Practical Spiritual Tidbits
Practical Spiritual Tidbits is a podcast that explores the spiritual nature of the universe through the lens of Torah sources. Each episode offers insights and reflections meant to help listeners connect everyday life with deeper spiritual principles. The show is hosted by Michael Macks and focuses on practical applications of Jewish thought and wisdom.
Episodes
Ep. 99- Everything in the Universe is words
In this episode, we discuss the Kabbalistic concept that everything in the universe is built out of words. We explore how this applies to a person's name.
Ep. 98- Conversation with Rachel Chaya
In this episode I sit down with Rachel Chaya, 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.
Ep. 97- The Seven Noahide Laws
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.
Ep. 96- The Energy of Colors
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.
Ep. 95- Spirituality of Children
This episode is about the unique spiritual qualities of children, including 7 different concepts and sources.
Ep. 94- How to forgive (5 perspectives)
In this episode, we share 5 perspectives, based on spiritual ideas, that may help a person to forgive someone who has wronged.
Ep. 93- 5 levels of consciousness
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.
Ep. 92- A deeper look at Divine Judgement (Rosh Hashana)
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.
Ep. 91- Connection between 'Belief in G-d' and 'Belief in Self'
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.
Ep. 90- The power of beliefs
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.
Ep. 89- "Fear of God" deeper meaning
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.
Ep. 88- Feeling Feelings
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.
Ep. 87- The 12 Tribes
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.
Ep. 86- Knowing what you want
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.
Ep. 85- Seeing with depth
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.
Ep. 84- "Soulmate Day" (The 15th of Av)
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
Ep. 83- What is the "Shechinah"?
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, wha
Ep. 82: The voice of self-doubt
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.
Ep. 81- Divine timing
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?
Ep. 80- Music & Unity
In this episode we look at the power of music to foster unity. We quote Kabbalistic, Talmudic, and psychological sources.
Ep. 79- Why do we always want more?
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.
Ep. 78- Gog & Magog
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...
Ep. 77- Aura
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.
Ep. 76- The "Third Eye"
In this episode, we suggest 3 different sources for the concept of the 'third eye.' We get into a discussion about where desires originate.
Ep. 75- The energy of "appreciation"
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.
Ep. 74- Gemstones' Healing Powers
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
Ep. 73- God: Being or Principle?
In this short episode, we discuss whether G-d is more of a being or a principle.
Ep. 72- Rabbi Josh Zebberman: Couples Counseling
In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Josh Zebberman, who is a rabbi and couples counselor. He shares his unique approach to counseling, which involves focusing more on & highlighting what's working well, and less on what's not working as well. He shares many stories of different clients and how this approach has helped. We get into Hasidic and Kabbalistic discussions related to this
Ep. 71 - Katia Bolotin
Katia Bolotin, a Torah educator and speaker, writer, pianist and composer, is the author of the recently published book "Making it Relevant," which is about finding practical meaning and application from the weekly Torah portion. In this conversation we talk about King David's life, various lessons from Psalms, resilience, optimism, setbacks, a perspective on sadness, and more! You c
Ep. 70- Noa Amalia Arazi: Conversion to Judaism
In this episode I sit down with Noa Amalia Arazi, the founder of "Destined to be a Jew," an organization that supports thousands of people converting - and considering converting - to Judaism. We discuss her personal story converting to Judaism, the top reasons why people decide to convert, where across the globe most conversions take place, how long conversion takes, common challenges, how it fee
Ep. 69- Rav Yehuda HaKohen: A Vision for Israel's Future
It was enlightening to speak with Rav Yehuda HaKohen, the co-founder of the Vision Movement, about a vision for Israel's future. We discuss the biblical concept of a society based on tribal identity, the concept of a "Kohen/Priest," what a government looks like from a biblical perspective, the spiritual paths of Abraham versus Nahor (Abraham's brother), the soul of the Land of Israel, a vision for
Ep. 68- Rav Joey Rosenfeld
In this conversation, Rav Joey Rosenfeld shares profounds insights about Kabbalah, the past, free will versus divine orchestration, a perspective for singles, effort versus faith, where does HaShem "end" and a human "begin," self-love and giving to oneself, how to be less judgemental, and more! Rav Joey is a prominent teacher of Kabbalah, and a therapist. You can find him on Yo
Ep. 67 - Dr. Aziz Gazipura: The relationship between self-confidence and faith
Dr. Aziz Gazipura is a world renowned expert in self-confidence, the famed bestselling author of "Not Nice," host of "Shrink for the Shy Guy" Podcast and the "Get More Confidence" YouTube channel, and the recently published book "Doubtless." In this conversation, we go deep into how one's relationship with a higher power impacts one's self-confidence
Ep. 66- Dr. Jessica Newman: Chinese Medicine
Dr. Jessica Newman, who practices Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Pilates in Jerusalem, is a master expert in all of the above, and the founder of Jerusalem Acupuncture & Pilates. In this conversation, we discuss her experience working with thousands of patients, the differences between Western and Eastern medicine, the different experiences treating patients in Los Angeles and Israel, the r
Ep. 65- Conversation with Jordana Greenfield (@drinkitin_jordana)
In this conversation with Jordana Greenfield, aka @drinkitin_jordana, we discuss finding your authentic voice--what can prevent it and tools for reclaiming it, what it means to "be yourself," the experience of teaching elementary school students versus adults, different stages of life, having vs. implementing ideas, her experience hosting different podcast guests, dating advice, and more
Ep. 64 - Internal guidance
In this episode, we address the question of the path of self-development. Does most growth happen through exposure, or through getting more in touch with one's inner guidance. We discuss 4 sources that point to the latter. Note: the point of this episode is not to give a conclusion, but to provide food for thought.
Ep. 63- Conversation with Rav Daniel Kohn
In this enlightening conversation with Rav Daniel Kohn, we discuss how to think about "God," a spiritual perspective on healing, what freedom really means, worrying about other people's opinions, alignment with one's true essence, Tefillin, and more! Rav Daniel Kohn is a world-renowned rabbi, the leader of the Bat Ayin village in Israel, a musician, spiritual guide, and the autho
Ep. 62- Conversation with Rav Yakov Danishefsky
Rav Yakov Danishefsky works as a rabbi, therapist, educator and speaker. He is the author of three books, including the newly released "The Attached Haggadah." In this conversation, we talk about how the Torah speaks to this generation, attachment styles in relationships (human to human and human to G-d), the idea of being angry at G-d, self-esteem and self-love, the inner child, and mor
Ep. 61- Conversation with Menachem Forma
In this raw and reflective conversation with Menachem Forma, we go deep on the topics of ego, masculine & feminine energies (their definitions, the existence of both within every individual and how to balance the two, how balancing the two leads to a more aligned life, its relevance to one's relationship with Source and in human relationships), and the journey from depression to expression
Ep. 60 - Conversation with Rav Benji Elson
In this profound and exciting conversation with Rav Benji Elson, we discuss his experiences with Buddhism and Judaism, what it actually means to be a on a "spiritual journey," as well as specific Kabbalistic and Hassidic teachings and how they provide a map for personal-development and well-being. Rav Benji is a clinical psychotherapist, teacher of Torah, Jewish environmental-educator, t
Ep. 59- Conversation with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy
In this episode I sit down with Reb Adam Yitzchak Polinovskiy, who is a Kabbalah-based teacher, mentor and coach. We discuss his spiritual journey, "healthy before holy," tips for how to develop one's desire to give, tips for how to identify as a soul, the spiritual value of creativity and artistry, a powerful technique to discover one's purpose in life, the tree of life as a map
Ep. 58 - Conversation with Ahuva Birnbaum
In this conversation, I sit down with Ahuva Birnbaum, aka "Holy Shid," who performs energetic healing. After serving as a psychotherapist for 18 years, she witnessed the power of energetic healing, and since then has trained in energy healing herself and is now a practitioner. In this conversation, Ahuva shares stories of the impact of energy work, the differences between psychotherapy a
Ep. 57- Conversation with Yedidah Cohen
Yedidah Cohen is one of the world's foremost teachers of the Kabbalistic teachings of Rav Yehuda Leib Ashlag. She has written multiple books on his teachings, including the famed "A Tapestry for the Soul". In this conversation, we discuss the purpose of life, a deeper perspective on biblical stories, what spiritual growth really means, what is God, why did God create the world, how t
Ep. 56 - Conversation with Rabbi Yechezkel Yosef Abulafia
In this episode recorded in the holy city of Tzfat, I sit down with Rabbi Yechezkel Yosef Abulafia to discuss meditation (its goal, benefits and different forms), prayer & manifestation, and Kabbalah. Rabbi Abulafia is a Jewish meditation expert and alignment coach, who lives in Tzfat, and is a direct descendant of the legendary Kabbalist Rav Abraham Abulafia. You can find him on YouTube under
Ep. 55 - Astrology of Israel and the United States with Malachi Tanoe
In this episode, Malachi Tanoe returns. He goes into depth and detail of the astrological charts of the countries of Israel and the United States of America, respectively. He demontrates with visuals of the charts themselves and how they are read.Malachi is an astrologist, Kabbalah teacher, martial artist, geopolitics analyst, oil & gas engineer, historian, and anthropology expert. You can con
Ep. 54 - Conversation with Levi Saada
In this episode, I sit down with Levi Saada to explore his journey from a Haredi ultra-Orthodox upbringing to modern Orthodox life, yeshiva, college, and the corporate world of high-level software sales—before ultimately leaving it all to pursue healing work full-time. We dive into his struggles with identity and social anxiety, his transformative healing path in Israel, the role of plant medicine
Ep. 53 - Conversation with Leila Balter
In this episode I chat with Leila Balter about health, Chinese Medicine, the relationship between emotional and physical well-being, songwriting, teaching, and Kabbalah.Leila is currently (at the time of the recording) studying Chinese Medicine in Los Angeles. She blends Jewish wisdom into holistic well-being. As a Judaic/Kabbalah teacher and singer-songwriter, she creates community spaces filled
Ep. 52 - Conversation with Malachi Tanoe
In this episode I chat with Malachi Tanoe about astrology, Kabbalah, reincarnation, soulmates, dating, and geopolitics in the Middle East, amongst other topics.Malachi is an astrologist, Kabbalah teacher, martial artist, geopolitics analyst, oil & gas engineer, historian, and anthropology expert. You can connect with him on instagram @angelomaxime
Ep. 51 - What does it actually mean to "trust G-d"? (Aka, "bitachon")
What does it actually mean to "trust G-d"? In this episode we discuss 5 levels of trust, the practical ramifications that it can have, and different methods for deepening faith/trust.
Ep. 50 - Kabbalah: 2 Paths in Life
We explore a teaching of the Kabbalist Rav Yehuda Ashlag that there are 2 paths available in life. We explore the deeper meanings of both paths. We touch upon topics of personal growth, and finding one's soulmate, amongst other ideas.
Ep. 49 - Honor your energy
What are biblical sources for protecting and prioritizing things that give you energy? Why is that valuable? What are some practical applications of this?
Ep. 48 - Your body knows
What knows more, your brain or your body? In this episode we look at neuroscience, psychology and spirituality to explore the wisdom of the body. This idea can help us get 'out of your head' and 'into your body,' and can help with connection, and decision making.
Ep. 47 - The roots of 'self-love' and 'self-hate'
Based on the book דע את הרגשותיך ("Know your emotions"), we discuss the deeper reasons for love and hate. What is the root cause of hatred? Specifically, we discuss self-hatred as explained in this book, and different solutions that can help transform hate into love.
Ep. 46 - Spirituality of Physical Health
What can often cause illness, from a spiritual perspective? What spiritually leads to physical health? How can 'staying physically healthy' be described in spiritual terms? What is the energy of health?
Ep. 45 - Spiritual perspective on worrying what others think
In this episode, we explore worrying what other people think, from a spiritual lens. What's the deeper reason one would have such a worry? We also provide 2 spiritual perspectives that can help to lift some of the weight of worrying.
Ep. 44 - The energies of 'True' and 'False'
In this episode we discuss the energy of truth and the energy of falsehood. What does the hebrew language reveal about these energies? What is the fundamental difference between them? What is their relationship?
Ep 43 - Analysis Paralysis
This episode is about the relationship between feeling overwhelmed and decision making. We discuss the importance of refraining from analyzing or making decisions from a place of overwhelm from a neuroscience, relationship, emotional, and spiritual perspective.
Ep. 42 - Divine Intervention
In this episode, we discuss the paradox between free-will and Divine intervention. How much control do we have over our lives. Understanding this balance can bring profound peace.
Ep. 41 - The Emotion of Embarrassment
In this episode, we share a spiritual perspective on the feeling of embarassment. Why is it the first emotion mentioned in the Bible? What exactly causes it? Are there any benefits? What purpose does it serve?
Ep. 40 - Conversation with Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Ben Avraham
In this episode, I sit down with Rabbi Mordechai Yosef, who is the author of 3 books and a television personality. We discuss his childhood amongst celebrities in California, his process of conversion to Judaism, being Jewish, living in Jerusalem, visiting the Temple Mount, prophecy, and connecting to Divine Light, amongst other topics. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did. You can follow him
Ep. 39- Firsthand Yenuka story with @makeyourmarkculture
In this episode, Yehuda, founder of Make Your Mark clothing brand, shares a personal story of his connection with the holy mystic known as the Yenuka. You can follow him on instagram @makeyourmarkculture
Ep. 38- Conversation with Yoel Saidian
In this conversation with Yoel Saidian, we discuss Birthright, interfaith dialogue, belief in a loving God, a Kabbalistic perspective on the concepts of "sin" and "punishment," the proper spiritual lenses through which to view other human beings, and transforming judgement to curiosity, amongst other topics. His instagram is @yoelsaidian
Ep 37- Conversation with Zev Lowy
In this conversation with my friend Zev Lowy, we discuss several topics, including mystics vs. rationalists, Divine intervention, coincidences, seeking novelty and finding beauty, amongst others. You can follow him on X @zevlowy and on Substack
Ep. 36 - Gd speaks to us through our heart (Parshat Vayishlach)
In this episode we discuss the concept that the Creator speaks to us through our hearts. Giving examples of Jacob, King David and soldiers (and Bob Dylan).
Ep 35- Marriage: Isaac vs. Jacob (Parshat Vayeitzei)
In this episode, we contrast the marriages of Isaac and Jacob. Why did Jacob love his wife before he married her, while Isaac didn't? And why did Jacob get married much later in life than Isaac?
Ep. 34- The 3 ways to deal with negativity
There are only 3 logical ways to confront negativity and challenges. In this episode we explain the 3 ways and connect them to how 3 historic legendary lovers of people dealt with negativity in others that they encountered.
Ep. 33 A spiritual approach to fear & worry
In this episode we look at fears and worries from a deeper spiritual perspective, and based on that emerges a practical method to calm worries.
Ep. 32- Conversation with Yonatan Nahum
Yonatan Nahum is a healer, who incorporates spirituality in healing the body. To get in touch with him, check out his instagram page @yonatannahum
Ep. 31 - Happiness & Spirituality
In this episode, we discuss Kabalistic teachings about happiness. Is happiness is a goal or a means? If it's a means, then to what end? Why did the Kabalists consider being happy to be something spiritual?
Ep 30 - The 6 questions we are asked at the end of our lives
The Talmud teaches that at the end of our lives we are all asked 6 questions. In this episode we explore those questions, and suggest that they parallel the top 5 regrets of the dying.
Ep. 29 - Hope
This episode is all about strengthening hope. We bring various sources that can inspire hope and optimism.
Ep 28- Conversation with Batsheva
In this episode, Batsheva and I sit and discuss topics of spirituality, intuition, faith, trust, Source, and surrender. Batsheva is a lawyer, writer, and artist. If you'd like to see more of her content, check out her new art instagram page @cloudsofthesoul_
Ep. 27 - Kabbalah of Clothing
The Kabbalists teach that ironically, clothing simultaneously covers (our body) and reveals (our soul.) In this episode, we explore the 3 functions of clothing from a spiritual perspective.
Ep. 26- 3 tips to enhance prayer
About 2,400 years ago, a group of prophets and sages wrote a prayer called the "Amidah," which contains secrets for how to most effectively pray/manifest. In this episode we share 3 of them.
Ep 25 - Why do some physical locations feel like 'home'?
In this episode we explore the question of: why do we feel drawn to certain locations on earth? What can impact the energy of physical places? Why do some places feel more like home?
Ep. 24 - The fine line between fear and faith
The way that we anticipate our future deeply impacts how we feel in the present. In this episode, we give visual analogies to explain the difference between fear and faith, and how faith can counteract fear.
Ep 23 - Measuring Your Energy Levels
How much energy do you have? How can one measure that? In this episode we look at how the Chinese concepts of Jing, Qi and Shen correspond to Kabbalistic thought.
Ep 22 - The state of "waiting"
When we live in a state of "waiting" for something to change, our mind is by definition not fully present. In this episode we offer a spiritual perspective that can help bring more peace and presence.
Ep. 21 - Spiritual vs. Religious
What does it mean to be "spiritual"? And what does it mean to be "religious"? What are the similarities and differences?
Ep. 20 - The Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction is the spiritual principle that the energy you emit is the energy you attract. Is this actually true? In this episode, we discuss earlier sources for this Law.
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