Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Practical Spiritual Tidbits

In this episode we explore the concept of Divine judgement. What does this have to do with the new year (Rosh Hashana)? We share 2 perspectives on judgement that can make it feel less heavy and more empowering.

In this episode we quote 2 sources-- Rashi (1040-1105) and Rav Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin (1823-1900)-- who shed light on the relationship between belief in a higher power and belief in self.

In this episode we talk about the power of our beliefs. Do we fear something because it has the power to harm, or does it only have the power to harm because we fear it? We explore several Biblical sources that point to the latter. We also give a practical application of this insight.

Could it really be that our Divine Source wants us to feel afraid of 'Him'? Is that really what the concept of "fear of God" means? In this episode we explore the true, deeper meaning of the concept of fear of God.

In this episode, we give a Kabbalistic explanation of the benefit of feeling one's feelings, i.e. developing a positive relationship with one's emotions.

The Zohar teaches that the 12 Tribes, all together, form the completion of the Divine Presence. In this episode, we explore the unique energy of each of the 12 Tribes, as seen in the qualities and personalities of the 12 sons of Jacob and their descendants.

Most of the sources quoted in this episode are from the book "Tribal Lands" by Tamar Weissman.

In this episode we discuss wants/desires. Why is it valuable to know what you want? We discuss 2 approaches on how to clarify one's desires, based on Kabbalistic and psychological sources.

In this episode we discuss the idea of seeing the soul of things; with more depth. The ability to see through this lens was described by the Kabbalists as the ability to see truth. We discuss multiple examples and sources, and offer 3 practical applications.

In this episode, we share 4 insights about the holiday of Tu B'Av (the 15th of Av), which is known as an opportune time to find one's soulmate. Why is specifically this day opportune? What energy is more accessible on this day? What is the significance of a full moon? What's the deeper meaning of the 3 types of people described in the Talmud?

This episode was recorded on the 14th of Av.

Books quoted include B'Yam Darkecha (teachings of Rav Itche Meir Morgenstern), The Months of Tamuz and Av by Rav DovBer Pinson, Moadim U'Mudaut by Rav Yitzchak Arad, and B'Maagalei Hashanah by Rav Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb.

In this episode we discuss the concept of the "Shechinah," often translated as "Divine Feminine." What actually is it? What do the Sages teach about it? What philosophical question does it help to answer? How does it impact a person practically?

One source I forgot to mention connected to the prayer idea is the Talmud (Pesachim 46a) which says "When a person is in pain, what does the Shechinah say? 'Woe to my head, woe to my arm!'"

Some of the sources used in this podcast are: "Linked to the Shechinah" by Rav Yaakov Hillel, and "32-Gates" by Rav DovBer Pinson, Gate 12.

In this episode we explore the inner voice of self-doubt. Based on a Kabbalistic reading of two characters in the Bible, and based on that, what seems to be the biblical advice for overcoming that voice.

Please note that this episode was recorded outdoors, please forgive me for the audio quality.

In this episode, we discuss the topic of Divine timing. Is it really true that there's a preordained time for when things will happen? And, is there anything we can do to speed up that timeline?

In this episode we look at the power of music to foster unity. We quote Kabbalistic, Talmudic, and psychological sources.

In this episode, we explore the phenomenon that humans always seem to want more/growth/expansion. We go through some stories and sources on the topic, and offer a Kabbalistic explanation for it.

In this episode we discuss the prophecies about the war of Gog and Magog from Ezekiel 38-39 and Zechariah 14, and how later Sages understood them. What is it? Who is Gog? Who is involved? Is it metaphorical? What is its purpose? And more...

In this episode we discuss the concept of an aura. Starting with Nicola Tesla and other scientists, and then getting into multiple spiritual/Kabbalistic sources.

In this episode, we suggest 3 different sources for the concept of the 'third eye.' We get into a discussion about where desires originate.

In this episode we discuss the energy of "appreciation." We discuss the spiritual impact of appreciation, including a few stories, as it relates to different types of relationships in our lives: person to person, person to self, and person to Creator.

The fact that gemstones have healing properties is rooted in the Bible. In Exodus 39:10-14 it lists 12 gemstones that were to be placed in the breastplate the high priest in the Temple, each stone corresponding to a son of Jacob. The Kabbalists (e.g. Rabbeinu Bachya (1255-1340), on Exodus 28:15) teach that based on what we know about the life of each of those sons, we can derive what the healing powers of each respective stone are. In this episode, we go through each stone and its healing properties. (The English definitions of the stones come the research of the Italian physician Abraham Portaleone (d. 1612, a student of Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu haKohen of Izmir), in his book Shlatte Giborim, which I learned of from Rabbi Shaul Shimon Deutch from the Living Torah museum in Brooklyn, New York.)

In Summary:

1) Ruby (Reuben)- Strength, energy, and healthy pregnancy

2) Topaz (Shimon)- Cools the body, calm

3) Emerald (Levi)- Insight, wisdom, ability to self-express

4) Garnet (Yehuda)- Self-confidence, enemies run from you

5) Sapphire (Yissachar)- Heals eye-sight (inc. third eye), pain, swelling, depression

6) Diamond (Zevulun)- Helps with sleep

7) Opal (Dan)- Creativity/ vision

8) Agate (Naftali)- Balance, protection from plague

9) Amethyst (Gad)- Courage and strength of mind

10) Beryl (Asher)- Digestion, wisdom and understanding

11) Onyx (Joseph)- Attractive to others

12) Jasper (Benjamin)- Good reputation

In this short episode, we discuss whether G-d is more of a being or a principle.

In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Josh Zebberman, who is a rabbi and couples counselor. He shares his unique approach to counseling, which involves focusing more on & highlighting what's working well, and less on what's not working as well. He shares many stories of different clients and how this approach has helped. We get into Hasidic and Kabbalistic discussions related to this approach. You can find him on his website rabbijosh.org; instagram @rabbijoshzebberman.

Katia Bolotin, a Torah educator and speaker, writer, pianist and composer, is the author of the recently published book "Making it Relevant," which is about finding practical meaning and application from the weekly Torah portion. In this conversation we talk about King David's life, various lessons from Psalms, resilience, optimism, setbacks, a perspective on sadness, and more! You can find her book on Amazon here, or from Mosaica here, and her music on streaming platforms.

In this episode I sit down with Noa Amalia Arazi, the founder of "Destined to be a Jew," an organization that supports thousands of people converting - and considering converting - to Judaism. We discuss her personal story converting to Judaism, the top reasons why people decide to convert, where across the globe most conversions take place, how long conversion takes, common challenges, how it feels to convert/ if it feels totally different, how much is one expected to know before converting, and more! You can find her on instagram @destined_to_be_a_jew, on her website here, and on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and on her Whatsapp community.

It was enlightening to speak with Rav Yehuda HaKohen, the co-founder of the Vision Movement, about a vision for Israel's future. We discuss the biblical concept of a society based on tribal identity, the concept of a "Kohen/Priest," what a government looks like from a biblical perspective, the spiritual paths of Abraham versus Nahor (Abraham's brother), the soul of the Land of Israel, a vision for how to reconcile between Israelis and Palestinians and more!

In this conversation, Rav Joey Rosenfeld shares profounds insights about Kabbalah, the past, free will versus divine orchestration, a perspective for singles, effort versus faith, where does HaShem "end" and a human "begin," self-love and giving to oneself, how to be less judgemental, and more! Rav Joey is a prominent teacher of Kabbalah, and a therapist. You can find him on YouTube here, on Spotify here, or on his website here, or on instagram here. You can use my discount link for SHARE's new publication, the Introduction to the Zohar by Rav Yehuda Ashlag, with a forward by Rav Joey, here.

Dr. Aziz Gazipura is a world renowned expert in self-confidence, the famed bestselling author of "Not Nice," host of "Shrink for the Shy Guy" Podcast and the "Get More Confidence" YouTube channel, and the recently published book "Doubtless." In this conversation, we go deep into how one's relationship with a higher power impacts one's self-confidence. You can find Dr. Aziz on his website draziz.com.

Dr. Jessica Newman, who practices Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Pilates in Jerusalem, is a master expert in all of the above, and the founder of Jerusalem Acupuncture & Pilates. In this conversation, we discuss her experience working with thousands of patients, the differences between Western and Eastern medicine, the different experiences treating patients in Los Angeles and Israel, the role of emotions and spirituality in physical healing, and more! She is soon to release a 'doctor yourself' app. You can find her on instagram @jlm_acupil8s

In this conversation with Jordana Greenfield, aka @drinkitin_jordana, we discuss finding your authentic voice--what can prevent it and tools for reclaiming it, what it means to "be yourself," the experience of teaching elementary school students versus adults, different stages of life, having vs. implementing ideas, her experience hosting different podcast guests, dating advice, and more!

Jordana is an expert Torah educator, public speaker, a coach who helps people find their voice within, onstage and online, a podcast host, and social media influencer. You can find her on instagram @drinkitin_jordana.

In this episode, we address the question of the path of self-development. Does most growth happen through exposure, or through getting more in touch with one's inner guidance. We discuss 4 sources that point to the latter. Note: the point of this episode is not to give a conclusion, but to provide food for thought.

In this enlightening conversation with Rav Daniel Kohn, we discuss how to think about "God," a spiritual perspective on healing, what freedom really means, worrying about other people's opinions, alignment with one's true essence, Tefillin, and more!

Rav Daniel Kohn is a world-renowned rabbi, the leader of the Bat Ayin village in Israel, a musician, spiritual guide, and the author of (currently) 3 books, including the recently published "The Way Out" and "The Way In" - commentaries and essays on the Passover Haggadah, which are available on amazon here and at Pomeranz booksellers in person or here.

Rav Yakov Danishefsky works as a rabbi, therapist, educator and speaker. He is the author of three books, including the newly released "The Attached Haggadah." In this conversation, we talk about how the Torah speaks to this generation, attachment styles in relationships (human to human and human to G-d), the idea of being angry at G-d, self-esteem and self-love, the inner child, and more! You can find his new Haggadah here.

In this raw and reflective conversation with Menachem Forma, we go deep on the topics of ego, masculine & feminine energies (their definitions, the existence of both within every individual and how to balance the two, how balancing the two leads to a more aligned life, its relevance to one's relationship with Source and in human relationships), and the journey from depression to expression. Menachem is an ambassador of aligned expression, being a channel of love, and connecting with your divine identity and purpose. You can reach him on instagram @menachemforma

In this profound and exciting conversation with Rav Benji Elson, we discuss his experiences with Buddhism and Judaism, what it actually means to be a on a "spiritual journey," as well as specific Kabbalistic and Hassidic teachings and how they provide a map for personal-development and well-being.

Rav Benji is a clinical psychotherapist, teacher of Torah, Jewish environmental-educator, transformational experience-facilitator, musician, and author.

In this episode I sit down with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy, who is a Kabbalah-based teacher, mentor and coach. We discuss his spiritual journey, "healthy before holy," tips for how to develop one's desire to give, tips for how to identify as a soul, the spiritual value of creativity and artistry, a powerful technique to discover one's purpose in life, the tree of life as a map of the human psyche, the relationship between confidence and gratitude, insights into gratitude, achieving balance, healthy self-love, the toolbox idea of the Aish Kodesh, the Baal Shem Tov's method for transforming negative thoughts, what does it mean to "elevate sparks," a bit about the Rebbe Mordechai Gottlieb, and more. You can find him on Instagram and TikTok @rebadamyitzchak, and his online school through my affiliate link here.

In this conversation, I sit down with Ahuva Birnbaum, aka "Holy Shid," who performs energetic healing. After serving as a psychotherapist for 18 years, she witnessed the power of energetic healing, and since then has trained in energy healing herself and is now a practitioner. In this conversation, Ahuva shares stories of the impact of energy work, the differences between psychotherapy and energy healing, different energetic healing modalities, spirituality, intuition versus fear, and more. You can get in touch with her on instagram @holy__shid

Yedidah Cohen is one of the world's foremost teachers of the Kabbalistic teachings of Rav Yehuda Leib Ashlag. She has written multiple books on his teachings, including the famed "A Tapestry for the Soul". In this conversation, we discuss the purpose of life, a deeper perspective on biblical stories, what spiritual growth really means, what is God, why did God create the world, how to develop one's faith, a spiritual perspective on difficulties in life, how to read the Torah, amongst other topics. You can find Yedidah's classes, books, and email her from her website www.nehorapress.com

In this episode recorded in the holy city of Tzfat, I sit down with Rabbi Yechezkel Yosef Abulafia to discuss meditation (its goal, benefits and different forms), prayer & manifestation, and Kabbalah. Rabbi Abulafia is a Jewish meditation expert and alignment coach, who lives in Tzfat, and is a direct descendant of the legendary Kabbalist Rav Abraham Abulafia. You can find him on YouTube under "Abulafia Meditation," at abulafiameditation.com, and on instagram @abulafiameditation.

In this episode, Malachi Tanoe returns. He goes into depth and detail of the astrological charts of the countries of Israel and the United States of America, respectively. He demontrates with visuals of the charts themselves and how they are read.

Malachi is an astrologist, Kabbalah teacher, martial artist, geopolitics analyst, oil & gas engineer, historian, and anthropology expert. You can connect with him on instagram @angelomaxime

In this episode, I sit down with Levi Saada to explore his journey from a Haredi ultra-Orthodox upbringing to modern Orthodox life, yeshiva, college, and the corporate world of high-level software sales—before ultimately leaving it all to pursue healing work full-time. We dive into his struggles with identity and social anxiety, his transformative healing path in Israel, the role of plant medicine, and how he now supports others through breathwork, somatic therapy, group workshops, and community healing spaces following October 7th. At the end we play a couple songs together. You can find Levi on his website levisaada.com or on instagram @levisaada

In this episode I chat with Leila Balter about health, Chinese Medicine, the relationship between emotional and physical well-being, songwriting, teaching, and Kabbalah.

Leila is currently (at the time of the recording) studying Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles. She blends Jewish wisdom into holistic well-being. As a Judaic/Kabbalah teacher and singer-songwriter, she creates community spaces filled with music and reflection. You can find her music on Spotify here, and find her on instagram @leilarosebee

In this episode I chat with Malachi Tanoe about astrology, Kabbalah, reincarnation, soulmates, dating, and geopolitics in the Middle East, amongst other topics.

Malachi is an astrologist, Kabbalah teacher, martial artist, geopolitics analyst, oil & gas engineer, historian, and anthropology expert. You can connect with him on instagram @angelomaxime

What does it actually mean to "trust G-d"? In this episode we discuss 5 levels of trust, the practical ramifications that it can have, and different methods for deepening faith/trust.

We explore a teaching of the Kabbalist Rav Yehuda Ashlag that there are 2 paths available in life. We explore the deeper meanings of both paths. We touch upon topics of personal growth, and finding one's soulmate, amongst other ideas.

What are biblical sources for protecting and prioritizing things that give you energy? Why is that valuable? What are some practical applications of this?

What knows more, your brain or your body? In this episode we look at neuroscience, psychology and spirituality to explore the wisdom of the body. This idea can help us get 'out of your head' and 'into your body,' and can help with connection, and decision making.

Based on the book דע את הרגשותיך ("Know your emotions"), we discuss the deeper reasons for love and hate. What is the root cause of hatred? Specifically, we discuss self-hatred as explained in this book, and different solutions that can help transform hate into love.

What can often cause illness, from a spiritual perspective? What spiritually leads to physical health? How can 'staying physically healthy' be described in spiritual terms? What is the energy of health?

In this episode, we explore worrying what other people think, from a spiritual lens. What's the deeper reason one would have such a worry? We also provide 2 spiritual perspectives that can help to lift some of the weight of worrying.

In this episode we discuss the energy of truth and the energy of falsehood. What does the hebrew language reveal about these energies? What is the fundamental difference between them? What is their relationship?

This episode is about the relationship between feeling overwhelmed and decision making. We discuss the importance of refraining from analyzing or making decisions from a place of overwhelm from a neuroscience, relationship, emotional, and spiritual perspective.