The Beth El Podcast Network

Send us Fan Mail In case you missed it or want to share, here is Torah Talk with Rabbi Steve Schwartz, Rabbi Dana Saroken, and Ritual Director Ben Kreshtol at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (April 12, 2025)

Send us Fan Mail This week, Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken dive into Parshat Tzav as we continue in the Book of Leviticus.  Rituals offer us a sense of comfort and stability, reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, Shabbat arrives each week without fail. We also explore the joy of gift-giving, the power of kind words, take-home bags from restaurants, and the children’s classic Goodnight Mo...

Send us Fan Mail In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (April 5, 2025)

Send us Fan Mail On this week’s Havdalah Happy Hour , we’re deep in the heart of Passover prep—cleaning, planning, and debating just how many boxes of matzah we really need. And of course, we wrap up with our Shonda of the Week—because what’s a good conversation without a little kvetching?

Send us Fan Mail This week, Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Emily Ellentuck dive into Parshat Vayikra as we begin the Book of Leviticus.    From barbecue to sacrifices and the weight of consequences, we dive into the deeper meanings behind these ancient practices. Plus, a reminder of the privilege we have in bringing mitzvot into our daily lives.

Send us Fan Mail The moms are back! This episode of Kvetch & Co. is all about surviving winter—because, honestly, it was a lot. We’re talking about navigating the flu (and every other ailment that made its way through our homes), recapping recent family travels (because traveling with kids is always an adventure), and even what happens when our pets get sick—because, of course, they do. 

Send us Fan Mail In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congreagation in Baltimore. (March 29, 2025)

Send us Fan Mail Havdalah Happy Hour is back on the Beth El Podcast Network! In this episode, we recap all the festive fun from Purim at Beth El Congregation — costumes, groggers, and maybe even a hamantaschen or two. Then, we look ahead to Passover, sharing our favorite treats and debating the age-old Passover question: Rice — kosher or not kosher?  

Send us Fan Mail This week, Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken dive into Parashat Pekudei as we reach the end of  the Book of Exodus. 

Send us Fan Mail In case you missed it or wanted to share, here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (March 22, 2025)

Send us Fan Mail In case you missed it or wanted to share, here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz and Ben Kreshtol's Torah Talk at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (March 15, 2025) 

Send us Fan Mail This week, Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken dive into Parashat Ki Tisa as we journey through the Book of Exodus.  Building community. Holding traditions. Finding forgiveness. What brings you through the door? And speaking of big moments— Purim starts tonight! Can’t wait to celebrate with you at Beth El!

Send us Fan Mail During Friday night’s sermon, Rabbi Dana Saroken shared some very powerful insights from her time at the ADL’s “Never Is Now” Conference in NYC. 

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Havdalah Happy Hour , we’re diving into all things Purim with our special guest, Rachel Rudo! We’re talking hamantaschen, our favorite Disney movies (because every Purim spiel needs a little extra magic), and giving you an exclusive preview of Beth El’s upcoming Purim spiel.  And, of course, we wrap it all up with our fan-favorite segment— Shonda of the Week ! T...

Send us Fan Mail This week, Rabbi Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool dive into Parashat Tetzaveh as we journey through the Book of Exodus.  Do the clothes make the man? Are sequels to movies better than the original? We also discuss olive oil and cooking. Tune in. 

Send us Fan Mail ​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 Fan Mail Spring 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...

Send us Fan Mail This 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 Fan Mail On 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 brace...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Fan Mail On 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...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Fan Mail This 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail In 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 Fan Mail This 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 mi...