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 8: We are/will be One (Shema and Aleinu)
In the shema, we say g?d is one. Yet in the aleinu, we say on that day, g?d will be one. Which is true? Hear some thoughts from Eliana, breathe along with a short practice, and stay until the end for a gorgeous shema from the magical, mindful musician Chava Mirel.
Episode 7: The Jewish Space-Time Continuum (with Yoshi Silverstein)
In this first full-length interview episode, Eliana connects with Yoshi Silverstein, founder of Mitsui Collective. We dig into embodied Jewish practice and what it has to do with racial justice, prayer, and the concept of time. It goes some pretty wonderful and wild places, just like a canoe in the river (a reference you’ll understand once you hear our conversation!)
Episode 6: Lights & Miracles (Hanukkah Candles)
Happy Hanukkah! In this very special holiday episode, Eliana, Josh, and Ellen explore the ritual of Hanukkah candles: from the opening blessings, to the difference between a menorah and a chanukiah, to the many verses of Maoz Tzur. Plus, Josh shares his brand new melody for Hanerot Hallalu! We hope this adds some sparkle to your festival of lights.
Episode 5: Thanks-Giving (Modim Anachnu Lach)
It’s time for thanks-giving! Eliana, Ellen, and Josh explore the gratitude prayer of the Amidah, Modim Anachnu Lach. We nerd out on Jewish-people-monikers, intertext, and gematria (numerology,) plus share our favorite melodies and Thanksgiving traditions. What a great excuse for gratitude!
Episode 4: Gratitude Glasses (Modeh/Modah Ani)
This week, Eliana, Ellen, and Josh wake up in gratitude by diving deep into Modeh/Modah Ani. We talk morning rituals, translations, g?d names, favorite melodies, and more.
Episode 3: To Evening the Evenings (Ma'ariv Aravim) with Alexander Nemser
Eliana, Ellen, and Josh are joined by poet and educator Alexander Nemser for a deep dive into Ma'ariv Aravim, the first blessing in the evening service. We talk sheep, stars, translations, and time, plus learn about Alexander's prayer journey and hear some beautiful original poetry. It's a conversation as multifaceted and vast as the twilight sky...
Episode 2: We are the Luminaries (Or Chadash)
To celebrate the launch of the light lab, Eliana, Ellen, and Josh dive deep into the prayer "Or Chadash," a new light. We explore the different kinds of light, light-centered g?d-names, and our favorite melodies for this prayer. Plus Eliana sings and shares her song, "A New Light." We hope this is an en-light-tening episode!
Episode 1: Prayer vs Prayers (T'fillah)
In this first episode, we start with the foundational questions:
What is prayer? What is liturgy? Why does this matter? And why does this matter to us?