The Prayer Podcast is an attempt to make prayer meaningful, elevating and real in our day-to-day lives for every individual regardless of background.
This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
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HODU - 2 [Prayer: Pesukei Dezimra/Verses of Song #5]
Episode 47
Monday, March 16, 2026 • Duration 17:42
In this episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the second section of Hodu (recited after the afternoon Tamid offering, per some opinions), beginning with the call to "Sing to Hashem, all the earth; announce His salvation daily" (Tehillim 96:1–5). He emphasizes declaring Hashem's greatness and daily salvation to the nations—reminding the world that Hashem is the authentic Creator of heaven and earth, not the false gods or natural forces idolized by others. The verses contrast elilim (nothingness/false gods) with Hashem's true dominion: "For all the gods of the peoples are nothing, but Hashem made the heavens."
Rabbi Wolbe highlights the urgency of daily recognition ("basru miyom el yom yeshu'ato" – announce His salvation daily), as forgetting Hashem's gifts happens quickly—hence the rabbinic requirement of 100 berachot daily (roughly every 7–8 minutes of wakefulness). He connects this to relationships (e.g., constantly reminding a spouse of love) and spiritual life: without regular praise and acknowledgment (starting with Modeh Ani), gratitude fades, leading to entitlement or doubt. Singing Hashem's praise elevates the soul, draws us closer to Him, and invites the nations to recognize His oneness and wonders—transforming personal gratitude into a global declaration of faith. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #45) 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 March 10, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on March 15, 2026 _____________ 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:
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukeiDezimra, #PrayerPodcast, #VersesOfPraise, #JewishPrayer, #Hodu, #GiveThanks, #Tehillim, #HashemIsOne, #ModehAni, #GratitudeDaily, #SingToHashem
HODU - 1 [Prayer: Pesukei Dezimra/Verses of Song #4]
Episode 46
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • Duration 26:19
In this Prayer Podcast episode on Hodu (the first section of Pesukei Dezimra), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains its structure, purpose, and deeper meaning. Hodu consists of 50 verses (from Chronicles and Psalms), divided into three parts, recited either before or after Baruch She'amar (depending on Ashkenaz/Sephard custom) to remove spiritual barriers (klipot) from the morning offerings and elevate prayer.
Key points:
Hodu = Give thanks — The prayer begins with a charge to declare Hashem’s name and make His miracles known among the nations (“Hodiu ba’amim alilosaiv”). It’s an expression of love for Hashem: when you truly love Him, you want to share that love with the world.
Practical themes — Publicize Hashem’s acts (not keep Judaism secret); take pride in His name (“Hisalu b’shem kodsho”); rejoice in seeking Him (“yismach leiv mevakshei Hashem”); constantly seek His presence and strength (“dirshu Hashem v’uzo, bakshu panav tamid”); remember His wonders, covenant, and chosen status of Israel (“zichru la’olam briso”).
Spiritual power — Hodu removes klipot (negative spiritual forces) that block prayer after mentioning offerings. It’s sung before the Ark in the Temple (twice daily); today it replaces offerings and connects us to the Temple service.
Connection to daily life — Start the day with gratitude and awe: see Hashem’s wonders in nature (sunrise, waves, wind, hurricanes, volcanoes), personal blessings, and creation. Share Hashem’s greatness—don’t hide Jewish identity; attribute success to Him (“kiru bishmo”).
Broader message — Hodu inspires sharing Hashem with humanity, just as Abraham did. It’s the opening song of Pesukei Dezimra—sing praise, not just recite words.
The rabbi emphasizes joyful, intentional prayer: Hodu is about declaring Hashem’s sovereignty, remembering the covenant, and rejoicing in seeking Him—turning morning prayer into song and testimony.
_____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
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BORUCH SH'OMAR - 2 [Prayer: Pesukei Dezimra/Verses of Song #3]
Episode 45
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 • Duration 22:10
In this Prayer Podcast episode (Part 2 of Baruch She'amar), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues his deep dive into the opening blessing of Pesukei Dezimra. He explains the prayer's two parts: the introductory praises (10 praises corresponding to creation's 10 utterances and the 10 Commandments) and the actual blessing. Drawing from the Rokach and other commentaries, the rabbi reveals profound secrets:
Baruch She'amar V'haya Ha'olam — Hashem spoke the world into existence (yesh me'ayin); everything was created in one utterance, then revealed gradually over time.
Baruch Hu — The world exists to glorify Hashem's Name.
Baruch Oseh Bereishis — Hashem renews creation every single day (present tense verbs emphasize ongoing miracles).
Baruch Omer V'oseh — What Hashem decrees immediately happens.
Baruch Gozer Umekayem — Decrees (even difficult ones) are fulfilled, yet Hashem sustains us through them.
Baruch Merachem Al Ha'aretz / Al Ha'briyot — Hashem shows compassion on the earth and every creature.
Baruch Meshaleim Sochar Tov Li're'av — Hashem rewards the righteous eternally (in the World to Come), while the wicked get their reward in this world.
Baruch Chai La'ad V'kayam Lanetzach — Hashem was, is, and will be forever (YKVK = past, present, future).
Baruch Podeh U'matzil — Hashem redeems and rescues from every challenge.
Baruch Shemo — Blessed is His Name, despite being hidden.
The rabbi connects this to the parsha (Va'era), where Hashem reveals Himself as the Redeemer ("Ani Hashem") and performs miracles to prove His sovereignty. He stresses living with awe: see daily miracles (body, nature, modern survivals in Israel) as ongoing creation and love from Hashem—never let them become routine. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting a prayer read-along in Ashkenazic, Sephardic and Chassidic dialects, enhancing our personal connection to these sacred words.
Ashkenazic read-along by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH
Sephardic read-along by Rabbi Danny Masri of Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas
Chassidic read-along by R' Shloime Zionce of Chassidic Embassy in Houston, Texas
This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #44) 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!!!
Released as Podcast on December 23, 2025 _____________ 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:
We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting a prayer read-along in Ashkenazic, Sephardic and Chassidic dialects, enhancing our personal connection to these sacred words.
Ashkenazic read-along by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH
Sephardic read-along by Rabbi Danny Masri of Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas
Chassidic read-along by R' Shloime Zionce of Chassidic Embassy in Houston, Texas
This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #44) 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!!!
Released as Podcast on December 23, 2025 _____________ 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:
BORUCH SH'OMAR - 1 [Prayer: Pesukei Dezimra/Verses of Song #2]
Episode 44
Thursday, January 15, 2026 • Duration 38:36
In this Prayer Podcast episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe begins an in-depth exploration of Baruch She'amar—the opening blessing of Pesukei Dezimra (verses of praise)—noting it may take one or two classes to cover fully. He explains the prayer's structure: an introductory section of 10 praises (corresponding to the 10 utterances of creation and 10 Commandments) followed by the actual blessing, with a total of 13 mentions of "Baruch" (representing Hashem's 13 Attributes of Mercy) and 87 words (numerical value of "paz" = finest gold, and acronym for Pesukei Dezimra).
The rabbi highlights key practices: reciting Baruch She'amar standing, with song, while men hold the two front tzitzit strings (symbolizing 26 = YKVK); the prayer's origin (likely Men of the Great Assembly, with a heavenly revelation of exact wording); and its deeper meaning—praising Hashem who spoke the world into existence (yesh me'ayin), renews creation constantly (present tense verbs), decrees and fulfills, has compassion on all creatures, rewards the righteous eternally, redeems and rescues, and whose Name is blessed despite His hidden form.
Hashem's actions are visible everywhere (modern miracles prove His presence), yet He remains concealed—Baruch She'amar reminds us to see the divine hand in all creation and live with constant gratitude and awe. The episode connects beautifully to the weekly parsha (Va'era), emphasizing Hashem's control and redemption. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #44) 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 December 13, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 15, 2025_____________ Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at . Thank you!_____________ to other podcasts by :
Mizmor Shir READ-ALONG [Ashkenazic]
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • Duration 02:44
We're thrilled to bring this experience closer to you by presenting a prayer read-along in Ashkenazic, Sephardic and Chassidic dialects, enhancing our personal connection to these sacred words.
Ashkenazic read-along by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH
Sephardic read-along by Rabbi Danny Masri of Congregation Beth Rambam in Houston, Texas
Chassidic read-along by R' Shloime Zionce of Chassidic Embassy in Houston, Texas
This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #43) 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 December 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on December 23, 2025 _____________ 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:
MIZMOR SHIR [Pesukei Dezimra/Verses of Song & Praise #1]
Episode 43
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • Duration 36:44
In this Prayer Podcast episode, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe introduces Pesukei Dezimra (Verses of Praise) with Psalm 30—a relatively recent addition (about 400 years ago, per the Arizal)—as the gateway to deeper prayer. Though King David wrote it for the Temple's dedication (which his son Solomon performed), David embedded "Shlomo" acrostically and merited its use through his lifelong investment. The psalm transforms synagogues into a "mikdash me'at" (mini-Temple), elevating our mindset from social gathering to direct encounter with Hashem.
Verse-by-verse, Rabbi Wolbe reveals David's profound humility: success is Hashem lifting us, not personal triumph; healing means forgiveness of sin; enemies are our yetzer hara (evil inclination); fleeting anger contrasts Hashem's desire for eternal life. Priorities flip—song precedes praise—reflecting constant gratitude turning into joyous overflow. The psalm parallels personal repentance, the Golden Calf forgiveness (leading to Tabernacle readiness on 25 Kislev—hinting at Chanukah), and dual emotions of joy/mourning.
Ultimately, Psalm 30 aligns us: all is from Hashem, challenges are for growth, prayer humbles us to His will, and sincere cries (like David's, Chana's) are answered—preparing our souls to "sing forever" in Pesukei Dezimra's hallway to the Divine sanctuary.
_____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #43) 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 December 16, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on December 23, 2025 _____________ Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at . Thank you!_____________ to other podcasts by :
Introduction to Pesukei Dezimra [Verses of Song/Praise]
Episode 42
Sunday, December 7, 2025 • Duration 30:47
In this episode of the Prayer Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe delves into the significance of Pesukei Dezimra, a crucial segment of Jewish prayer known as the verses of song or praise. Rabbi Wolbe explains that Pesukei Dezimra serves as a preparatory phase for the main prayer, the Amidah, by fostering a state of joy and spiritual readiness. He emphasizes the importance of reciting these verses with intention and clarity, likening it to counting money—fast yet precise, ensuring no word is missed. The discussion highlights the transformative power of these prayers, which help individuals connect deeply with God, prune away distractions, and elevate their spiritual state.
Rabbi Wolbe further explores the historical and spiritual context of Pesukei Dezimra, drawing on teachings from the Talmud and the Mishnah. He explains that these prayers are not only a form of praise but also a means of spiritual pruning, removing barriers to divine connection. The episode underscores the idea that prayer is a journey through different spiritual worlds, with Pesukei Dezimra acting as a vital transition from the physical to the spiritual realm. Rabbi Wolbe encourages listeners to invest time and focus in their prayers, as this investment enhances their connection with God and enriches their spiritual lives. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #42) 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 December 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on December 7, 2025 _____________ Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at . Thank you!_____________ to other podcasts by :
KADDISH - Part 2 | Bringing Hashem-Awareness to Our World
Episode 41
Friday, November 7, 2025 • Duration 24:48
In this second episode on understanding Kaddish from the Prayer Podcast series, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the ancient prayer's origins, composed in Aramaic by the Men of the Great Assembly during the Babylonian exile. Kaddish serves to bring "Hashem awareness" into the lower worlds, bypassing angelic interference since angels don't understand Aramaic. Originally just a half-Kaddish recited seven times daily by the prayer leader, it has expanded to include versions for mourners, siyum completions, and gravesides. The core purpose is Kiddush Hashem—sanctifying God's name—ranging from ultimate martyrdom (like Rebbe Akiva or Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman) to everyday acts of prioritizing God's will over personal desires, such as reciting Kaddish or making Kiddush on Shabbos.
Kaddish acts as a spiritual elevator between the four kabbalistic worlds: Asiyah (action, morning blessings), Yetzirah (formation, Pesukei Dezimra), Beriah (creation, Shema blessings), and Atzilus (emanation, Amidah). It solidifies God's presence in each world before transitioning, with no Kaddish between Beriah and Atzilus to avoid interrupting redemption and prayer. Responding with full intent to "Amen, Yehei Shemei Rabba" can nullify heavenly decrees by restoring sanctity removed through sin. The prayer's structure magnifies God's name across all worlds, with congregational responses affirming redemption, peace, and Mashiach's arrival. Numerical symbolism abounds: four opening words reflect God's four-letter name, 10 words spell it out further, and 28 letters/words equal "koach" (strength), emphasizing empowerment through praise.
Ultimately, Kaddish empowers every individual to achieve greatness by bringing godliness into daily life, congregations, and the world. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes retraining ourselves to respond with focus, turning routine recitations into acts of profound devotion. The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's dive into Pesukei Dezimra, the verses of praise that "prune" spiritual blockages. _____________ This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
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This episode (Ep. #45) 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 February 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on February 24, 2026 _____________ 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:
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukeiDezimra, #PrayerPodcast, #VersesOfPraise, #JewishPrayer, #Hodu, #GiveThanks, #Hashem, #Klipot
This episode (Ep. #45) 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 January 27, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on January 28, 2026 _____________ 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:
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #PrayerPodcast, #BaruchSheamar, #VersesOfPraise, #13Attributes, #JewishPrayer
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #Psalms
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #Psalms
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #PrayerPodcast, #BaruchSheamar, #VersesOfPraise, #Hashem, #Renewal, #13Attributes, #DivineCreation, #JewishPrayer
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #Psalms
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #Psalms
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #PesukaiDezimra, #Psalms, #spiritual, #joy, #connection
This episode (Ep. #41) 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 November 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Released as Podcast on November 7, 2025 _____________ 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:
_____________ 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! _____________ #Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #Kaddish, #JewishPrayer, #Hashem, #RabbiAkiva, #Sanctification, #DivineCloseness
