The Shalom Hartman Institute announces the launch of “Thoughts & Prayers,” a new limited podcast series that uncovers the complexity, beauty and struggle at the heart of Jewish prayer. In five episodes, the series invites listeners into a deep exploration of the relationship between religion and modern life through the lens of Jewish prayer.
Hosted by rabbi, writer and educator Jessica Fisher, it weaves together personal stories, classical texts and conversations with leading rabbis, scholars and educators. The series offers thoughtful, accessible entry points into prayer that open space for reflection, curiosity and renewed connection.
As the Hartman Institute continues to address the most pressing questions in Jewish public life, “Thoughts & Prayers” expands its digital offerings to meet a growing desire among North American Jews for content rooted in Jewish ideas, tradition and ritual life. While conversations about Israel, antisemitism and civic belonging remain central, many are also seeking guidance grounded in Jewish spiritual practice. The new podcast brings Hartman’s Torah to life with the qualities that define the Institute’s work: a commitment to deep thinking, a love of Judaism and an openness to diverse perspectives.
“Prayer is one of Judaism’s most enduring and most challenging practices,” said Rabbi Jessica Fisher, director of teen and educational initiatives at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, where she leads work with high school students and develops educational and ritual resources for rabbis, educators and the broader community. “Many people wrestle with how to pray, whether prayer still matters and what it can offer in their lives. This series creates space to ask those questions openly and to discover meaning without requiring certainty.”
“Thoughts & Prayers” explores core questions shaping Jewish prayer today:
- Does prayer change the world, or does it change us?
- How do individual spiritual needs relate to communal responsibility?
- What happens when prayer and politics meet in public life?
- How has the State of Israel reshaped the meaning and practice of Jewish prayer?
- Is it possible for prayer to serve as a source of connection across the diversity of the Jewish people?
In a moment marked by disconnection and exhaustion, the series suggests that prayer, in its most expansive sense, may offer a pathway to connection—to God, to community or to the Jewish people.
Episode 1: Does Prayer Work?
Explores one of the most fundamental and resonant questions in Jewish life, with guests Sara Labaton, Josh Warshawsky and Akiva Mattenson.
Episode 2: Between Me and We
Examines the tension between individual spirituality and communal obligation, with Yossi Klein Halevi, Maayan Statman Shaw, Elana Stein Hain and Akiva Mattenson.
Episode 3: When Prayer Meets Politics
Looks at prayer in American public life, featuring Elie Weinstock, Annie Lewis, Lauren Holtzblatt and Akiva Mattenson.
Episode 4: The Land of Israel Is Prayer
Considers how the creation of the State of Israel has transformed Jewish prayer, with Na’ama Levitz Applbaum, Tomer Persico, Tamar Elad-Appelbaum and Akiva Mattenson.
Episode 5 will focus on Jewish peoplehood and feature Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield, Yehuda Kurtzer, Yael Splansky and Akiva Mattenson.
The trailer and full episodes are available on major podcast platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.
