The Light Lab Podcast

We (Rabbi Josh Warshawsky, Cantor Ellen Dreskin, Eliana Light, and special guests) believe that there is so much insight to be found in Jewish sacred heritage by holding the gems of our liturgy to the light. We see the immense value of personal, heart-opening, empathy-expanding prayer practice. And we love to talk about both!

Episode 30: Not a “T’fillah Person” (with Maharat Rori Picker Neiss and Rabbi Shai Held-live at Ramah Darom)
Eliana Light Eliana Light

Episode 30: Not a “T’fillah Person” (with Maharat Rori Picker Neiss and Rabbi Shai Held-live at Ramah Darom)

This week we’re excited to share a double-interview recorded live at the Ramah Darom Pesach retreat this past spring. Maharat Rori Picker Neiss is the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis and an inspiring activist and advocate. Rabbi Shai Held is president and dean of the Hadar Institute and a foremost theologian, scholar, and teacher. Neither of thought they had much to say about liturgy or prayer. I would disagree! Our guests explore prayerfulness, history, Jewish parenting, t’fillah education, synagogues, the post/mid-covid world, and more. It’s a reminder that not all people feel the most “prayerful” in prayer, and that Jewish life contains multitudes. So take a listen, even if you don’t think of yourself as a “t’fillah person” either :)

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Episode 22: Freeze-Dried Experience (with Rabbi Sid Schwarz)
Eliana Light Eliana Light

Episode 22: Freeze-Dried Experience (with Rabbi Sid Schwarz)

Rabbi Sid Schwarz has started impactful organizations, written insightful books, and led many groups of Jews to greater meaning and personal engagement with Judaism. We are so grateful to share this interview full of gems, from Rabbi Sid’s social justice work, to his “davenning out of the box” experience, to what he sees for the Jewish future, all connected to t’fillah.

How can you internalize your prayer and hold it out to the world?

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