We tend to think of spiritual awakening as a kind of self-mastery, which is true, but that master image can create a sense of disappointment and resignation when comparing oneself to that ideal. But this is just another way for the ego to keep us trapped. The remedy? Forgive yourself for not being enlightened. In fact, this inner act of forgiveness is itself a direct path to enlightenment. This is not just a feel good cliché or a letting of yourself off the hook – it’s a deep surrender the truth of what is, and in that surrender to the truth of imperfection, that deeper Perfection we call the Divine can shine through.

How do we do that?

Learn more with this teaching on Parshat Matot, followed by a guided meditation on the Hebrew letter Nun, with Rabbi Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks.

Join the community for meditation 5 days a week, as well as lessons and courses on meditation, Judaism, Hebrew and more: https://www.torahofawakening.com

Opening song Hashkiveinu and piano improvisation by Brian Yosef. Hashkiveinu is from the album Ayn Od by BRIAH, and features the vocals of Jeannette Ferber and Bon Singer, along with Sam “Shmully” Markewich on drums, Joshua Miele on bass, and Lior Tzarfaty on guitar.

We tend to see things that are painful, stressful, or even sensual and desirable all as obstacles to spiritual awakening. But this way of thinking is actually what keeps you stuck; whatever “obstacle” is in front of you is the portal to the Eternal, if you know how to unlock it. Learn more as we examine Parshat Pinkhas, followed by a guided meditation on the Hebrew letter Koof.

Join the community for meditation 5 days a week, as well as lessons and courses on meditation, Judaism, Hebrew and more: https://www.torahofawakening.com

Teaching and guided meditation with Rabbi Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks. Opening song Hashkiveinu and piano improvisation also by Brian Yosef. Hashkiveinu is from the album Ayn Od by BRIAH, and features the vocals of Jeannette Ferber and Bon Singer, along with Sam “Shmully” Markewich on drums, Joshua Miele on bass, and Lior Tzarfaty on guitar.

There’s a kind of guidance that speaks to us through the reality of our situation, if we know how to listen. How to do we attune ourselves to these messages that we might call, Divine guidance? Teaching and guided meditation on Parshat Balak and the letter shin.

Join the community for meditation 5 days a week, as well as lessons and courses on meditation, Judaism, Hebrew and more: https://www.torahofawakening.com

Teaching and guided meditation with Rabbi Brian Yosef Schachter-Brooks. Opening song Hashkiveinu and piano improvisation also by Brian Yosef. Hashkiveinu is from the album Ayn Od by BRIAH, and features the vocals of Jeannette Ferber and Bon Singer, along with Sam “Shmully” Markewich on drums, Joshua Miele on bass, and Lior Tzarfaty on guitar.

Chant: Tatzileini

תַּצִּילֵֽנִי הַיּוֹם וּבְכָל־יוֹם מֵעַזֵּי פָנִים וּמֵעַזּוּת פָּנִים

Tatzileini HaYom, Uv’khol Yom (2x) Me’azei Fanim, Umei’azut Panim (2x)

Rescue me today and every day from arrogance, aggressiveness, and dangerous beings

- Morning Blessing Liturgy (Scale b3)