In this episode of Shofar, So Good! host Kate Mishkin explores the origins, formula, and meanings behind Jewish blessings — and considers why the Talmud prescribes saying 100 blessings a day. She hears what happens when scientists try to measure whether saying Jewish blessings makes us happier and more grateful. The results: Not what the researchers expected.
Listen to Shofar, So Good! on Apple Podcasts
Listen to Shofar, So Good! on Spotify
Further reading and resources:
• “Jewish Prayer Has Become My Favorite Morning Ritual” by Avie Herman (Kveller)
• A guide to common Jewish blessings (My Jewish Learning)
• “The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today” by Rabbi Evan Moffic
• Rabbi Meir on daily blessing obligations (Sefaria)
• Sinai & Synapses
• The Social Emotions Lab at Northeastern University
Will You Help Us Answer the Call? The shofar's blast is a call to wake up and show up for what matters. My Jewish Learning answers that call all year by keeping Jewish knowledge free and open to anyone who wants it. Your gift helps us keep answering.
Credits:
Writer/producer: Kate Mishkin
Story producer: Gabrielle Birkner
Fact-checking: Rachel Scheinerman
Sound design/mixing: Jonathan Shifflett of Studio Phonic
Interstitial music: Written and performed by Nan Schwartz
Outro music: “Swirls & Eddies,” written and performed by Grace Corsi
Art direction: Grace Yagel
Shofar, So Good! is a podcast from My Jewish Learning, a division of 70 Faces Media. Ami Eden is the CEO of 70 Faces Media, and Rebecca Phillips is the publisher.
This podcast was originally developed in the Jewish Writers Institute Digital Storytellers Lab and produced with support from Maimonides Fund. Special thanks to Rebecca Friedman.
