The 72 Names of G-d Explained with Eliyahu Jian
Rabbi Eliyahu Jian discusses the 72 Names of God derived from three verses in Parashat Beshalach, explaining their origin, purpose, and practical application through meditation. He emphasizes that spiritual tools require both internal transformation (surrender, self-sacrifice, proper intention) and external action to be effective.
Summary
The podcast features Rabbi Eliyahu Jian discussing his book 'The 72 Names,' which presents meditative practices based on Kabbalistic teachings sourced from Rabbi Moshe Cordovero's 'Shorshe Hashemot.' The 72 Names originate from three consecutive verses in Parashat Beshalach (verses 19-20) that each contain exactly 72 letters, corresponding to the 72-letter name of God used by Moses to split the Red Sea.
Rabbi Jian explains that Ein Bet Shemot (the 72 Names) relates to eyes and spiritual frequencies. When facing impossible situations, external prayer alone (Zer Anpin) is insufficient; one must elevate consciousness to a higher level to solve problems. He uses the phrase 'Eli—Tal Alai' (why are you crying to me?) to illustrate that God demands action alongside prayer—people must move forward in faith before divine assistance manifests.
A central theme is the concept of Mesirut Nefesh (self-sacrifice) and surrender. The rabbi argues that without surrender and willingness to sacrifice personal comfort, the 72 Names cannot be effectively used. He repeatedly contrasts spiritual seekers sitting on the bench (inactive, waiting for miracles) versus those actively engaged in life (taking action, building faith through movement).
The discussion covers related Kabbalistic concepts including Ibur (impregnation of souls), the relationship between emotions and physical organs (anger/liver, sadness/gallbladder), and the five final letters (Matzapach) representing fallen fears and judgments. He explains how charity given secretly sweetens divine judgment, and how raising consciousness through meditation transforms problems into solutions.
Rabbi Jian emphasizes the critical distinction between wanting gifts from God versus seeking connection with God. He argues that 80% of people remain spiritually stuck because they want results without relationship. He contrasts this with King David's prayer for 'Shifti' (one thing)—to see God's consciousness—rather than material blessings.
The rabbi shares personal anecdotes, including an arrest in Argentina that taught him surrender, and a story about Tom Brady calling for blessing before a Super Bowl. He concludes that all spiritual work aims at deepening connection with the Creator; the details and results are secondary to this primary goal.
About this episode
<p>The 72 Names of G-d Explained with Eliyahu Jian</p>
Key Insights
- The 72 Names derive from three consecutive verses in Parashat Beshalach, each containing exactly 72 letters, and represent the divine frequency needed to transcend impossible circumstances.
- Rabbi Jian argues that external prayer alone cannot solve problems unless accompanied by internal elevation of consciousness and willingness to surrender—a principle illustrated by God's response 'why are you crying to me' demanding action.
- The rabbi claims that without Mesirut Nefesh (self-sacrifice and willingness to go against one's nature), one cannot effectively use the 72 Names regardless of technical knowledge or practice.
- According to the rabbi, anger and emotional disturbance cause the departure of higher soul levels from a person, explaining why people become 'stupid' when angry—they literally lose access to wisdom.
- Rabbi Jian presents the concept that the five final letters (Matzapach) represent fallen fears and judgments that arise when a person gives energy to fear of others instead of trusting only in God.
- The rabbi distinguishes between 80% of people who want results from spirituality without relationship to God versus the rare individual who seeks connection itself, claiming this is why most remain spiritually stuck.
- He argues that activation from above requires activation from below—God moves when humans move, citing the principle that thought must lead to speech which must lead to action.
- Rabbi Jian claims that bitterness and difficulty are invitations from God meant to fuel action and growth, not to depress—the failure to utilize this fuel results in receiving the same difficulty in higher doses.
Topics
Transcript
Welcome, welcome to today's podcast. Today's podcast is sponsored by You Can Tell Yehuda Ben-Morcha Yigitel, Rachel Brown Matchmaking, also in the success of and Yeret Shemaim of Gadiel Ben-Elisheva, Sheva Ben-Elisheva, Reina Malakotobo Basha, and Emmet Ben-Elisheva. This class is also in the healing of Raphael Ben-Shalomit, and Helene Orna Bar-Hanchanah, Hashem give them Rufo Shalema, and all the success of all call Israel. Rabbi, welcome back. Thank you. Thank you for having me. Popular request to have you back. Thank you for having me. Thank you. So we're going to continue talking about relationships, Kabbalah, a little bit of everything. You name it. We left off short. Your world of wisdom. You just created this book, The 72…
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