Shvat. Here is the text sheet: bit.ly/etzchayyimtexts or bit.ly/etzchayyim
Service at Pleasantville Community Synagogue led by Rabbi Ben Newman and Rabbi Shoshana Leis on 1/13/23.
In this episode Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan (https://www.sophiastreet.com/) Leads us through a text sheet prepared by Professor Daniel Matt on the idea of Devekut in Kabbalah.l Here is a link to the text sheet to follow along: bit.ly/devekut
In this episode we present texts on the idea of "devekut" (clinging or cleaving to the Divine) as collated by Daniel Matt here: bit.ly/devekut in honor of the Hebrew month of Tevet.
In this episode we explore quotes from the Zohar and other traditional Jewish sources, as well as a piece by Emmanuel Levinas on the human soul, and how we may approach the Infinite within us by contracting our egos.
In this episode Rabbi Ben Newman leads a short guided meditation on Or HaGanuz, the Hidden Inner Light of Awareness.
In this episode Rabbi Ben Newman interviews the acclaimed Professor Daniel Matt on the idea of Or HaGanuz (the hidden light) in honor of the Hebrew month of Kislev, and in particular, this text sheet that he prepared on the topic: bit.ly/thehiddenlight
In this episode, we present teachings on Or HaGanuz (The Hidden Light) from a series of texts compiled by Professor Daniel Matt. The link to the text sheet can be found here: https://bit.ly/thehiddenlight
In this episode we present teachings from Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi on "The spiritual path and the terrain of the soul." Enjoy!
Some teachings from HaTzaddik HaShotek (The Silent Tzaddik) Rebbe Mendel of Warka on the spiritual power of silence.
This week Rabbi Ben discusses a poem by Marge Piercy, and talks about the power of blessing as having awareness of what IS in the current moment.
In this episode we explore the power of intention in language and eating through commentaries on the Torah portion of Noach by The Baal Shem Tov and Menachem Nachem of Chernobyl.
