https://simplecast.com In these stormy times, take a few minutes each week to find your balance and nourish yourself with wisdom from Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, one of America’s foremost spiritual leaders. Join IJS for a “Weekly Meditation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl,” a short, weekly podcast featuring a brief, accessible, and engaging teaching and meditation based on the weekly Torah portion, an upcoming Jewish holiday, or wisdom from Jewish tradition. In just a few minutes each week, Rabbi Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City, will help you pause, breathe, and find balance and clarity to weather today’s storms and meet our personal and collective challenges with Jewish wisdom. Whether you are in your car, on a walk, or at home, join us to learn, nourish your spirit, and deepen your practice. 2024 Institute for Jewish Spirituality en Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:13 +0000 https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/9aafe50b-c5f0-40ef-aa8a-426cd694ed79/ebefbecd-9091-4ad7-818a-b5990009ed27/3000x3000/logo-20-20weekly-20meditation-20with-20angela-20buchdahl.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com episodic In these stormy times, take a few minutes each week to find your balance and nourish yourself with wisdom from Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, one of America’s foremost spiritual leaders. Join IJS for a “Weekly Meditation with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl,” a short, weekly podcast featuring a brief, accessible, and engaging teaching and meditation based on the weekly Torah portion, an upcoming Jewish holiday, or wisdom from Jewish tradition. In just a few minutes each week, Rabbi Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City, will help you pause, breathe, and find balance and clarity to weather today’s storms and meet our personal and collective challenges with Jewish wisdom. Whether you are in your car, on a walk, or at home, join us to learn, nourish your spirit, and deepen your practice. Institute for Jewish Spirituality false https://feeds.simplecast.com/SklYNuwW jewish, meditation, mindfulness, spirituality Institute for Jewish Spirituality andrews@jewishspirituality.org 83f56bc4-093c-4765-93c3-123f3c4ef5ed Thu, 12 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/until-we-meet-again-the-jewish-art-of-sacred-goodbyes-b_0G2r9H Until We Meet Again: The Jewish Art of Sacred Goodbyes Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:03 For this, the final episode of this podcast, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the Jewish approach to goodbyes, revealing how Hebrew farewells like lehitra'ot ("until we meet again") and hadran alach ("I will return to you") express hope for reunion rather than finality. Reflecting on traditional blessings recited when seeing someone after a long separation, she notes that how Jewish tradition doesn't take reunions for granted. Join her for a short meditation on honoring both the difficulty of parting and the sacred nature of return. For this, the final episode of this podcast, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the Jewish approach to goodbyes, revealing how Hebrew farewells like lehitra'ot ("until we meet again") and hadran alach ("I will return to you") express hope for reunion rather than finality. Reflecting on traditional blessings recited when seeing someone after a long separation, she notes that how Jewish tradition doesn't take reunions for granted. Join her for a short meditation on honoring both the difficulty of parting and the sacred nature of return. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 31 e68df3b5-5689-4e19-b195-67f473e3cd71 Thu, 5 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/the-wheat-will-grow-again-0mfz9emC The Wheat Will Grow Again Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:17 Join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl for a short teaching and meditation for finding hope amidst tragedy. In this episode, she weaves together the story of a young Israeli scientist, Zechariah Haber, who was killed in the current war while researching crop resilience, and "The Wheat Grows Again," a song that emerged from devastating losses in Israel in 1973. The teaching explores how Haber's doctoral thesis, completed posthumously by his friend and beginning with lyrics about wheat growing again after loss, offers a metaphor for choosing smaller, sustainable solutions over seeking perfect answers. Join Rabbi Buchdahl for a short practice for developing resilience that comes by nurturing what grows naturally and the legacy we inherit. Join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl for a short teaching and meditation for finding hope amidst tragedy. In this episode, she weaves together the story of a young Israeli scientist, Zechariah Haber, who was killed in the current war while researching crop resilience, and "The Wheat Grows Again," a song that emerged from devastating losses in Israel in 1973. The teaching explores how Haber's doctoral thesis, completed posthumously by his friend and beginning with lyrics about wheat growing again after loss, offers a metaphor for choosing smaller, sustainable solutions over seeking perfect answers. Join Rabbi Buchdahl for a short practice for developing resilience that comes by nurturing what grows naturally and the legacy we inherit. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 30 dd195a82-ede7-420b-afc7-80f883fad9a9 Thu, 29 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/lift-up-the-head-of-every-person-kIInsJQs Lift Up the Head of Every Person Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:58 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores why Jewish tradition forbids directly counting people, requiring census-taking through numbering coins instead of individuals. She connects this ancient wisdom to modern dehumanization, explaining how the the Torah's instructions to "lift up the heads" means to see each person's unique gifts rather than as a number. Join her for a short guided meditation for recognizing the sacred worth of every soul — including our own. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores why Jewish tradition forbids directly counting people, requiring census-taking through numbering coins instead of individuals. She connects this ancient wisdom to modern dehumanization, explaining how the the Torah's instructions to "lift up the heads" means to see each person's unique gifts rather than as a number. Join her for a short guided meditation for recognizing the sacred worth of every soul — including our own. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 29 75746c3d-76c5-404e-8aff-3b3f6324a00c Thu, 22 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/to-everything-there-is-a-season-0kwGZkEl To Everything, There Is a Season Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:28:04 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the emotional complexity of life transitions through her experience at her son's college graduation, reminding us that even joyful milestones can evoke tears of both celebration and loss. She offers a four-step framework for navigating transitions with meaning: begin with gratitude, name the loss, ritualize the moment, and set intentions for what comes next. Join her for a meditation to embrace the bittersweet nature of change, while finding rituals that honor both endings and beginnings. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the emotional complexity of life transitions through her experience at her son's college graduation, reminding us that even joyful milestones can evoke tears of both celebration and loss. She offers a four-step framework for navigating transitions with meaning: begin with gratitude, name the loss, ritualize the moment, and set intentions for what comes next. Join her for a meditation to embrace the bittersweet nature of change, while finding rituals that honor both endings and beginnings. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 28 d345f163-c837-40c1-806c-fa9231a7d30c Thu, 15 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/exposing-the-good-GU3wrR1m Exposing the Good Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:49 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the emotional return of Edan Alexander, the last American living hostage, and the longing it stirred for hope and good news in dark times. She explores how journalism’s focus on dysfunction over solutions shapes our worldview—and what might change if we told stories driven by curiosity rather than fear. With insights from personal stories of empathy across divides, join her for a short meditative practice which can help us ask deeper questions, stay open, and practice sakranut—curiosity—in our daily lives. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the emotional return of Edan Alexander, the last American living hostage, and the longing it stirred for hope and good news in dark times. She explores how journalism’s focus on dysfunction over solutions shapes our worldview—and what might change if we told stories driven by curiosity rather than fear. With insights from personal stories of empathy across divides, join her for a short meditative practice which can help us ask deeper questions, stay open, and practice sakranut—curiosity—in our daily lives. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 27 b6be1536-c2c2-492c-9def-b5dfdd888ea0 Thu, 8 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-in-a-name-IUDcfU8h What’s in a Name? Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:11 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl leads a teaching and meditation on the power of naming. She explores how ancestral memory can connect generations across faiths and cultures, highlighting the deep spiritual resonance of names. Join her for this meditation exploring the many names we have for God — and to consider what name we might give to the Divine today, as an act of relationship and sacred recognition. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl leads a teaching and meditation on the power of naming. She explores how ancestral memory can connect generations across faiths and cultures, highlighting the deep spiritual resonance of names. Join her for this meditation exploring the many names we have for God — and to consider what name we might give to the Divine today, as an act of relationship and sacred recognition. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 26 56b6dfd3-980f-4afe-82e0-f2e43c346b70 Thu, 1 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Nicole Auerbach, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/living-in-our-bodies-GK9eH2gv Living in our Bodies Rabbi Nicole Auerbach, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:29:27 Join Rabbi Nicole Auerbach as she leads a guided meditation focused on bodily awareness and appreciation, to notice pleasant sensations as part of the Jewish practice of counting the Omer between Passover and Shavuot. Drawing inspiration from the Torah portion Tazria-Metzora and the concept of Tiferet (beauty/harmony), she emphasizes how our bodies contain wisdom that helps us discern when to engage with community and when to turn inward for healing. The meditation invites participants to experience the continuous renewal of creation through mindful attention to bodily sensations, using the mantra uvtuvo michadesh (new each moment) as an anchor for awareness. Join Rabbi Nicole Auerbach as she leads a guided meditation focused on bodily awareness and appreciation, to notice pleasant sensations as part of the Jewish practice of counting the Omer between Passover and Shavuot. Drawing inspiration from the Torah portion Tazria-Metzora and the concept of Tiferet (beauty/harmony), she emphasizes how our bodies contain wisdom that helps us discern when to engage with community and when to turn inward for healing. The meditation invites participants to experience the continuous renewal of creation through mindful attention to bodily sensations, using the mantra uvtuvo michadesh (new each moment) as an anchor for awareness. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 25 be243e6d-79b5-4fe5-b8f8-6a4534bb8b67 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/eating-as-mindfulness-practice-ae_KogtL Eating as Mindfulness Practice Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:28:11 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the end of Passover and the spiritual significance of food in Jewish tradition, interpreting the Torah's ancient laws of kashrut as a contemporary gateway to mindfulness. She explores how our eating can be transformed into a sacred practice of gratitude, intention, and connection. Whether you keep kosher or not, join her for a short teaching and meditation which might elevate your next meal into a moment of presence and purpose. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the end of Passover and the spiritual significance of food in Jewish tradition, interpreting the Torah's ancient laws of kashrut as a contemporary gateway to mindfulness. She explores how our eating can be transformed into a sacred practice of gratitude, intention, and connection. Whether you keep kosher or not, join her for a short teaching and meditation which might elevate your next meal into a moment of presence and purpose. food, spirituality, mindfulness, eating, meditation, jewish false full 24 2a916c19-efe6-444c-9112-cfd9f0383f30 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/passover-meditation-leaving-egypt-bEMmxfRI Passover Meditation: Leaving Egypt Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:25:54 In this special Passover episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl gently guides us into presence through breath and gratitude, reflecting on the spiritual meaning of Mitzraim—the "narrow places" we each carry. Through meditation and reflection, Rabbi Buchdahl invites us to imagine our own path to liberation, drawing strength from community, tradition, and the possibility of spaciousness and renewal. In this special Passover episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl gently guides us into presence through breath and gratitude, reflecting on the spiritual meaning of Mitzraim—the "narrow places" we each carry. Through meditation and reflection, Rabbi Buchdahl invites us to imagine our own path to liberation, drawing strength from community, tradition, and the possibility of spaciousness and renewal. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish, passover false full 23 ce998d71-6657-4240-b8ce-3552d6348b3b Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/time-traveling-to-other-seders-zIGNQCdx Time Traveling to Other Seders Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:28:19 In this episode for preparing for Passover, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the unique Jewish concept that there is "no before or after in the Torah" and how this perspective transforms our experience of the holiday. Through a guided meditation, she invites listeners to transcend linear time and personally experience the Exodus—not as distant history, but as their own lived story. Join her to explore how this spiritual time travel connects us with our ancestors, and reminds us that liberation remains an ongoing struggle requiring faith and courage in every generation. In this episode for preparing for Passover, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the unique Jewish concept that there is "no before or after in the Torah" and how this perspective transforms our experience of the holiday. Through a guided meditation, she invites listeners to transcend linear time and personally experience the Exodus—not as distant history, but as their own lived story. Join her to explore how this spiritual time travel connects us with our ancestors, and reminds us that liberation remains an ongoing struggle requiring faith and courage in every generation. spirituality, mindfulness, pesach, meditation, jewish, passover false full 22 9316acc0-1eb3-4f06-b386-7cf96ceb0a93 Thu, 3 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/conversation-in-the-womb-a-parable-of-life-after-birth-QrBjSUGZ Conversation in the Womb: A Parable of Life After Birth Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:28 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores how endings simultaneously serve as beginnings. She highlights the connection between the Hebrew words for "womb" and "compassion," suggesting that comfort and mercy accompany us through life's transitions. Join her for a short teaching and soothing meditation inviting us to recognize that with every ending or loss, something new is being born. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores how endings simultaneously serve as beginnings. She highlights the connection between the Hebrew words for "womb" and "compassion," suggesting that comfort and mercy accompany us through life's transitions. Join her for a short teaching and soothing meditation inviting us to recognize that with every ending or loss, something new is being born. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 21 6149623a-0a94-4f2b-8d24-7b28c80f355d Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Nicole Auerbach, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/learning-to-sit-with-not-knowing-149D0pMK Learning to Sit with Not Knowing Rabbi Nicole Auerbach, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:22 In this episode of Weekly Meditation, guest teacher Rabbi Nicole Auerbach leads a mindfulness practice centered on embracing uncertainty. Drawing inspiration from the Hebrew month of Nisan and the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, she invites listeners to release expectations and be present in the moment. Using the mantra Mi Yodea—“Who knows?”—she encourages deep breathing and awareness, guiding participants to sit with the unknown and find peace in the present. The session closes with a reflective song, offering a gentle reminder of the beauty in not knowing. In this episode of Weekly Meditation, guest teacher Rabbi Nicole Auerbach leads a mindfulness practice centered on embracing uncertainty. Drawing inspiration from the Hebrew month of Nisan and the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, she invites listeners to release expectations and be present in the moment. Using the mantra Mi Yodea—“Who knows?”—she encourages deep breathing and awareness, guiding participants to sit with the unknown and find peace in the present. The session closes with a reflective song, offering a gentle reminder of the beauty in not knowing. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 20 1e0cb946-421c-49e9-b0d9-1e6152b7260f Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/letting-go-of-false-idols-l8HrhTeI Letting Go of False Idols Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:57 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl examines the story of the Golden Calf to explore why we create idols during times of insecurity and fear. Through guided breathing and reflection, she helps us identify our own modern forms of idolatry—whether success, material possessions, or relationships—that we turn to when feeling anxious or uncertain. Join her for a meditation on surrendering false idols and reconnecting with the divine source, focusing on life's true light rather than worldly substitutes. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl examines the story of the Golden Calf to explore why we create idols during times of insecurity and fear. Through guided breathing and reflection, she helps us identify our own modern forms of idolatry—whether success, material possessions, or relationships—that we turn to when feeling anxious or uncertain. Join her for a meditation on surrendering false idols and reconnecting with the divine source, focusing on life's true light rather than worldly substitutes. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 19 fb1e5bfc-1cff-4271-8683-dd8dc63681cf Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/unmasking-ourselves-a-purim-meditation-xXN4iuhG Unmasking Ourselves: A Purim Meditation Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:30 In this episode, as we approach Purim, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the concept of masks, connecting the holiday's traditions to our deeper psychological tendencies to hide our true selves. Drawing parallels between theatrical masks, pandemic face coverings, and the metaphorical masks we wear daily, she invites us on a meditative journey toward authentic self-revelation and vulnerability. Join her for a short practice to cultivate the courage to unmask and free ourselves for deeper, more genuine connection with ourselves and others. In this episode, as we approach Purim, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the concept of masks, connecting the holiday's traditions to our deeper psychological tendencies to hide our true selves. Drawing parallels between theatrical masks, pandemic face coverings, and the metaphorical masks we wear daily, she invites us on a meditative journey toward authentic self-revelation and vulnerability. Join her for a short practice to cultivate the courage to unmask and free ourselves for deeper, more genuine connection with ourselves and others. spirituality, mindfulness, purim, meditation, jewish false full 18 1386f43a-4094-4055-bc22-102c1274bdaf Thu, 6 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/fred-astaire-as-esther-the-hidden-jew-A6BgIhAP Fred Astaire as Esther, The Hidden Jew Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:31 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the Purim story through the lens of identity, fear, and assimilation. Reflecting on the hidden nature of Esther’s Jewishness—and an unexpected connection to Fred Astaire—she invites us to notice where we may be hiding parts of ourselves and how mindfulness can help us respond with awareness instead of fear. Through breath and reflection, this meditation encourages us to embrace what is most essential within us and let it shine. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the Purim story through the lens of identity, fear, and assimilation. Reflecting on the hidden nature of Esther’s Jewishness—and an unexpected connection to Fred Astaire—she invites us to notice where we may be hiding parts of ourselves and how mindfulness can help us respond with awareness instead of fear. Through breath and reflection, this meditation encourages us to embrace what is most essential within us and let it shine. spirituality, mindfulness, purim, meditation, jewish false full 17 0f59c732-8489-4295-9518-25ef69bb2fad Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/from-foolishness-to-wisdom-working-with-frustration-Z8YY6331 From Foolishness to Wisdom: Working with Frustration Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:34 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores how her childhood experience of learning piano taught her to endure the frustration that comes with being in the "learning space" – the uncomfortable gap between not knowing and knowing. Drawing from psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy's insights, she reflects on how embracing frustration rather than rushing to knowledge can lead to true mastery and wisdom. Join her for a short teaching and meditation on cultivating the patience we need to actually learn. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores how her childhood experience of learning piano taught her to endure the frustration that comes with being in the "learning space" – the uncomfortable gap between not knowing and knowing. Drawing from psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy's insights, she reflects on how embracing frustration rather than rushing to knowledge can lead to true mastery and wisdom. Join her for a short teaching and meditation on cultivating the patience we need to actually learn. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 16 60bdc89e-02a8-4712-bdb9-c292925c52f0 Thu, 20 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/liri-albag-this-is-resilience-_d0EGMRS Liri Albag: This is Resilience Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:38 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the profound resilience shown by individuals who have endured extreme hardships, particularly focusing on the stories of hostages recently freed from Gaza. She shares the moving tale of Liri Albag, a young woman who was captured at 18 and demonstrated remarkable strength by standing up to captors to protect others. Through her stories, including one where she insisted on not leaving without her fellow captives, the episode explores themes of survival, the power of the human spirit, and the significance of resilience in the face of adversity. Rabbi Buchdahl encourages listeners to tap into their own sources of strength, drawing inspiration from the courage displayed by those like Liri. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the profound resilience shown by individuals who have endured extreme hardships, particularly focusing on the stories of hostages recently freed from Gaza. She shares the moving tale of Liri Albag, a young woman who was captured at 18 and demonstrated remarkable strength by standing up to captors to protect others. Through her stories, including one where she insisted on not leaving without her fellow captives, the episode explores themes of survival, the power of the human spirit, and the significance of resilience in the face of adversity. Rabbi Buchdahl encourages listeners to tap into their own sources of strength, drawing inspiration from the courage displayed by those like Liri. spirituality, mindfulness, courage, strength, resilience, meditation, jewish false full 15 43f06d88-ac1e-4353-93f8-01ab3208fc96 Thu, 13 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/be-a-tree-a-meditation-for-tu-bishvat-the-jewish-new-year-of-the-trees-1TFglUFQ Be a Tree: A Meditation for Tu BiShvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:28:13 In this episode, join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl to explore the significance of Tu BiShvat, the Jewish New Year for the Trees, through meditation, mystical insights, and an ancient Talmudic tale. Through guided imagery and reflection, she invites us to emulate the trees by rooting down, stretching toward renewal, and contemplating the fruits we bear in the world — celebrating the cycle of growth, gratitude, and our connection to past and future generations. In this episode, join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl to explore the significance of Tu BiShvat, the Jewish New Year for the Trees, through meditation, mystical insights, and an ancient Talmudic tale. Through guided imagery and reflection, she invites us to emulate the trees by rooting down, stretching toward renewal, and contemplating the fruits we bear in the world — celebrating the cycle of growth, gratitude, and our connection to past and future generations. spirituality, mindfulness, tu b'shvat, tu bishvat, meditation, jewish false full 14 76f8a82b-9a16-4651-999d-a8c2fd815ba2 Thu, 6 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/tikkun-olam-to-braid-the-world-gaJgudar Tikkun Olam — To Braid the World Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:07 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the joy and emotional weight of the recent hostage reunions, particularly the resilience and love demonstrated by former captives. She recounts a poignant story of five IDF soldiers who were captured together, with one soldier braiding the others' hair before they were freed—a powerful symbol of connection and strength. Join Rabbi Buchdahl for a teaching and meditation on the concept of Tikkun Olam not as "fixing" what's broken, but as "braiding the world together," weaving interconnectedness and mutual support, recognizing that our strength lies in unity and love. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the joy and emotional weight of the recent hostage reunions, particularly the resilience and love demonstrated by former captives. She recounts a poignant story of five IDF soldiers who were captured together, with one soldier braiding the others' hair before they were freed—a powerful symbol of connection and strength. Join Rabbi Buchdahl for a teaching and meditation on the concept of Tikkun Olam not as "fixing" what's broken, but as "braiding the world together," weaving interconnectedness and mutual support, recognizing that our strength lies in unity and love. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 13 76796a3a-7f31-4d7a-8447-dc3658936485 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/connecting-with-the-snake-a-meditation-for-the-lunar-new-year-VBk14MeE Connecting with the Snake: a Meditation for the Lunar New Year Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:12 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the Lunar New Year, exploring the significance of the year of the Snake and its themes of mindfulness, renewal, and introspection. Drawing from Jewish traditions of multiple New Years, she highlights the power of resetting and shedding old habits to embrace growth. Join her for a guided mindfulness meditation to connect with the Snake's energy, and to cultivate intentionality, awareness, and the beauty of new beginnings. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the Lunar New Year, exploring the significance of the year of the Snake and its themes of mindfulness, renewal, and introspection. Drawing from Jewish traditions of multiple New Years, she highlights the power of resetting and shedding old habits to embrace growth. Join her for a guided mindfulness meditation to connect with the Snake's energy, and to cultivate intentionality, awareness, and the beauty of new beginnings. lunar new year, year of the snake, spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 12 f9c8f844-8c69-4e1c-8bb4-4d38a6b8f13f Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/loving-our-own-bones-UhkqF7_K Loving our Own Bones Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:07 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the story of Moses' speech impediment and how it intersects with disability theology, drawing on Rabbi Julia Watts Belzer's book, "Loving Our Own Bones." She delves into God's response to Moses's hesitationt to take on his leadership role, highlighting the first disability accommodation in the Torah and challenging traditional notions of limitations. Join her for a short teaching and meditation on accommodating our vulnerabilities, embracing our imperfections as part of God's divine plan -- and applying this practice to the collective work of justice and compassion. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the story of Moses' speech impediment and how it intersects with disability theology, drawing on Rabbi Julia Watts Belzer's book, "Loving Our Own Bones." She delves into God's response to Moses's hesitationt to take on his leadership role, highlighting the first disability accommodation in the Torah and challenging traditional notions of limitations. Join her for a short teaching and meditation on accommodating our vulnerabilities, embracing our imperfections as part of God's divine plan -- and applying this practice to the collective work of justice and compassion. disability theology, spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 11 1fe79b46-36d3-4fdd-9f84-f9aaffe2255f Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/i-will-be-what-i-will-be-calling-upon-gods-name-4BtabrGa “I Will Be What I Will Be" — Calling Upon God's Name Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:28:28 This week, as we begin the Book of Exodus — in Hebrew, the book of Shemot, or "names" — Rabbi Buchdahl explores the power of our own names and the names of the Divine. One of the most powerful names for God in the Torah reading comes from the burning bush, where God reveals the name "Eheyeh Asher Eheyeh" — often translated as "I Am Who I Am" or "I Will Be What I Will Be." Through this name, God offers the assurance of being whatever is needed in times of challenge. Join us as we meditate on the names we carry, how the Divine manifests in our world, and how we can draw upon the strength we need to meet this moment. This week, as we begin the Book of Exodus — in Hebrew, the book of Shemot, or "names" — Rabbi Buchdahl explores the power of our own names and the names of the Divine. One of the most powerful names for God in the Torah reading comes from the burning bush, where God reveals the name "Eheyeh Asher Eheyeh" — often translated as "I Am Who I Am" or "I Will Be What I Will Be." Through this name, God offers the assurance of being whatever is needed in times of challenge. Join us as we meditate on the names we carry, how the Divine manifests in our world, and how we can draw upon the strength we need to meet this moment. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 10 d4a4fd12-a321-4e54-b6f2-be246f1d8158 Thu, 9 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/the-not-so-good-fortune-nSC3Cf7z The Not So Good Fortune Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:12 Join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl for a meditation based on her family's experience of visiting Japan and drawing her family's fortune for 2025 based on the Japanese tradition of Omikuji, or "sacred lots." The fortune they received sparked reflections on fate, agency, and how our fortunes might not be as set in stone as they seem. Listen in for a meditation on how we might reshape our "lot" in life, just as the Japanese tie bad fortunes to pine trees to prevent them from following them home. Join Rabbi Angela Buchdahl for a meditation based on her family's experience of visiting Japan and drawing her family's fortune for 2025 based on the Japanese tradition of Omikuji, or "sacred lots." The fortune they received sparked reflections on fate, agency, and how our fortunes might not be as set in stone as they seem. Listen in for a meditation on how we might reshape our "lot" in life, just as the Japanese tie bad fortunes to pine trees to prevent them from following them home. fortune, spirituality, mindfulness, japanese, meditation, jewish false full 9 36eb962b-ba98-4a62-95e6-689d40198c9c Thu, 19 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/we-were-like-dreamers-wyOD_Rza We Were Like Dreamers Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:26:27 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the power and significance of dreams, inspired by the story of Joseph from the Torah. The greatest dreamer in the Bible, Joseph's dreams foretell his rise to power and his eventual role in saving his family and Egypt. Dreams, both prophetic and anxiety-driven, can help us process emotions, memories, and work through stress; meditation can help us process these emotions while awake, creating space for more positive, visionary dreams at night. Join her for a moment of reflection and a prayer of gratitude as we invite the energy of positive, hopeful dreams into our lives for 2025. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl explores the power and significance of dreams, inspired by the story of Joseph from the Torah. The greatest dreamer in the Bible, Joseph's dreams foretell his rise to power and his eventual role in saving his family and Egypt. Dreams, both prophetic and anxiety-driven, can help us process emotions, memories, and work through stress; meditation can help us process these emotions while awake, creating space for more positive, visionary dreams at night. Join her for a moment of reflection and a prayer of gratitude as we invite the energy of positive, hopeful dreams into our lives for 2025. spirituality, mindfulness, dreams, meditation, jewish false full 8 6838eb56-ea0a-4beb-b5de-a3bc0f923c4f Thu, 12 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/a-visit-from-a-red-tail-hawk-ZSgsN5u5 A Visit From a Red-Tail Hawk Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:35 Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a teaching and meditation based on a red-tailed hawk's unexpected visit to her balcony, leading to a profound reflection on community and connection. The story evokes memories of Pale Male, the legendary red-tailed hawk of New York City, whose presence symbolized the power of perseverance and finding one's place in a vast, often daunting world. Join her for a meditation exploring our sense of belonging, the importance of community, and the lessons we can learn from the flight of birds — especially how we support each other in times of strength and vulnerability. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a teaching and meditation based on a red-tailed hawk's unexpected visit to her balcony, leading to a profound reflection on community and connection. The story evokes memories of Pale Male, the legendary red-tailed hawk of New York City, whose presence symbolized the power of perseverance and finding one's place in a vast, often daunting world. Join her for a meditation exploring our sense of belonging, the importance of community, and the lessons we can learn from the flight of birds — especially how we support each other in times of strength and vulnerability. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 7 949357cd-3009-4252-a5b1-47ff7de69d3d Thu, 5 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/tefillah-is-a-prayer-that-can-be-answered-HiAkiNf_ Tefillah Is a Prayer That Can Be Answered Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:25:27 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the true meaning of prayer, contrasting the Western view of prayer as a petition to God with the Hebrew concept of Tefillah, which encourages deep self-reflection. She challenges us to reframe our understanding of prayer as not just a request for personal desires but as a way to connect with ourselves and with the world around us. This meditation is grounded in Anna Kamienska's poem "A Prayer That Will Be Answered," which speaks to the acceptance of life's inevitable suffering and the beauty found in its fleeting moments. Join us to immerse in a more profound, peaceful approach to prayer. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the true meaning of prayer, contrasting the Western view of prayer as a petition to God with the Hebrew concept of Tefillah, which encourages deep self-reflection. She challenges us to reframe our understanding of prayer as not just a request for personal desires but as a way to connect with ourselves and with the world around us. This meditation is grounded in Anna Kamienska's poem "A Prayer That Will Be Answered," which speaks to the acceptance of life's inevitable suffering and the beauty found in its fleeting moments. Join us to immerse in a more profound, peaceful approach to prayer. spirituality, prayer, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 6 91f3dabc-faaf-41c1-87f3-cdcd48e81ef2 Thu, 28 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/giving-thanks-for-our-gifts-_wn1cUFr Giving Thanks for Our Gifts Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:28:12 In this episode for Thanksgiving, Rabbi Buchdahl invites us to immerse in gratitude — especially for everyday blessings, from simple comforts to meaningful gifts received. She explores Jewish tradition's various offerings, including thanksgiving offerings and free-will gifts, emphasizing the pure generosity that comes from the heart — and invites us to explore the own matanot ("gifts") we have received and give freely to others. In this episode for Thanksgiving, Rabbi Buchdahl invites us to immerse in gratitude — especially for everyday blessings, from simple comforts to meaningful gifts received. She explores Jewish tradition's various offerings, including thanksgiving offerings and free-will gifts, emphasizing the pure generosity that comes from the heart — and invites us to explore the own matanot ("gifts") we have received and give freely to others. spirituality, mindfulness, thanksgiving, meditation, jewish false full 5 543a37d2-ec4b-4f85-8511-421d487a3f16 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/choosing-where-to-place-your-heart-mindfulness-in-a-world-of-overwhelm-rkxRCTwO Choosing Where to Place Your Heart: Mindfulness in a World of Overwhelm Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:52 Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the overwhelming weight of personal and global worries, from family concerns to worldwide crises, and the dangers of living consumed by the news. Drawing on Oliver Burkeman’s insights, she explores how mindfulness helps us focus on what truly matters. Through personal stories and a guided meditation, Rabbi Buchdahl encourages listeners to choose where to place their attention—and their heart—to lead a more intentional and meaningful life. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl reflects on the overwhelming weight of personal and global worries, from family concerns to worldwide crises, and the dangers of living consumed by the news. Drawing on Oliver Burkeman’s insights, she explores how mindfulness helps us focus on what truly matters. Through personal stories and a guided meditation, Rabbi Buchdahl encourages listeners to choose where to place their attention—and their heart—to lead a more intentional and meaningful life. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 4 57b5033b-3d22-4881-8450-0c7fb21ef96e Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/gam-zeh-ltova-finding-peace-in-lifes-challenges-ZS_nqfL3 Gam zeh l'tovah: Finding Peace in Life's Challenges Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:18 In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a moment of stillness and reflection amid the noise of the world. Drawing on the story of Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu, a 2nd-century Jewish sage known for his unwavering optimism in the face of suffering, Rabbi Buchdahl invites listeners to reflect on the challenges of our times. With global unrest, political uncertainty, and environmental concerns weighing heavily, she shares Nachum's powerful lesson of seeing Gam zeh l'tovah ("This, too, is for the good") in even the most difficult moments. Through Nachum’s story—where a seemingly disastrous gift of sand turned into a blessing for the Jewish people—Rabbi Buchdahl explores themes of humility, mindfulness, and faith. She encourages us to find meaning and hope in life’s trials, reminding us that we may not control our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond. The episode concludes with a guided meditation, inviting listeners to breathe deeply, embrace silence, and connect to a sense of inner peace, embodying the spirit of Gam zeh l'tovah. It's a call to cultivate stillness, perspective, and gratitude in the midst of uncertainty. In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a moment of stillness and reflection amid the noise of the world. Drawing on the story of Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu, a 2nd-century Jewish sage known for his unwavering optimism in the face of suffering, Rabbi Buchdahl invites listeners to reflect on the challenges of our times. With global unrest, political uncertainty, and environmental concerns weighing heavily, she shares Nachum's powerful lesson of seeing Gam zeh l'tovah ("This, too, is for the good") in even the most difficult moments. Through Nachum’s story—where a seemingly disastrous gift of sand turned into a blessing for the Jewish people—Rabbi Buchdahl explores themes of humility, mindfulness, and faith. She encourages us to find meaning and hope in life’s trials, reminding us that we may not control our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond. The episode concludes with a guided meditation, inviting listeners to breathe deeply, embrace silence, and connect to a sense of inner peace, embodying the spirit of Gam zeh l'tovah. It's a call to cultivate stillness, perspective, and gratitude in the midst of uncertainty. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 3 7f2b8270-5524-41d0-bb53-042009d1f23b Thu, 7 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/choosing-mindfully-on-election-day-and-beyond-VjMjQ7HF Choosing Mindfully, on Election Day and Beyond Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:30 Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a simple meditation and practice for meeting the stresses of the election season, by settling our nervous system, by discerning the aspects of the situation we cannot control, and by remembering our capacity to choose our response in the areas within our control. Not only can we make a choice on Election Day, but even afterwards we can continue to choose a wise response as events unfold. Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a simple meditation and practice for meeting the stresses of the election season, by settling our nervous system, by discerning the aspects of the situation we cannot control, and by remembering our capacity to choose our response in the areas within our control. Not only can we make a choice on Election Day, but even afterwards we can continue to choose a wise response as events unfold. election, spirituality, mindulness, meditation, jewish false full 2 bc179c38-8a52-4719-bc6c-8a1118a0c3b9 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:07:47 +0000 andrews@jewishspirituality.org (Rabbi Angela Buchdahl) https://weekly-meditation-with-rabbi-angela-buchdahl.simplecast.com/episodes/to-you-silence-is-praise-rItsAgCy To You, Silence is Praise Rabbi Angela Buchdahl 00:27:22 According to the Psalmist, "lecha dumiyah tehillah — to You, silence is praise" (Psalm 65:2). But is silence really a part of Jewish spiritual practice? Isn't Judaism a practice of words? In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a teaching and short practice on the deep benefits of being in silence and stillness. She explores how we might notice, meet, and move through our habitual discomfort with silence, and notice the "waterfalls" of thoughts and feelings within us without being driven by them. According to the Psalmist, "lecha dumiyah tehillah — to You, silence is praise" (Psalm 65:2). But is silence really a part of Jewish spiritual practice? Isn't Judaism a practice of words? In this episode, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl offers a teaching and short practice on the deep benefits of being in silence and stillness. She explores how we might notice, meet, and move through our habitual discomfort with silence, and notice the "waterfalls" of thoughts and feelings within us without being driven by them. spirituality, mindfulness, meditation, jewish false full 1