The Neshamah Project

In this week’s episode, we dive into a powerful teaching from the Me’or Einayim on Parashat Pinchas (with a nod to Shemini)—exploring the mystical link between Elijah, fiery longing, and the soul’s role in the unfolding of redemption. Elijah, who is also Pinchas, carries the yearning of Nadav and Avihu—souls consumed in ecstasy. This gender-inclusive translation reveals how our own yearning, when...

In this episode, we journey through the mystical depths of three Hasidic masters—Maor VaShemesh, Esh Kodesh, and Mei HaShiloach—each offering profound insight into how we navigate moments of spiritual and existential pressure. The Maor VaShemesh teaches us that the splitting of the sea was not just a miracle of nature, but a revelation of inner harmony—when kindness, strength, and integration merg...

This episode explores a luminous teaching from the Me’or Einayim on Parashat Tzav—revealing how Torah can elevate us when we tap into the Hidden Light the primordial radiance beyond words and time. We reflect on how true learning connects us to the Divine flow, where past, present, and future become one. The episode closes with a poem about burning our inner chametz—clearing space for renewal and...

Episode Title: The Whisper That Calls Us Back In this episode, we explore a teaching from the Degel Machaneh Ephraim that reminds us a divine call to return echoes within us every day. Drawing on the image of Moses as the inner voice of spiritual awareness, we reflect on how to recognize subtle stirrings of the soul—even amid distraction—and how cultivating presence allows us to hear and respond t...

"They made the tzitz, the sacred crown…" (Exodus 39:30). How can lifting our eyes to the heavens help us uncover hidden wisdom — even in a fragmented and broken world? In this episode, we explore how the tzitz (sacred headplate) symbolizes the ability to see beyond surface reality and perceive the hidden divine unity beneath. Through the lens of the Ohr HaMeir's teaching, we reflect on how spiritu...

In this episode we present two commentaries on the Torah portion Vayakhel-- one by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Ephraim of Sudilkov, the Degel Machneh Efraim, and one by Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Esh Kodesh.

In this special Purim episode of The Neshamah Project, we explore two powerful teachings from the Esh Kodesh, Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, delivered in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1940 and 1942. The Piaseczno Rebbe teaches that the joy of Purim isn’t dependent on circumstances—it’s a decree, even when joy feels impossible. Through the mystical idea of Or Makif—a surrounding light beyond human merit—he...

In this episode of The Neshamah Project, we explore a deep teaching from the Degel Machaneh Ephraim about the spiritual connection between work, wisdom, and rest. Drawing from the story of Bezalel, who built the Mishkan with divine wisdom, we uncover the powerful insight that spiritual experiences need to be grounded through action. But what happens on Shabbat, when that work is forbidden? How do...

In this episode of Rabbi Ben Newman offers poetic, interpretive translations of the Morning Blessings, and Modeh Ani inviting us to awaken with presence, gratitude, and wonder.

A commentary on Parshat BeShalach (specifically Exodus 14:15) by the Maor VaShemesh (R' Menachem Nachum of Chernobyl).

In this episode, we explore the Me’or Einayim’s mystical reading of Parshat Bo, which sees the Exodus story as an inner liberation of our awareness from “Egypt.” The commentary teaches that even mundane labors or tough experiences contain hidden sparks of divine wisdom, if we bring mindful attention to them. Ultimately, we move from constricted consciousness to the full light of oneness, redeeming...

In this episode of the Neshamah Project Podcast, Rabbi Ben Newman presents a deep exploration of Maor VaShemesh on Parashat Vaera. Through the lenses of Kabbalah and mindfulness, he unpacks the divine attributes of loving-kindness, awe and justice, and compassionate balance embodied by the patriarchs. Tune in to discover timeless wisdom for cultivating harmony and resilience in your spiritual jour...

In this episode of The Neshamah Project, we explore the Degel Machaneh Ephraim's profound teaching on Shemot 9, reimagining the burning bush as a symbol for distracting thoughts in prayer and meditation. Through the lens of the Baal Shem Tov's wisdom, we delve into how these "foreign thoughts" are not obstacles but opportunities to elevate hidden sparks of holiness within them. Discover how this t...

This guided meditation and teaching recording is drawn from a session Rabbi Ben Newman led at the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing in Cragsmoor, NY, on December 22nd, 2024. The practice is inspired by Abraham Abulafia’s mystical traditions, incorporating chanting, intentional head movements with the five vowel sounds, and mindfulness of the four dimensions—body, heart, mind, and spirit. It’s a jour...

In this episode, Rabbi Ben presents a profound teaching from the *Degel Machaneh Ephraim* on the transformation of Jacob to Israel. Through a mystical lens, we explore Jacob’s wrestling with God and man, his ascent from constriction to expansiveness, and the deeper significance of his name change. Drawing on the *gematria* connection between *Elohim* (God) and *HaTeva* (nature), Rabbi Ben reveals...

A teaching from the Degel Machneh Efraim on Parshat Vayetzei with an explanation for how it applies today and a guided meditation.

For those on Spotify who didn't get this episode because they didn't post it because it was "music," I have uploaded this again with some speaking at the beginning. Hopefully it will work this time for Spotify listeners.

In this episode, we explore a teaching from the Degel Machaneh Efraim on Abraham as the embodiment of the Torah, living a life woven with wisdom, awe, and divine presence. Through meditation and reflection, we uncover how Abraham's path invites us to cultivate spiritual wholeness and become vessels for Shechinah’s abundant blessings in our daily lives.

In this episode, Rabbi Ben Newman guides a meditation on presence, inviting us to let go of past regrets and future worries. Rooted in ancient wisdom, this practice opens us to the freedom and quiet joy of being fully present, embracing the moment with compassion and awareness.

In this episode, Rabbi Ben Newman explores the Baal Shem Tov's insights on spiritual growth through a mystical lens. Reflecting on Parshat Noach, Rabbi Ben delves into how the Baal Shem Tov compares the spiritual journeys of Noah and Abraham, shedding light on their unique paths toward the Divine. Through stories and teachings, Rabbi Ben brings to life the Baal Shem Tov’s metaphor of a parent guid...

In this episode Rabbi Ben Newman presents a guided meditation on teshuvah/returning.

In this episode Rabbi Ben Newman shares a story about how we view time from the Seer of Lublin.

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.