Ritual Sense Andrew Mandel

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.