The Jewish Prayer Podcast

In this episode we continue up the ladder into praises for Hashem. Surprisingly we will get into relevant discussions: about finding a messiah, how to heal depression and why a divine being cares if I eat milk and meat. Transform your prayer and learn so much about our journey through life. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we discuss the very oft-recited, important and well known prayer Ashrei. We will discuss when it said, why it said and how to bring spirituality into our every day, mundane life. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we discuss a broad perspective on the Pisukei Dzimra and its pattern. Along the way we will understand an important pattern of growth. We find the theme of Yehi Kevod, a very lofty prayer, and highlight some sentences. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we discuss the unique laws of this particular paragraph. We will learn when it is not said, why, and what we can learn from this. This prayer teaches us how a Jew is supposed to thank you. Questions or comments: [email protected]

This is a general overview of this prayer and a  word-by-word explanation. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we break away from our regular programming to find out a little about the Jewish New Year and the unique form of prayer we have on this day.

This is a word-by-word explanation of these prayers. The first 7 minutes is a general introduction.

In this episode we discuss the difference between Ashkenazi, Sefardi, Nusach Ashkenaz and Nusach Sefard. We will read the perfect paragraph to motivate you prayers when you have no needs to motivate you. We will learn about the opening blessing of Pesukei Dizimra and why it says Boruch so many times. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we will introduce Pesukei Dzimra. We will explain why this part is difficult and long and why you should be saying these paragraphs the way you count something precious. Here is a link for a beautiful song about King David, his complicated life and his connection to Hashem that we discussed in this week’s episode. https://youtu.be/_GgRHCXjCqs?si=z1qgctfom6NkPcZUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3hSIdWpZZ4 Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we will discuss a large segment of prayers. This segment is very connected to the morning prayers but is actually usually not said. We will understand what it is about and read part of it. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we will study the final set of the fifteen morning blessings. We will learn to appreciate different angles of who we are as a people and what it means to be Jewish. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we will study the next set of the fifteen morning blessings. We will learn to appreciate everything we have and take nothing for granted. Along the way we will delve into the Jewish view on clothing and uncover why there is a special daily blessing about shoes. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we will study the first four of the fifteen morning blessings. We will understand what we accomplish through these blessings and get into some interesting discussions about male and females, their abilities and responsibilities. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we read a sampling of Torah that is included in the prayers in order to start the day with Torah study. We will explain the words in a simple matter and explain why these pieces were chosen. Questions or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we read the next blessing. We will discuss what the Torah is, the two parts of the Torah and why it is so important. To find more Torah learning opportunities and for any question or comments: [email protected]

In this episode we read the next blessing. This blessing flows perfectly after we give thanks for our body to thank Hashem for our soul. We will discuss what the soul is in a simple, clear way. Questions and comments: [email protected] Here is a link for the song I mentioned, Neshomele: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3hSIdWpZZ4

In this episode we read the blessing of asher yatzar. (I apologize for the technical glitch in the beginning, but the full episode is still intact).This blessing is to thank Hashem for our body and its proper functioning. This is can be said many times a day but we always start our day with this statement of gratitude.  Questions and comments: [email protected]

In this episode we read the blessings. We will explain what a blessing is and its basic structure. Along the way we will discuss how Jews pronounce Hashem’s name.  The prayer we review is the blessing on the washing of our hands. Questions and comments: [email protected]

In this episode we read the song of Yigdal. We will explain the controversy behind the song. Along the way we discuss the basic beliefs of Judaism. This song reminds us as we start our day what we believe in as Jews. Questions and comments: [email protected]

In this episode we read the song of Adon Olam. We will discuss what the Jewish understanding of Hashem is. This is definitely the most theological of any class in this series. Questions and comments: [email protected] Here are some samples of adon olam put to different songs: Soul-stirring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRQNxEc8HRo Fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWq7X5wlygE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT22FHeA9Fw

In this episode we read the paragraph of Ma Tovu. We will learn the importance of a synagogue in Jewish thought and the best place to pray. Questions and comments: [email protected] This is the prayer book we are using for this podcast https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9780899066547.html

In this episode we dive right into prayers. We will cover the first prayers we say upon awakening. Through these prayers we will be prepared to have a productive and meaningful day. We will aslo learn the best way to start your day. Questions and comments: [email protected] This is the link for the prayer book we are using for this podcast https://www.artscroll.com/Books/9780899066547.html

This episode is the final part of four introductory classes. In it we will explain why prayer needs to be spoken and not just thought. We will also describe the “prayer hamburger”. These introductions are necessary for understanding the podcast. Questions and comments: [email protected]

This episode is the third part of four introductory classes. In it we will explain what the most difficult part of prayer is and how to overcome this difficulty. We will also synthesize class #1 and #2 in a way that will explain the whole point of this podcast. And yes, we will discuss if an atheist can pray (spoiler alert: he can!). These introductions are necessary for understanding the podcast. Questions and comments: [email protected]

This episode is the second part of four introductory classes. Even if you find prayer meaningful, it is hard to be inspired by services in a synagogue. They often appear robotic and overly ritualized. In this episode we find meaning in the methodical. These introductions are necessary for understanding the podcast. Questions and comments: [email protected]

In this inaugural episode we will have the first part of four introductory classes. In it we will discuss the purpose of prayer and how it works. These introductions are necessary for understanding the podcast. Questions and comments: [email protected]