The Beth El Podcast Network

Send us a text​This Shabbat, we were joined by rabbinical intern, Bennett Decker to provide the Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (March 1, 2025)

Send us a textSpring is just around the corner, and with it comes warmer weather, longer days, and—of course—baseball season! This week, we’re diving into the joys (and occasional miseries) of springtime.But wait—ever tried lamb, rabbit, or other “delicacies” that might make you hesitate? We’re breaking down some bold food choices and debating whether they're worth a bite—or best left off the plate.Then, let’s talk about something truly unsettling: dolls. Some people love them, but let’s be honest—many of them are just plain creepy. Why do they always seem to be watching?And of course, we wrap things up with our Shonda of the Week—because no week is complete without a little collective head-shaking.Grab your drink of choice, settle in, and join us for another episode of The Havdalah Happy Hour—where Jewish life meets laughter, a little kvetching, and a whole lot of fun.

Send us a textThis week, Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Emily Ellentuck dive into Parashat Terumah as we journey through the Book of Exodus. Why does God need a place to dwell? And what’s up with dolphin skin in the desert? Plus, a bonus chat about menorah designs… and a dad joke that might need its own atonement.

Send us a textOn this episode of Havdalah Happy Hour, we’re going off-book—literally! We kick things off by discussing the art of davening without a siddur. Can you wing it? Are water bottles the new fad? From Stanley cups to emotional-support Hydro Flasks, we dive into the hydration craze.Speaking of fads, we take a nostalgic detour to reminisce about our favorite childhood trends—slap bracelets, Tamagotchis, or something truly embarrassing? (No judgment… okay, maybe a little.)Grab your favorite water bottle (we know you have one), and tune in for another episode of Havdalah Happy Hour!

Send us a textIn case you missed it or wanted to share, here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's and Ben Kreshtool's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (February 22, 2025)

Send us a textOn this episode of Havdalah Happy Hour, we’re diving into the big questions—like why meteorologists get so much hate (seriously, they’re just trying to help), whether sushi cakes are a culinary masterpiece or a mistake, and how Ben survived his recent battle with the flu. Plus, we break down a recent controversial AI-generated video, exploring how quickly misinformation spreads on social media and what we can do to stay ahead of the digital chaos. 

Send us a textIn case you missed it or wanted to share, here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (February 15, 2025)

Send us a textThis week, Rabbis Schwartz and Saroken dive into Parashat Yitro as we continue through the Book of Exodus.From Jethro’s unexpected visit to the challenge of juggling personal and professional life. Plus, what’s the most important of the Ten Commandments? We’ve got thoughts.Oh, and yes, we’re talking about emojis. Join us this Saturday morning as we recite the Ten Commandments together!

Send us a textIn case you missed it or wanted to share, here is Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (February 8, 2025)

Send us a textThis week, Rabbis Schwartz and Saroken dive into Parashat Beshalach as we continue through the Book of Exodus.From the splitting of the sea to the everyday struggles of parallel parking, we explore the tension between waiting for miracles and taking action in a chaotic world.How have your prayers changed since October 7? What values and morals are we most proud of as Jews? Do miracles really happen, or is human courage the force that carries us through tough times? Tune in!