Pesach Seder Prep Hallel-Nirtzah: The Night That Shines Like Day ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder Prep Hallel-Nirtzah: The Night That Shines Like Day ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Hallel-Nirtzah: The Night That Shines Like Day

Pesach Seder Prep Barech: Embodying That Which We Hope For ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder Prep Barech: Embodying That Which We Hope For ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Barech: Embodying That Which We Hope For

Pesach Seder Prep Tzafun: Tasting the Hidden Light ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder Prep Tzafun: Tasting the Hidden Light ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Tzafun: Tasting the Hidden Light

Pesach Seder Prep Shulchan Orech: Being Okay  ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder Prep Shulchan Orech: Being Okay ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Shulchan Orech: Being Okay

Pesach Seder prep  Maror-Korech: The Other Side of Bitterness ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder prep  Maror-Korech: The Other Side of Bitterness ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Maror-Korech: The Other Side of Bitterness

An overarching kavannah/intention for the Pesach seder - being free, making space for our pain, leaning into our weakness and redeeming it. ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

An overarching kavannah/intention for the Pesach seder - being free, making space for our pain, leaning into our weakness and redeeming it. ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

A Pesach Kavannah: Leaning Into Vulnerability

Pesach Seder Prep, Steps 7 and 8 Motzi-Matza: Receiving Life Through and Beyond Constraints ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder Prep, Steps 7 and 8 Motzi-Matza: Receiving Life Through and Beyond Constraints ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Motzi-Matza: Receiving Life Through and Beyond Constraints

Pesach Seder Prep #6 Rachta - Cleansing Ourselves from Limiting Beliefs We've told our story. Now we have a chance to bathe in the faith that our redemption is real. ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder Prep #6 Rachta - Cleansing Ourselves from Limiting Beliefs We've told our story. Now we have a chance to bathe in the faith that our redemption is real. ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Rachtza - Cleansing Ourselves from Limiting Beliefs

Passover Seder Prep #5 Maggid - The Questions That Free Us Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Passover Seder Prep #5 Maggid - The Questions That Free Us Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Maggid - The Questions That Free Us

Pesach Seder prep  Here we pick up the whole matzah for all to see and break it into two. This sets into motion the redemptive process that grows specifically from brokenness, and develops into the greater, hidden light that is nurtured through the lived experience of each and every one of us. ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Pesach Seder prep  Here we pick up the whole matzah for all to see and break it into two. This sets into motion the redemptive process that grows specifically from brokenness, and develops into the greater, hidden light that is nurtured through the lived experience of each and every one of us. ***** Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Yachatz - Broken Wholeness

Join Rabbi Ami as he shares from the wellsprings of Jewish spiritual teaching and practice, and guides us on a path of healing, transformation, and awakening to experiencing the Divine.

R. Ami is a great teacher. His lessons/sessions touch just the right place for Jewish seekers. His ability to give over the essence of  Piacesno Hasidism makes it come alive be extremely meaningful. His delivery exudes compassion and understanding. Thank you R. Ami!

R. Ami’s podcasts are amazing

In our de facto Christian culture in America, it’s easy to forget what prayer is for Jews. Implicitly and explicitly, we’re confronted so often by a mode of prayer that isn’t our own that Jewish Americans can become confused about what it means to perform the thrice-daily mitzvah of tefillah. Rabbi Ami brings deep but simple from Tanach, midrash and commentaries that describe exactly what prayer is. And it’s so simple. It’s in our very nature.

A reminder of what prayer is

Awakening with Rabbi Ami Silver

Episode 019 A great grandmother who davened in a tallis and received Hasidim looking for brachot and guidance; another whom Hasidim flocked to to listen to her teachings; the Rebbe’s wife who wrote a commentary on a Hasidic sefer and edited the Rebbe’s own Kabbalistic writings. This episode explores the female figures in the Piaseczner’s family who stood out as spiritual teachers. Rabbi Ami shares the scant stories we have about these women, as well as the Rebbe’s poignant writings about his wife, to learn about these women and to uncover a deeper layer of understanding their  impact on the Rebbe's teachings about the rise of the Divine feminine. Please take a moment to complete our listener survey so we can help improve our offerings, and get to know more about those learning with Rabbi Ami: https://forms.gle/KU9sd25CwiMeuUSA8  *  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.   Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page.  Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 019 A great grandmother who davened in a tallis and received Hasidim looking for brachot and guidance; another whom Hasidim flocked to to listen to her teachings; the Rebbe’s wife who wrote a commentary on a Hasidic sefer and edited the Rebbe’s own Kabbalistic writings. This episode explores the female figures in the Piaseczner’s family who stood out as spiritual teachers. Rabbi Ami shares the scant stories we have about these women, as well as the Rebbe’s poignant writings about his wife, to learn about these women and to uncover a deeper layer of understanding their  impact on the Rebbe's teachings about the rise of the Divine feminine. Please take a moment to complete our listener survey so we can help improve our offerings, and get to know more about those learning with Rabbi Ami: https://forms.gle/KU9sd25CwiMeuUSA8  * This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.   Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page.  Audio is by David Kwan.

Hidden Teachers: The Women in the Piaseczner Rebbe’s Life

Avodat HaTefillah

Episode 34 Can we really stand in prayer before our Creator? Is it possible to approach God in our humanness, or do we leave our shortcomings behind when we show up to daven? This week, Rabbi Ami shares the sources behind the approach to tefillah - taking three steps back and forth, and the opening words of the amidah - to discover the possibility of bridging the impossible gap. Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ivvo3JZjLhkEuvnd0doldsH3oQu5hnt4wGQCIpqcKuY/edit?usp=sharing Please support this Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rav Daniel Kohn. Help support him by purchasing his music. Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 34 Can we really stand in prayer before our Creator? Is it possible to approach God in our humanness, or do we leave our shortcomings behind when we show up to daven? This week, Rabbi Ami shares the sources behind the approach to tefillah - taking three steps back and forth, and the opening words of the amidah - to discover the possibility of bridging the impossible gap. Sources: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ivvo3JZjLhkEuvnd0doldsH3oQu5hnt4wGQCIpqcKuY/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ivvo3JZjLhkEuvnd0doldsH3oQu5hnt4wGQCIpqcKuY/edit?usp=sharing</a> Please support this Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rav Daniel Kohn. Help support him by purchasing his music. Audio is by David Kwan.

Avodat HaTefillah: Hashem Sefatai Tiftach - Standing on Impossible Ground

Episode 014  The Baal Shem Tov recorded a conversation with the Mashiach in which he asked, “when will you come?” The answer was not too promising, but it spurred the Baal Shem Tov to teach a new path of living, learning and devotion.  This is part one of a multi-part series by Rabbi Ami that explores the path of the Baal Shem Tov as articulated by the Piaseczner Rebbe in his work, Mevo Ha-Shearim. The Rebbe puts forth an understanding of Hasidut as part of a continuous, unfolding spiritual evolution over the ages. These next few classes will unpack the Rebbe’s articulation of what makes Hasidut unique, what is its core mission, and can we walk this path of Divine connection in our earthly, embodied lives. 

Episode 014  The Baal Shem Tov recorded a conversation with the Mashiach in which he asked, “when will you come?” The answer was not too promising, but it spurred the Baal Shem Tov to teach a new path of living, learning and devotion.  This is part one of a multi-part series by Rabbi Ami that explores the path of the Baal Shem Tov as articulated by the Piaseczner Rebbe in his work, Mevo Ha-Shearim. The Rebbe puts forth an understanding of Hasidut as part of a continuous, unfolding spiritual evolution over the ages. These next few classes will unpack the Rebbe’s articulation of what makes Hasidut unique, what is its core mission, and can we walk this path of Divine connection in our earthly, embodied lives.

Paradigm Shift (pt.1): The Messianic Evolution

Episode 35 In the eyes of the Hasidic masters, we do not pray to God—we pray with God. Join Rav Ami as he guides us through teachings on tefillah from the Baal Shem Tov, Rav Pinchas of Koretz, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov and the Piaseczner Rebbe. Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kx2DBx2HvX-ty-G5I-LdaKhE73iSuRUm23ckXezlcFc/edit?usp=sharing Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rav Daniel Kohn. Help support him by purchasing his music. Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 35 In the eyes of the Hasidic masters, we do not pray to God—we pray with God. Join Rav Ami as he guides us through teachings on tefillah from the Baal Shem Tov, Rav Pinchas of Koretz, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov and the Piaseczner Rebbe. Sources: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kx2DBx2HvX-ty-G5I-LdaKhE73iSuRUm23ckXezlcFc/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kx2DBx2HvX-ty-G5I-LdaKhE73iSuRUm23ckXezlcFc/edit?usp=sharing</a> Please support Rabbi Ami and this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rav Daniel Kohn. Help support him by purchasing his music. Audio is by David Kwan.

Avodat HaTefillah: Praying With God

027 We often translate Tefillah as “prayer”, but what is the meaning of this word in its original form? This class explores a number of uses of this word throughout the Torah, and the way that its meaning is refracted through those stories and their interpretations. Once we can uncover some of the meanings of this word, we can begin to ask - how do we engage in Tefillah? Sources:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=11JpDQ3vcNUWYaWw-Gl-pW9lo8ZXiLeoUdNhMqKnBMvU

027 We often translate Tefillah as “prayer”, but what is the meaning of this word in its original form? This class explores a number of uses of this word throughout the Torah, and the way that its meaning is refracted through those stories and their interpretations. Once we can uncover some of the meanings of this word, we can begin to ask - how do we engage in Tefillah? Sources:  <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=11JpDQ3vcNUWYaWw-Gl-pW9lo8ZXiLeoUdNhMqKnBMvU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/open?id=11JpDQ3vcNUWYaWw-Gl-pW9lo8ZXiLeoUdNhMqKnBMvU</a>

Avodat HaTefillah: What is Tefillah?


Rabbi Ami helps support his teaching from this week with a meditative practice.

Avodah: Makom Meditation - Coming Into Presence 

Episode 010 Many people are drawn to Hasidic teachings and spirituality, but few are taught how to engage with these texts and what the path of avodah (spiritual work) looks like in practice. The Piaseczna Rebbe was devoted to guiding people on the path of Hasidut, which he believed was a continuation of the path of the prophets. In this first of a two part series, Rabbi Ami delves into an essay in which the Rebbe guides us in how to approach Hasidic and Kabbalistic texts in a way that will lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves in relation to our Creator.  Sources: Chovat Hatalmidim, Shlosha Ma’amarim 1  

Episode 010 Many people are drawn to Hasidic teachings and spirituality, but few are taught how to engage with these texts and what the path of avodah (spiritual work) looks like in practice. The Piaseczna Rebbe was devoted to guiding people on the path of Hasidut, which he believed was a continuation of the path of the prophets. In this first of a two part series, Rabbi Ami delves into an essay in which the Rebbe guides us in how to approach Hasidic and Kabbalistic texts in a way that will lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves in relation to our Creator. Sources: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sefaria.org.il%2FChovat_HaTalmidim%252C_Three_Essays_for_Senior_Students.1%3Flang%3Dhe%26fbclid%3DIwAR13FuT0iNacUDZISdmKWtZn0JgQF-oDkCyQuj9lAmBhOou3QY6Frlt--xU&amp;h=AT1T44s9tRN5ouPTQQxW9jeW_Hm0fdb8lr5KzoPoGKNz61AtZNuYyLShIseX7QB7Th59pgMcSxruilF0Zze-vf2mPJERBS3Ymp5b-C8GHI-xsqeMBcYwwNqEo0NtHaBjLg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chovat Hatalmidim, Shlosha Ma’amarim 1  </a>

How to Learn Hasidut: Mapping the Soul (pt. 1)

Episode 31  The Mishnah teaches that the basic orientation to prayer is to bring ourselves into presence, to align ourselves and let our attention rest in the here and now. Here, Rabbi Ami explores the underpinnings of this practice, from the Torah through the Mishnah and into its practical application in preparing ourselves for prayer.  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kxS1EBqaSDHrDaMJD0zofTgYTRtlXFVku-VkQJQDveI/edit?usp=sharing  ***** This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 31  The Mishnah teaches that the basic orientation to prayer is to bring ourselves into presence, to align ourselves and let our attention rest in the here and now. Here, Rabbi Ami explores the underpinnings of this practice, from the Torah through the Mishnah and into its practical application in preparing ourselves for prayer.  Sources: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kxS1EBqaSDHrDaMJD0zofTgYTRtlXFVku-VkQJQDveI/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kxS1EBqaSDHrDaMJD0zofTgYTRtlXFVku-VkQJQDveI/edit?usp=sharing</a> ***** This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the <a href="https://www.hadar.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hadar Institute</a>. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/DanielKohn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cdbaby page</a>. Audio is by <a href="https://davidkwan.net/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Kwan</a>.

Avodat HaTefillah: Makom - Entering Divine Space 

Episode 30  Prayer is the centerpiece of our daily spiritual practice, and as we’ve been exploring in the previous sessions, it’s at the heart of what it means to be human. But is it a mitzvah? Is prayer actually a command, or is it something else? Rabbi Ami contemplates the nature of prayer and the relationship between human instinct, creative purpose, and religious obligation.  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s_K3yKIMDMlTvgGNEnLu11rJarzusabGrYHJGt81znA/edit?usp=sharing  ***** This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.  Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page.  Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 30  Prayer is the centerpiece of our daily spiritual practice, and as we’ve been exploring in the previous sessions, it’s at the heart of what it means to be human. But is it a mitzvah? Is prayer actually a command, or is it something else? Rabbi Ami contemplates the nature of prayer and the relationship between human instinct, creative purpose, and religious obligation.  Sources: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s_K3yKIMDMlTvgGNEnLu11rJarzusabGrYHJGt81znA/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s_K3yKIMDMlTvgGNEnLu11rJarzusabGrYHJGt81znA/edit?usp=sharing</a> ***** This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.  Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page.  Audio is by David Kwan.

Avodat HaTefillah: Is It a Mitzvah to Pray?

Episode 013 There is a Torah that is taught to everyone equally, a Torah that is written in books and can be accessed by all. But there is also a Torah that is a direct communication from the Divine to the individual heart, an intimate, secret teaching that every person must seek to hear and learn through their own experience.  In this teaching from the Aish Kodesh, the Piaseczner Rebbe opens a path for avodah, for the practice of creating a space for this Torah to be received and cultivated. Sources: Aish Kodesh, Ki Teitzeh ת״ש 

Episode 013 There is a Torah that is taught to everyone equally, a Torah that is written in books and can be accessed by all. But there is also a Torah that is a direct communication from the Divine to the individual heart, an intimate, secret teaching that every person must seek to hear and learn through their own experience.  In this teaching from the Aish Kodesh, the Piaseczner Rebbe opens a path for avodah, for the practice of creating a space for this Torah to be received and cultivated. Sources: Aish Kodesh, Ki Teitzeh ת״ש

In Presence

The path through Sefirat Ha’omer to Shavuot is a process of self-refinement, of coming into contact with the myriad parts of our personality that compose the sum total. But how do we orient ourselves toward this work? Is self-development about striving to reach at a new plateau? Are we reaching outward toward a higher goal? Sometimes the outward focus can actually work against us, it can make our goals unattainable, as we search for things that don’t pertain to who we really are.  In this episode, Rabbi Ami explores  the process of Sefirat Ha’omer through the particular lens of this week’s middah - yesod - and its connection to the quality of tzaddik. We learn a piece from the Piaseczner Rebbe’s journal that challenges our ideas of what it means to be a tzaddik, and offers an alternative to the all too common self-deprecating and alienating approach to spiritual work.  Sources: Tzav Vezeiruz 24 

The path through Sefirat Ha’omer to Shavuot is a process of self-refinement, of coming into contact with the myriad parts of our personality that compose the sum total. But how do we orient ourselves toward this work? Is self-development about striving to reach at a new plateau? Are we reaching outward toward a higher goal? Sometimes the outward focus can actually work against us, it can make our goals unattainable, as we search for things that don’t pertain to who we really are. In this episode, Rabbi Ami explores  the process of Sefirat Ha’omer through the particular lens of this week’s middah - yesod - and its connection to the quality of tzaddik. We learn a piece from the Piaseczner Rebbe’s journal that challenges our ideas of what it means to be a tzaddik, and offers an alternative to the all too common self-deprecating and alienating approach to spiritual work. Sources: Tzav Vezeiruz 24

BONUS: From Sefira to Shavuot - Coming Back to Wholeness

Episode 015  “... and why should the body be considered any less than the mind?... isn’t the primary purpose of Hasidut to reveal the light that is within lowness? To show that it too is holy?” The second part of this series explores the Piaseczner’s evolutionary vision of God’s further manifestation through physical reality. The Baal Shem Tov’s teachings are not merely novel ideas brought to the world by a unique individual. They are an expression of a new unfolding in reality, a new stage of Divine revelation that makes God accessible in new ways and allows for the Torah’s own words to be understood more deeply. This has great implications for the path of avodah - of practice - and how it relates to our thoughts, emotions and embodied lives.  Sources: Mevo Ha-Shearim, chapter 3

Episode 015  “... and why should the body be considered any less than the mind?... isn’t the primary purpose of Hasidut to reveal the light that is within lowness? To show that it too is holy?” The second part of this series explores the Piaseczner’s evolutionary vision of God’s further manifestation through physical reality. The Baal Shem Tov’s teachings are not merely novel ideas brought to the world by a unique individual. They are an expression of a new unfolding in reality, a new stage of Divine revelation that makes God accessible in new ways and allows for the Torah’s own words to be understood more deeply. This has great implications for the path of avodah - of practice - and how it relates to our thoughts, emotions and embodied lives.  Sources: Mevo Ha-Shearim, chapter 3

Paradigm Shift (pt.2): Vessels Made of Light

Episode 34 While much of the language and forms of prayer tend to be outward-directed, tefillah is an invitation to turn inward, to cultivate an internal space in which we can meet ourselves together with the Divine. This teaching from the Piaseczner Rebbe helps guide us into that space.   Sources: Aish Kodesh, Ki Teitzeh ת״ש ***** Please support this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 34 While much of the language and forms of prayer tend to be outward-directed, tefillah is an invitation to turn inward, to cultivate an internal space in which we can meet ourselves together with the Divine. This teaching from the Piaseczner Rebbe helps guide us into that space.   Sources: Aish Kodesh, Ki Teitzeh ת״ש ***** Please support this podcast by contributing here, designating “Awakening”: <a href="https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.me/shefapodcastnetwork</a> This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the <a href="https://www.hadar.org/" rel="ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Hadar Institute</a>. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/DanielKohn" rel="ugc nofollow" target="_blank">cdbaby page</a>. Audio is by <a href="https://davidkwan.net/about" rel="ugc nofollow" target="_blank">David Kwan</a>.

Avodat HaTefillah - The Inner Experience

"In truth, all pleasure and enjoyment in the world, of any kind, are nothing other than God's own joy and pleasure." — The Piaseczner RebbeIn this teaching for Shavuot, the Piaseczner Rebbe invites us to join God in experiencing pleasure and joy. The Rebbe outlines the contours of pleasure - those experiences that distance us from God, and those that bring us closer - and offers a paradigm shift in which all pleasure, and all forms of joy are at their source a moment of uniting with God. The work is one of developing a greater awareness of this and allowing our contact with the Divine to begin to inform and build our lives around this awareness. Finally, the Rebbe ties this to the essence of receiving Torah and the moment of revelation at Sinai. Sources: Derech Hamelech, Shavuot Leil Aleph (תרפ״ה)

"In truth, all pleasure and enjoyment in the world, of any kind, are nothing other than God's own joy and pleasure." — The Piaseczner Rebbe In this teaching for Shavuot, the Piaseczner Rebbe invites us to join God in experiencing pleasure and joy. The Rebbe outlines the contours of pleasure - those experiences that distance us from God, and those that bring us closer - and offers a paradigm shift in which all pleasure, and all forms of joy are at their source a moment of uniting with God. The work is one of developing a greater awareness of this and allowing our contact with the Divine to begin to inform and build our lives around this awareness. Finally, the Rebbe ties this to the essence of receiving Torah and the moment of revelation at Sinai. Sources: Derech Hamelech, Shavuot Leil Aleph (תרפ״ה)

BONUS: Shavuot - “So That I May Enjoy You” - Tapping Into Divine Pleasure 

Episode 28   On this episode of Awakening, Rabbi Ami explores prayer as part of our basic identity as human beings. The Jewish tradition teaches that we are born from the prayer of the universe. This is not merely a spiritual or mythic message - it carries a key to understanding our place in the evolutionary process, and guiding us in how we may take part in our purpose as part of this grand ecosystem.   Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CCtdqR4bhdO3wMs1MbUuacRAlhRRk5wZ0of6dzW71Fs/edit?usp=drivesdk *****  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.   Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page.   Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 28   On this episode of Awakening, Rabbi Ami explores prayer as part of our basic identity as human beings. The Jewish tradition teaches that we are born from the prayer of the universe. This is not merely a spiritual or mythic message - it carries a key to understanding our place in the evolutionary process, and guiding us in how we may take part in our purpose as part of this grand ecosystem.   Sources: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CCtdqR4bhdO3wMs1MbUuacRAlhRRk5wZ0of6dzW71Fs/edit?usp=drivesdk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CCtdqR4bhdO3wMs1MbUuacRAlhRRk5wZ0of6dzW71Fs/edit?usp=drivesdk</a> *****  This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.   Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page.   Audio is by David Kwan.

Avodat HaTefillah: A Living Pray-er

The central practice of Yom Kippur is vidui - confession of wrongdoings. What is the goal of this? Is it make us feel guilty and ashamed? How does this lead us to teshuva or closeness to God? On this episode of Awakening, Rabbi Ami explores the role of vidui and teshuva on Yom Kippur, and look to Rebbe Nachman of Breslov to help guide us through its transformative process. This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

The central practice of Yom Kippur is vidui - confession of wrongdoings. What is the goal of this? Is it make us feel guilty and ashamed? How does this lead us to teshuva or closeness to God? On this episode of Awakening, Rabbi Ami explores the role of vidui and teshuva on Yom Kippur, and look to Rebbe Nachman of Breslov to help guide us through its transformative process. This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

BONUS: Yom Kippur - Transcending Shame, Transforming Shame

Episode 026This is the first class Rabbi Ami ever gave in the Piaseczner Rebbe’s writings. It’s a broad introduction to the Rebbe’s life and writings, including a broad overview of the Rebbe’s various sefarim, historical background about the Rebbe’s life, stories about the Rebbe and his family, and a biographical sketch. The class ends with a framing of the Rebbe’s teachings through a powerful piece from Aish Kodesh.Sources: Aish Kodesh, parshat Yitro

Episode 026 This is the first class Rabbi Ami ever gave in the Piaseczner Rebbe’s writings. It’s a broad introduction to the Rebbe’s life and writings, including a broad overview of the Rebbe’s various sefarim, historical background about the Rebbe’s life, stories about the Rebbe and his family, and a biographical sketch. The class ends with a framing of the Rebbe’s teachings through a powerful piece from Aish Kodesh. Sources: Aish Kodesh, parshat Yitro

The Piaseczner Rebbe’s Biography, Background, and the Torah of the Way


Episode 32 This week we continue to explore the entryway into tefilla, and look at the heart as the place of prayer, the locus for encountering ourselves together with the Divine.  Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aJ52Ts6LvEiea-EPIGCO-YSya8GBIqgcOv8nh8TpDvU/edit?usp=sharing ***** This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 32 This week we continue to explore the entryway into tefilla, and look at the heart as the place of prayer, the locus for encountering ourselves together with the Divine. Sources: <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aJ52Ts6LvEiea-EPIGCO-YSya8GBIqgcOv8nh8TpDvU/edit?usp=sharing&amp;fbclid=IwAR23NONPixItIwzNwqRFNwIOPf0ey4ayeIrckbnACvcSjU9i3GOZdX5vAKM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aJ52Ts6LvEiea-EPIGCO-YSya8GBIqgcOv8nh8TpDvU/edit?usp=sharing</a> ***** This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the <a href="https://www.hadar.org/" rel="ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Hadar Institute</a>. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/DanielKohn" rel="ugc nofollow" target="_blank">cdbaby page</a>. Audio is by <a href="https://davidkwan.net/about" rel="ugc nofollow" target="_blank">David Kwan</a>.

Avodat HaTefillah: The Place of the Heart

Episode 022  In this piece from Derech Hamelech, the Piaseczner Rebbe guides us on the search for wholeness in our spiritual path. In prayer, we can encounter our wholeness, can experience an undifferentiated light that surrounds us in its totality. Torah study is the search to come to know that light, to recover our wholeness and absorb it into the particular vessels of our body and mind.  *****    This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page. Audio is by David Kwan.

Episode 022  In this piece from Derech Hamelech, the Piaseczner Rebbe guides us on the search for wholeness in our spiritual path. In prayer, we can encounter our wholeness, can experience an undifferentiated light that surrounds us in its totality. Torah study is the search to come to know that light, to recover our wholeness and absorb it into the particular vessels of our body and mind.  *****    This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the <a href="https://www.hadar.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hadar Institute</a>. Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/DanielKohn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cdbaby page</a>. Audio is by <a href="https://davidkwan.net/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Kwan</a>.

Praying and Learning: The Search for Wholeness

On Tisha B’Av, we ask unanswerable questions. We gaze into the wounds of the world and don’t turn away from the pain. Rather we search for ways to be with it, and find a way to rebuild through it and with it. This Torah from the Aish Kodesh is about showing us a path forward from within the darkness. In this powerful piece from Aish Kodesh, the Piaseczner leads us into deep questions about suffering. From within the darkness, he shines a path for us towards finding connection, empathy, hope and care not despite - but within the pain. This is a season to pay attention to the wounds of the world, to find a way to live with it and build from it.  *****   This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the Hadar Institute.    Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his cdbaby page.   Audio is by David Kwan.

On Tisha B’Av, we ask unanswerable questions. We gaze into the wounds of the world and don’t turn away from the pain. Rather we search for ways to be with it, and find a way to rebuild through it and with it. This Torah from the Aish Kodesh is about showing us a path forward from within the darkness. In this powerful piece from Aish Kodesh, the Piaseczner leads us into deep questions about suffering. From within the darkness, he shines a path for us towards finding connection, empathy, hope and care not despite - but within the pain. This is a season to pay attention to the wounds of the world, to find a way to live with it and build from it.  *****   This podcast is supported in part from a grant from the <a href="https://www.hadar.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hadar Institute</a>.    Music is by Rabbi Daniel Kohn. To purchase, go to his <a href="https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/DanielKohn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cdbaby page</a>.   Audio is by <a href="https://davidkwan.net/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Kwan</a>.

BONUS: Tisha B’Av - Crying God’s Tears

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