In this episode of the Prayer Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the Ketores (incense offering), the final and most powerful part of the morning offerings. He explains that the Ketores, (detailed on pages 34–39 of the Artscroll Wasserman Siddur) is spiritually significant, as the Zohar teaches it nullifies negative forces in the world through its aroma. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes its potency, noting that it surpasses even the Shema and Amidah in some aspects, often recited with a minyan to maximize its impact. He delves into the symbolism of numbers, highlighting that 10 represents holiness (e.g., Ten Commandments, ten verses in Rosh Hashanah prayers), while 11 and 9 signify evil forces. The Ketores uses 11 spices to counter these forces, with specific weights (e.g., 70, 16, 12, 9 mane) to disrupt their sequence and overpower evil, as seen when Aaron used incense to stop Korach’s rebellion. Rabbi Wolbe connects the 11 amot depth of Noah’s Ark and the 11 verses in V’Yiten Lecha to this protective power. He discusses the inclusion of Chelbenah (galbanum), a foul-smelling spice, to symbolize incorporating the less righteous, as their negative traits can be transformed in a positive environment, like a yeshiva, mirroring the Yom Kippur prayer’s inclusion of all Jews (Kol Nidre). The Ketores must include all 11 spices, or it incurs severe consequences, underscoring the need for precision in recitation, as if offering it in the Temple.
Rabbi Wolbe explains the use of salt as a preservative, dipped three times with challah to chase away evil, and notes the exclusion of honey, despite its transformative power, due to Torah prohibition and cost considerations. He highlights the spiritual ascent of the Ketores’s aroma, transforming physical elements into a divine connection, and cites the Shelah HaKadosh to emphasize feeling the Teshuva of the offerings over mere understanding. Reciting Ketores protects individuals, families, and the Jewish nation. Rabbi Wolbe concludes by connecting the shofar’s sound in Elul to sending prayers to God, urging listeners to reflect on their past year and seek Teshuva to clear spiritual obstacles, wishing all a meaningful week.
_____________
This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg
This episode (Ep. #36) of the Prayer Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Dr. Leonard & June Goldberg! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!
Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on September 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on September 4, 2025
_____________
DONATE to TORCH: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!
_____________
SUBSCRIBE and LISTEN to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe:
For a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at https://www.TORCHpodcasts.com
_____________
EMAIL your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
_____________
Please visit www.torchweb.org to see a full listing of our outreach and educational resources available in the Greater Houston area!
_____________
#Prayer, #Tefillah, #Siddur, #Offerings, #Incense, #Ketores, #11Spices, #Honey, #Shofar