

The Beth El Podcast Network
Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
The Chai Life at Beth El Congregation is our flagship podcast, blending Judaism with contemporary issues. Engaging and informative, it sparks intriguing conversations to educate and entertain, both in the Jewish community and beyond.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2024 • 16min
Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat Sermon (November 16, 2024)
Send us a textRabbi Dana Saroken discusses the three ways we can help foster a love and connection to Judaism for our children and grandchildren. In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Saroken's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

Nov 16, 2024 • 33min
Havdalah Happy Hour - Special Guest Rabbi Dana Saroken
Send us a textThis week on Havdalah Happy Hour, we’re mixing up more than just kiddush cups! Rabbi Saroken joins us as we continue our debate from last week about burnt bagels and well done pizza. Rabbi Saroken shares her unique connection with airports and we play a quick game of Jewish cemetery trivia. Meanwhile, Emily rolls in with our brand-new Kidz Kart—a game-changer for families attending Shabbat services. Hear how this mobile treasure trove of fun is making visits to our synagogue even more engaging for our youngest members.Tune in for laughs and so much more!

Nov 11, 2024 • 30min
Kvetch & Co - Alpaca Farm Adventure
Send us a textKvetch & Co is back for Season 2 on the Beth El Podcast Network. We jump right into things with these four fabulous moms recapping the highs (and kvetch-worthy lows) of the recent High Holy Days. But it doesn’t stop there! The mom’s take us through their adventures in everyday life, from debating the merits of Starbucks holiday drinks to the highs and lows of shopping with their husbands. And don’t miss the laugh-out-loud stories from their unforgettable trip to an alpaca farm—spoiler alert: alpacas don’t care about your personal space.

Nov 11, 2024 • 10min
Rabbi Steven Schwartz's Shabbat Sermon (November 9, 2024)
Send us a text"Judaism suggests to us in many ways that life is less about reaching a final destination than it is about experiencing the journey along the way..."In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz's sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

Nov 9, 2024 • 25min
Havdalah Happy Hour - Pineapple Pizza and Burnt Bagels (November 9, 2024)
Send us a textHavdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast Network is back and better than ever! This week, Cantor Emily Ellentuck joins us to share her journey from the deserts of Arizona to the rolling hills of Maryland. From adjusting to Daylight Savings Time to marveling at the fall foliage, we cover it all. Plus, we debate the merits of pineapple on pizza and tackle the tragic saga of burnt bagels. And, of course, we reveal this week’s “Shonda of the Week.” Who made the list? Tune in to find out—it's the perfect way to wind down your Shabbat!

Nov 6, 2024 • 14min
Jumping into Genesis with Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken (November 6, 2024)
Send us a textJumping into Genesis, Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken delve into our weekly Torah portion, continuing this week with Lech Lecha. Why did Abraham follow God's call to leave his home? How willing would you be to take a leap and go into the unknown? Tune in next week when we discuss Gomorrah - a city destroyed by fire or a Jerry Garcia song.

Nov 4, 2024 • 23min
Ben Kreshtool discusses his recent journey back to Poland (November 2, 2024)
Send us a textThis past Shabbat our Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool discussed his recent journey back to Poland.

Nov 2, 2024 • 30min
Havdalah Happy Hour: Looking Out from the Bimah (November 2, 2024)
Send us a textGrab a seat and pour yourself a drink—it’s time for the return of The Havdalah Happy Hour! In our brand new season opener, we’re diving into the highs and lows of this past holiday season. Join us as Ben takes us behind the scenes of his Yom Kippur preparations and shares a few unusual moments he spotted from the bimah. And, of course, it wouldn’t be The Havdalah Happy Hour without our favorite segment: Shonda of the Week! Listen in for stories, insights, and a touch of the High Holy Day spirit.

Oct 30, 2024 • 18min
Jumping Into Genesis with Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken (October 30, 2024)
Send us a textJumping into Genesis, Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken delve into each Torah portion in Genesis, starting with Noach, to explore timeless lessons and challenges relevant to modern life. They discuss the themes of creation and renewal, reflecting on how Noach’s story serves as both a tale of divine judgment and human resilience. We also add a mix of the World Series, Lord of the Rings, and household chores.

Oct 27, 2024 • 11min
Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's Shabbat Sermon (October 26, 2024)
Send us a text"How do we begin this year so full of new dreams? How do we find the courage to translate those dreams into a reality?" In case you missed it or would like to share, here is Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.