Practical Spiritual Tidbits

In this episode I sit down with Rachel Chaya, a fellow resident of Jerusalem, who is a soon to be published author. We discuss spiritual journeying, free choice, whether coincidences are possible, conversion, personal growth, dating, and life in the Philippines, Italy and Israel, amongst other topics. You can find her on instagram @rachelchaya_author.

In this episode we explore the concept of the "Seven Noahide Laws," their deeper meanings, and the consciousness/ awareness they seem to be designed to help achieve.

In this episode we explore the spiritual roots of various different colors, based on "Gate 10" from the book Pardes Rimonim by the Kabbalist Rav Moshe Cordevero (1522-1570). As well as multiple research studies about the impact that looking at different colors has on a person. Many of the sources in this episode are from "The Coming Revolution" vol. 4 by R. Zamir Cohen.

This episode is about the unique spiritual qualities of children, including 7 different concepts and sources.

In this episode, we share 5 perspectives, based on spiritual ideas, that may help a person to forgive someone who has wronged.

In this episode we discuss the idea that the human soul is made of 5 levels. This also corresponds to 5 levels the human body itself, the 5 universes, and the 5 levels of depth of words. We give a few practical applications of this concept and how it can be helpful in everyday life.

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 approaches for where to place the concept of judgement.

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...

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, wh...

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 p...