Best Shabbat Observance Podcasts (2025)

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Floodwaters and ICE 33:07

Play Pause

5h ago33:07

33:07

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Want to support what we do? Become a Builder or donate today! https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-…

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In The Beginning… There Were No Kings 26:03

2d ago26:03

26:03

The night before a contingent of Mishkanites joined the massive October 18th, 2025 No Kings March, Rabbi Lizzi gave us some framing for the longstanding Jewish rejection of the idea that any person or people is greater than another. In the beginning, there were no kings. So, how did we end up in this mess? And what can we do about it? Produced by M…

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A Case For Joy — R' Lizzi Yom Kippur 5786 28:22

20d ago28:22

28:22

This sermon was delivered at our 5786 Yom Kippur service. Support our work by donating to our High Holiday Pledge Campaign: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2025-5786 Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss. Transcript…

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We Have To Care About What Other People Think — R' Steven Kol Nidre 5786 26:33

21d ago26:33

26:33

This sermon was delivered at our 5786 Kol Nidre service. Support our work by donating to our High Holiday Pledge Campaign: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2025-5786 Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss. Transcript…

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This Is A Moral Test — R'Lizzi Rosh Hashanah 5786 34:38

29d ago34:38

34:38

This sermon was delivered at our 5786 Rosh Hashanah service. Registration is open for High Holidays at Mishkan! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, so sav…

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Sometimes We Stand Alone — R'Steven Erev Rosh Sermon 25:00

1M ago25:00

25:00

This sermon was delivered at our 5786 Erev Rosh Hashanah service. Registration is open for High Holidays at Mishkan! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, s…

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I Am Becoming Who I Am Becoming 32:04

1M ago32:04

32:04

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Registration is open for High Holidays at Mishkan! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, sta…

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Observing Our Desires 36:19

2M ago36:19

36:19

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Registration is open for High Holidays at Mishkan! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, sta…

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Immigration Justice, Labor Organizing, And Changing Our Perspectives 33:26

2M ago33:26

33:26

Hello and welcome to Contact Chai. Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on August 30th when Rabbi Lizzi drashed on the power of perspective to change our lives and the world. But first, we were joined by Mishkanite Aliza Becker who shared moving words about the fight for immigration justice, and Ethan Aronson of Arise Chicago who spok…

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May We Rejoice 13:01

2M ago13:01

13:01

At our service on August 22nd, we welcomed BluePrint graduates who have chosen conversion into the Jewish people. Terri Shih drashed about her experiences which brought her to Judaism and shared her wishes of rejoicing for us. *** High Holiday registration is open! Save your seat by registering today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mishkanchic…

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Opening The High Holidays 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

In this special episode recovered from The Mishkan Vault, Rabbi Lizzi speaks with renowned tech entrepreneur Harry Gottlieb about the spiritual technology of teshuvah and the power of the High Holidays in our modern world. *** High Holiday registration is open! Save your seat by registering today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mishkanchicago/…

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Army of Healers: Nitsan Joy Gordon and Jawdat Kasam 1:07:57

2M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

Rabbi Lizzi spoke with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in the Army of Healing movement. Nitsan Joy Gordon and Jawdat Kasab of Together Beyond Words are the recent recipients of the 2025 IIE Victor J. Goldberg Prize for Peace in the Middle East. This was a powerful conversation that unfolded slowly and with trust, and we felt really honored to welco…

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It’s Not You, It’s Moshe 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on August 16th when Rabbi Steven delivered a drash on Deuteronomy. Moses is just not that into us, and he’s written us a whole book detailing how we messed up our chances with the most eligible prophet in the land. What lessons can we learn from this retelling of Israel’s relationship with Moses an…

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Coming Home To Judaism 16:52

2M ago16:52

16:52

At our August 8th, 2025 service, a BluePrint conversion graduate shared her story as someone who found her spiritual home in the Jewish tradition. Builder Drive 2025: Creating inspired, down-to-earth Judaism is a group effort. Mishkan Chicago relies on Builders, people who have chosen to invest in the longterm sustainability of our community. We in…

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Minyan, Music, Talmud 33:59

3M ago33:59

33:59

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/ https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/ …

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Honoring Our Pain 22:43

3M ago22:43

22:43

Rabbi Lizzi shares the timeless wisdom of Tisha b'Av at our August 2nd, 2025 service. Builder Drive 2025: Creating inspired, down-to-earth Judaism is a group effort. Mishkan Chicago relies on Builders, people who have chosen to invest in the longterm sustainability of our community. We invite you to take the next step and become a Builder to help u…

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Tisha B'Av Preview 30:57

3M ago30:57

30:57

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

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18. Lighting Shabbos Candles When You Are A Guest 19:11

3M ago19:11

19:11

If you're staying at someone else’s home or a hotel, do you still light Shabbos candles? And if you do… should you make a bracha? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the halachic layers of being an ore’ach—a guest—and whether lighting in someone else’s space fulfills the mitzvah of hadlakat nerot. Drawing from Peninei Halakha, the Shulchan Aruch, the Rema, an…

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17. Neon Shabbos Lights 23:20

3M ago23:20

23:20

Can Shabbos candles be electric? What about fluorescent bulbs or LED lights? Rav Shlomo Katz dives into the halachic and spiritual criteria for fulfilling the mitzvah of Hadlakat Nerot. What qualifies as a kosher Shabbos light, and why?By Rav Shlomo Katz

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16. Do We Light Before Blessing on the Candle？ 15:37

3M ago15:37

15:37

There’s a beautiful dance at candle-lighting time, but who leads first: the flame or the blessing? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the two primary minhagim surrounding the order of lighting Shabbos candles and reciting the bracha. Why do some light first and others bless first? What’s the deeper reasoning behind each approach? And how does this moment whi…

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15. How Many Candles Do I Light？ 15:01

3M ago15:01

15:01

Is one candle enough, or should you light one for every member of your household? Rav Shlomo Katz explores the halachic foundations and evolving customs behind Shabbos candle lighting. From the Mishnah in Bameh Madlikin to the teachings of Peninei Halakha, we look at how oil, wicks, and even Shalom Bayis all play a part in the flame. We also unpack…

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14. Why Are Women The Ones Who Light The Shabbos Candles？ 18:04

3M ago18:04

18:04

Why is the mitzvah of lighting Shabbat candles traditionally given to women, and where should the candles be lit? Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha the deeper reason behind women’s role in lighting Shabbos candles, and the practical halachos that come with it.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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13. Lighting Shabbos Candles 10:00

3M ago10:00

10:00

Where did the mitzvah of lighting Shabbos candles come from? Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the origins and halachic purpose of this cherished obligation. More than just a tradition, lighting candles brings shalom bayit, oneg, and kavod Shabbat into the home, transforming the atmosphere and marking the sacred transition from week…

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12. Can You Daven Mincha After Accepting Shabbos? 28:10

3M ago28:10

28:10

What happens if you accept Shabbos early, but haven’t davened Mincha yet? Can you still pray a weekday Mincha after taking on Tosefet Shabbos? Rav Shlomo Katz walks us through the dance between Torah law and rabbinic law, intention and obligation, personal timing and communal practice. From the flickering candles of Friday afternoon to the timing o…

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11. My Word Means Something 23:02

3M ago23:02

23:02

What is the proper way to acknowledge Tosefet Shabbat and actually make it real? Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha how taking in Shabbos early isn’t just about lighting candles or watching the clock. It’s about intention, declaration, and honoring the power of your own word. Because when you say, “It’s Shabbos now,” it becomes Shabbos. An…

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10. Tosefes Shabbos 21:00

3M ago21:00

21:00

Is adding onto Shabbos a luxury or an obligation? Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the mitzvah of Tosefes Shabbos—extending the boundaries of holiness by welcoming Shabbos in early and saying goodbye a little later. We explore the halachic sources behind this practice and uncover its deeper meaning: how a few extra minutes can tran…

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9. When Does Shabbos Begin？ 27:24

3M ago27:24

27:24

The moment Shabbos begins isn’t as simple as sunset. Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the halachic weight of twilight—bein hashmashot—and how it shapes the way we welcome in the holy day. We explore how this in-between time carries deep significance, both legally and spiritually. Because knowing when Shabbos begins helps us know ho…

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8. Irrigation System, Shabbos Clocks & Cruises 35:55

3M ago35:55

35:55

When it comes to Shabbos clocks, going on cruises, & even watering your garden, the world of Halacha provides for us a beautiful way of honoring Shabbos.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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7. A Holy Friday Afternoon 21:29

3M ago21:29

21:29

Rav Shlomo Katz learns from Peninei Halakha about the do’s and don’ts of Erev Shabbat: what we should avoid in the final hours before candle lighting, and what we’re meant to embrace. Because how we transition into Shabbos sets the tone for everything that follows. When approached with intention, even the busiest Erev Shabbat becomes part of the ho…

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6. Last Minute Preparations 16:11

3M ago16:11

16:11

Rav Shlomo Katz continues learning Peninei Halakha and covers the halachot and practical guidelines around last-minute preparations for Shabbos—what’s permitted, what to be careful with, and how to enter Shabbos with presence, even when time is short.By Rav Shlomo Katz

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5. Borrowing Money for My Oneg Shabbos 19:17

3M ago19:17

19:17

How far should you go to honor Shabbos? I Rav Shlomo Katz explores the halachic and emotional tension between wanting to give Shabbos everything and being honest about our financial reality. Drawing from Peninei Halakha, the Rambam, and the words of Chazal, we learn when borrowing for Oneg Shabbos is a mitzvah, and when it crosses the line into fal…

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4. Keeping Shabbos by Preparing for Shabbos 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

If Shabbos is a taste of Gan Eden, why does Friday afternoon so often feel like Gehinom? Rav Shlomo Katz explores how proper preparation is not just helpful, it’s halacha. Drawing from Peninei Halakha, we learn how getting ready for Shabbos is part of keeping Shabbos itself, and how small shifts during the week can bring peace, presence, and joy in…

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3. A Day for Soul Expression 23:01

3M ago23:01

23:01

Why do our Sages consider Shabbos to be a taste of the World to Come? Because on Shabbos, the soul finally gets to speak. In this episode, Rav Shlomo Katz learns through Peninei Halakha to uncover how Shabbos gives voice to the neshama—a day when we pause the noise, the chase, and the pressure, and make space for what’s eternal. Shabbos is about re…

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2. Remembering Shabbos During the Week 29:42

3M ago29:42

29:42

Shabbos doesn’t start on Friday night. It starts on Sunday. Rav Shlomo Katz learns through Peninei Halakha to show how the mitzvah of “Zachor et Yom HaShabbat”—remembering Shabbos—actually applies to every day of the week. Whether it’s how we speak, plan, shop, or prepare, each day draws meaning from the Shabbos it leads to. With insights from the …

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1. Am I A Zachor Or Shamor Type Of Jew？ 40:03

3M ago40:03

40:03

Do I keep Shabbos or am I just making sure that I don't mechalel Shabbos?By Rav Shlomo Katz

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Hands As Tools For Work & Holiness — Guest Teacher AnnMerle Feldman 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

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Euphemisms for God: A Deep Dive into the Amidah 43:56

4M ago43:56

43:56

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

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Modeh Ani Three Ways 35:08

4M ago35:08

35:08

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

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Pride Month As A Palace In Time 22:17

4M ago22:17

22:17

Hello and welcome to Contact Chai. Pride Shabbat was a beautiful celebration of what makes this community special, a place to bring our whole selves to something larger than ourselves. Rabbi Steven drashed on Pride, love, and our obligations to our fellow humans. We also kicked off Builder Drive 2025! Our community is only possible through the supp…

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The Divine Duel 52:50

4M ago52:50

52:50

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

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Grasshoppers and Giants: The Stories We Tell Ourselves 26:22

4M ago26:22

26:22

Hello, and welcome to Contact Chai. Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on Saturday, June 21st, when Rabbi Lizzi delivered a drash on that famous scene in which the spies come back with a less than rosy report on what they were up against in Canaan: "If we’re snagging that land, it might cost us our lives. Those guys are huge!" Value…

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Do You Believe In Miracles? 43:29

4M ago43:29

43:29

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Become A Builder! https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/ Transcript…

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Torah For Navigating the Wilderness 34:25

4M ago34:25

34:25

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on Friday, June 13th, when Rabbi Lizzi spoke about our ancestors’ harrowing experiences as they navigated the wilderness. How can learn from their wisdom and failure as we chart a course through our own uncertain time? Pride Shabbat is nearly here! We hope you will join us next Friday, June 27th, i…

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When Afraid, Be A Blessing 17:42

5M ago17:42

17:42

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Saturday morning service on June 7th, when Rabbi Steven delivered a drash on how we can productively respond to violent antisemitism. Dwelling on our fear and succumbing to paranoia may not be a healthy reaction to hatred and violence, but there is no point in pretending that we are not afraid right now. S…

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American Judaism #3: Andrew Rehfeld — Are Rabbinic Seminaries In Crisis? 1:03:29

5M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Andrew Rehfeld, President & Professor of Political Thought of Hebrew Union College, presents his findings on the state of American Judaism. Are seminaries in crisis? What can be done about the shortage of rabbis? View From The Top: A Discussion Series w/ Rabbi Lizzi Rabbis are on the front lines of leading communities, speaking out for moral clarit…

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Leaving the Wilderness, Finding Judaism 20:46

5M ago20:46

20:46

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay from our Shavuot Shabbat service on May 30th. Caroline Miller, a Davening Team member, lay leader, and BluePrint class conversion graduate delivered a sermon about her experience rediscovering herself in Jewish community after years in a personal wilderness. For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our e…

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American Judaism #2: R'Deborah Waxman — Boldness & Holy Chutzpah in Reconstructing Judaism 1:06:02

5M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Join Rabbi Lizzi and Rabbi Deborah Waxman, President and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism, for a conversation about the state of American Judaism and the boldness and "Holy Chutzpah" in Reconstructing Judaism View From The Top: A Discussion Series w/ Rabbi Lizzi Rabbis are on the front lines of leading communities, speaking out for moral clarity and J…

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The Present & Future of American Judaism #1: R'Bradley Shavit Artson 53:15

5M ago53:15

53:15

In this inaugural episode of a new interview series titled "The View From The Top," Rabbi Lizzi spoke with Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson about his perspective on the state of the present and future of American Judaism. R'Artson (www.bradartson.com) holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean's Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is …

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Political Blasphemy — In Conversation With Rabbi Adi Romem 39:53

5M ago39:53

39:53

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Virtual Friday Night service on May 16th. Rabbi Lizzi was joined by Rabbi Adi Romem, one of the first female rabbis ordained by the Hartman Institute for Israeli rabbis. Together, they discussed blasphemy, in the Torah portion and in politics. Mark your calendars for our Pre-Shavuot Shabbat Pizza Picnic at…

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In Conversation with Israeli Humanitarian Alice Miller 50:08

5M ago50:08

50:08

"My response to trauma has to be to see everyone as human." Rabbi Lizzi spoke with Alice Miller, the CEO of Natan Worldwide Disaster Relief, an Israeli organization providing all-volunteer medical, dental, and humanitarian support all over the world. Their conversation was wide-ranging, fascinating, and surprising. Learn more about NATAN and suppor…