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"We will rebuild ourselves. We will rebuild our relationships. We will rebuild our lives and we will rebuild our world...The Jewish people will be here and will thrive forever."

In case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends, here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's full sermon from the first day of Rosh Hashanah at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. 

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"Live proudly as a Jew!" During his Rosh Hashanah sermon, Rabbi Steven Schwartz reflects on the difficulty of these High Holy Days, shaped by the horrific events of October 7th, rising antisemitism, and the recent missile attacks on Israel. 

In case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends, here is Rabbi Schwartz's full sermon from the first day of Rosh Hashanah at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. 

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During the Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation, Rabbi Dana Saroken shared a heartfelt letter she wrote to the mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin. 

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 Cantor Thom King is joined by St. Ignatius Music Director Paul Teie and Deacon Paul Weber to discuss Baltimore’s upcoming New Year’s Eve Interfaith Prayer Service. 

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52 hours in Israel - Rabbi Dana Saroken discusses her recent trip to Israel and Esti Zenati reflects on life in the United States since October 7. 

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In case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends - here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz's sermon from this past Shabbat. 

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Applesauce or sour cream? From latkes to oil, Ben Kreshtool and Rabbi Steven Schwartz prepare for the start of Hanukkah. In the darkness of winter, how can we use the lights of Hanukkah to illuminate our world? 

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A mom’s night out! Pour yourself a glass of wine and join Amanda, Jill, Risa, and Lacey as they discuss the joys and struggles of motherhood. With Hanukkah right around the corner, what is the worst present your kids ever received and did it come from your mother-in-law?

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Rabbi Dana Saroken's sermon from December 2, 2023 at Beth El Congregation.  Rabbi Saroken discusses the sexual violence that occurred on October 7 at the music festival massacre in Israel. 

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My synagogue has a podcast? Yes, we do! Ben, Jeremy, Sami and Jill discuss our new podcast and provide a preview of what we have planned. Tell all of your friends and remember to call your mother! L'Chaim! 

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Esti Zenati is joined by Jewish writer, activist and co-host of the We Should All Be Zionists podcast with Dr. Einat Wilf. They talk about Blake's activism experience and why he has chosen to be active in the fight against antisemitism, Zionism, his recent aliyah and more! 

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In case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends - here is our Torah Talk from this past Shabbat with Rabbi Steven Schwartz, Rabbi Naomi Zaslow, and Ben Kreshtool. 

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Last month, catcher Danny Jansen became the first player in Major League Baseball history to play on both teams in the same game. Did you know Rabbi Schwartz once led services at two different shul's on the same Shabbat morning? 

In case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends - here is Rabbi Schwartz's sermon from this past Friday evening Shabbat service at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. 

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As the kids head back to school and we settle into the fall routine, join us for a cozy and fun-filled Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Kosher Baltimore, exploring the best eats and treats our city has to offer. We’re also thrilled to welcome our special guest, Cantor Emily Ellentuck, who will share some insights and maybe even a song or two.

But that’s not all! We’ll take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, chatting about our favorite TV shows from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Remember those classic Bible cartoons? We’ll revisit those too, reminiscing about the quirky and educational animations that shaped our childhoods.

So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and tune in for an hour of laughter, memories, and great conversation!

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Exams, hardships, Jewish traditions and the story of a flat tire...

In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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The Rabbi and Her Dress! In case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends - here is Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's sermon from this past Friday evening.

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Clergy Talk from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore with Rabbi Schwartz, Rabbi Zaslow and Cantor King. 

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After a refreshing week away, we're back with a brand-new episode of Havdalah Happy Hour! Tune in as we share stories from our recent vacations, unravel some conspiracy theories, and debate whether the media is helping or hurting us with their news coverage. Are globes and encyclopedias relics of the past? And, we kick off the planning for an epic energy drink taste test—because what could possibly go wrong? Grab your favorite drink and join the conversation!

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The moms are back and we dive into the latest Olympic drama, swap stories about planning our big 40th birthday bashes, and hear all about Risa's awkward moment at school. Plus, we're doing a taste test of the new Dunkin Spiked Iced Coffee—because what’s a podcast without a little caffeine? Tune in for a fun-filled episode that’s as relatable as it is entertaining. Don't miss it!

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In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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Esti Zenati is joined by a special guest, Dr. Einat Wilf. They discuss the importance of Zionism, the right path to peace in the Middle East, and her latest book, We Should All Be Zionists.

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Olympics, Prayer and Desire. In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's full sermon from this past Friday evening Shabbat service at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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Today, we dive into the world of news consumption, discussing where and how people get their news. We'll also explore the latest international prisoner swaps and their global impact, as well as the latest updates from the Olympics. Plus, Jill shares her new hobby with us, adding a fun twist to the show. Tune in for these discussions and much more on this week's episode of Havdalah Happy Hour!

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Sports trivia and Torah. In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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Welcome to another exciting episode of the Havdalah Happy Hour! This week, we discuss the much-anticipated kickoff of the Olympics, a major disruption to air travel that left thousands stranded and frustrated, and the chaos that erupted in Washington, DC. 

Grab your favorite drink and join Ben, Jeremy, and Jill for Havdalah Happy Hour!

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Shavua Tov! Welcome to another enlightening episode of Havdalah Happy Hour! Ben is back from his trip to Israel. We recap his journey and share a failed attempt to prank Jill. 

But that's not all—we delve into the latest headlines with a discussion on the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. 

Pour yourself a drink and unwind with the Havdalah Happy Hour!

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Clergy Talk from Shabbat at Beth El Congregation with Rabbi Zaslow and Ben Kreshtool. 

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Shavua Tov! We are back for a special daytime episode of the Havdalah Happy Hour.  Ben, Jeremy, and Jill are joined by special guest, Rabbi Naomi Zaslow. Today we discuss our plans for the upcoming holiday weekend, including an upcoming trip to Israel. Who made the list for our Shanda of the week? Pull up a chair, pour a drink, and join us for Havdalah Happy Hour! 

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Clergy Talk from last weekend's Pride Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore, with Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Zaslow. 

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In the season 1 finale of The Havdalah Happy Hour, Ben takes us on a journey through his recent trip to Poland, sharing his experiences and reflections. As the High Holy Days approach, we dive into all the preparations and meaningful moments ahead. And of course, we can't wrap up the season without our "Shonda of the Week" – where we shake our heads in disbelief. 

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"With this Pride Shabbat, it's easy to fall into a mistake that what we're doing is new or wouldn't have been accepted in the past. But, I think that this week's Torah reading is telling us exactly the opposite. We get to be who we are and we get to celebrate our past and all the sages of our traditions." 

In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's full sermon from this past Friday evening Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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Shavua Tov! Ben, Jeremy, and Jill are back. Tonight we recap Shavout, summer camp, and an unplanned visit to CowTown USA. Who made the list for our Shanda of the week? Pull up a chair, pour a drink, and join us for Havdalah Happy Hour! 

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The moms are back from their summer vacation. Is it really a vacation when there is no school or camp? Who was more anxious about the start of summer camp - the moms or kids? Don't miss out! 

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"Determined and with the strength of will that has carried us all the way since the time of Moses to the present day, should continue to sustain us for many generations to come." 

In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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Esti is joined by her own 9-year-old daughter, Jazz, and Beth El's Executive Director, Ben Wachstein, to talk about Esti & Jazz's trip to visit their family in Israel this summer and Jazz's upcoming first time at a sleep away camp. Stay tuned for a trip & camp recap in August!

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"What if these two angels are God being with us all the time and witnessing our baggage, our fears, and our hopes? And every Shabbat they are with us, and they say, I see you as God sees us and we are not alone."

In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Naomi Zaslow's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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"Today, we are grateful for the return of the four hostages, for their families, and for the courage of the IDF soldiers who led them to freedom; in a complicated and dangerous mission." 

In case you missed it, here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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Shavua Tov! Summer sweaters and people who leave their shopping carts unattended in parking lots…Who made the list for our Shanda of the week? Join Ben, Jeremy, and Jill for Havdalah Happy Hour! 

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Esti and Ben share the latest updates on the ongoing war in Israel and tell the story of the Cunio family members who were kidnapped on October 7th. Sharon Aloni Cunio and her 3-year-old daughters Yuli & Emma were released in November, her husband David is still held hostage in Gaza. 

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"We are all God's children and our choices can lead us to good, or our choices can lead us to evil.Our Parsha tells us that if you choose good, you will be blessed, and if you choose bad, you will be cursed. It is a choice that each and every one of us makes every single day."

In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. 

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In the season 1 finale of Kvetch & Co, we're diving into the world of kid birthday parties and ask the eternal question: To goodie bag or not to goodie bag? And why does it feel like we’re planning a small wedding for a 5-year-old?! Plus, we’re tackling those after-school meltdowns and bedtime sagas. If you’ve ever found yourself Googling "how to …….,”  this episode is for you!

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During our Friday evening Shabbat service, we had the opportunity to hear from Lara, a member of our Beth El community who is currently attending college. Lara shared how life on her college campus has changed since October 7. 

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Shavua Tov! How many Americans can drive a vehicle with a manual transmission? Does anyone still have a phone in their home? Ben, Jeremy and Jill recap our holiday weekend,  including a trip to Atlantic City and Rhode Island. Who made the list for our Shanda of the week? Join us for Havdalah Happy Hour! 

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During a busy season of college and high school graduations, Rabbi Steven Schwartz delivered an inspiring message to the class of 2024. 

In case you missed it or would like to share - here is Rabbi Schwartz's full sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.

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Shavua Tov! After a week off, Ben, Jeremy and Jill are back. Who made the list for our Shanda of the week? Grab a drink and join us for Havdalah Happy Hour! 

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Esti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool talk to our special guest, Idan Tzameret, owner of Kitchen Design by Idan on Falls Rd in Baltimore and Beth El member, about the experience he had with antisemitism in early May, his life as an Israeli, including his years in the IDF, and the current war.

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Ben Kreshtool and Amanda Beitman are joined by Mark Plakotoris of Designed with Purpose to discuss Beth El Congregation’s new Shulchan (reading table.) 

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"It's important for us to stand strong, kindle our own inner light, find our own path forward,  and to not rely on the ghosts of the past, when we have the ability to create our own future." 

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.

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Shavua Tov! Ben, Jeremy and Jill recap the previous week and discuss the ongoing college campus protests happening throughout the country.  How much did Jeremy get from his settlement with Southwest Airlines? We also welcome our new listeners from Japan and share a story about a small town in Japan installing a screen to keep the tourists away. Grab a drink and join us for Havdalah Happy Hour!