Explore every episode of the podcast Ritual Sense

In ancient times, the rabbis feared things that go bump in the night, and we are the recipients of their spiritual soothing: the Hashkiveinu prayer. This episode may help if you struggle to fall sleep, or are simply looking for a way to complete your day. To supplement your experience, check out:

• The text of Hashkiveinu
• Banot
• Camp Towanda
• Elana Jagoda

How do we sustain our sense of connection, grounded-ness and gratitude throughout the day? One way is to use food blessings: simple statements that enable us to think about the specific source of our nourishment. 

For the specific blessings prior to eating, visit: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/blessings-for-food-drink/

For the Birkat HaMazon (the Grace after Meals), visit: https://reformjudaism.org/beliefs-practices/prayers-blessings/daily-blessings-birkat-hamazon-grace-after-meals-long-version

For the blessings quiz I mention in the episode, visit: https://www.brachos.org/brachos-flash-cards/

Why Ashrei almost stopped me from applying to rabbinical school, and why I believe its very first word says a lot about where we might focus our attention as part of our daily routine. In this episode:

• The text of Ashrei, on my Jewish learning

• Mishkan Chicago Davening Team

• The Levins, with a Peri Smilow version

• Isaac Sonett-Assor, with a Dan Nichols melody

What would you do if you knew the steps to a happy life? The Talmud contains such a list, and it has been included in the Jewish morning prayer service. We call it "Eilu Devarim," or "these are the actions," and it's a list you can review every morning to set you on your way. Referenced on this episode:

• The text of Eilu Devarim
• The Jeff Klepper musical version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2ObT3xJ96c
• The Jacob Leizman musical version: https://www.jacobleizman.com/music
• More on Rabbi Moffic's book: https://www.livehappy.com/podcast/inspiration/happiness-prayer-rabbi-evan-moffic

Part of the genius of Jewish blessings is the opportunity to see every single possible moment as a chance to find meaning. In this episode, we explore the Nisim B'Chol Yom, a series of blessings to recite in the morning to acknowledge our "daily miracles": from stretching, to sitting upright, to tying our shoes. For more, check out:

• The text of the Daily Miracles in Hebrew, English transliteration, and English
• Queer Morning Blessings on Dori Midnight's website
• A musical version of the Morning Blessings by David Paskin

Whether you're attending your first seder and not sure what to expect, or you want to add a new schmear of insight onto last year's box of matzah, this special Passover episode has got you covered.

In Judaism, we don't worship our bodies. But we do marvel at the ways in which they function, and each morning we take a moment to consider how we will put them to use during the day. This episode features "Asher Yatzar" and "Elohai," composed by Debbie Friedman, and "V'Asu Li (Sanctuary)," sung by Cantor Julian Cadrain. Additional resources:

* An alternative Asher Yatzar, by Rabbi Emily Aviva Kapor

* a thesis on chronic illness by Emily Aronson: "From Curing to Crying"

* a reflection on Asher Yatzar, by Rabbi Sandra Lawson

* a video on Al Netilat Yadayim

How ought we start our day? The "Modeh Ani" ritual is jam-packed with imagery and symbolism that can instill a sense of gratitude, humility, vitality and motivation to our morning. Not bad for 12 words. 

• Text of Modeh Ani
• Text of Elohai Neshama
• "Modeh Ani," Elana Jagoda
• "Modeh Ani," Craig Taubman
• "Modeh Ani," Billy Jonas Band
• "Elohai Neshama," Josh Warshawsky
• Spotify playlist

The Kaddish is an ancient Aramaic prayer originally said at the end of a study session. Is it really equipped to serve as our central prayer of mourning? Featuring the music of Miqedem ("Adonai Ro'i") and Elana Arian ("Nachamu"). Also referenced in this episode:

• The language of Kaddish, including transliteration and translation
• Psalm 23
• Kaddish for Black Lives
• Elliott batTzedek's Kaddish

Even for those who struggle with the idea of the Divine, praying for healing has become a stable of the Jewish prayer service. What exactly does the "Mi Shebeirach" prayer request, and what can its message teach us? Featuring "Heal Us Now" by Leon Sher, "Mi Shebeirach" by Debbie Friedman, z''l, and "Refa Na," by Yair Levi and Shai Sol.

External links:

• Hebrew and English lyrics to Leon Sher's "Heal Us Now"
• Hebrew and English lyrics to Debbie Friedman's Mi Shebeirach
• More on "Refa Na," by Yair Levi and Shai Sol

Jewish children around the globe learn the sing-songy six-word Shema, but what is so special about it that we close our eyes when we recite it -- and place its words in boxes on doorposts? Explore the life-giving power of this ancient, twice-daily Jewish practice. Featuring "Shema" by Debbie Friedman, z''l.

External links:

• For the Hebrew, transliteration and translation, visit these Shema and the V'Ahavta pages.
  
• For the Shema in American Sign Language, learn from this video by Rabbi Darby Leigh.