The Israel Connection – Hosted by Esti Zenati, this engaging podcast explores all things Israel. Every other week, Esti welcomes a special guest with a unique connection to Israel—diving into culture, history, current events, and personal stories. Whether you’re deeply connected to Israel or just curious to learn more, this podcast offers insightful and meaningful conversations that bring Israel to life.
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Beth El Congregation Of Baltimore Podcasts
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.
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Shabbat Sermon, at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 20, 2025)
12:31
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12:31Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Abe Friedman's Shabbat Sermon, at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 20, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Inward, Outward, Upward - Episode 3 : Upward (Tefilah/Prayer)
34:57
34:57
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34:57Send us a text In this episode, Ora is joined by Rabbi Ben Shalva to delve into the radical transformative potential of prayer. Together, we will get lost in the Redwoods, jump into a lake, and open our hearts to new ways of being in conversation with God. We wonder: why is prayer sometimes so challenging? What is uniquely Jewish about prayer? How …
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The Israel Connection: Making a Difference with Na'ama Ore
34:40
34:40
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34:40Send us a text In this episode, Esti is joined by Na'ama Ore, the CEO of SparkIL, a social FinTech startup providing crowdfunded, interest-free loans to small Israeli businesses. The episode highlights the impact of SparkIL, in particular, emergency loan funds for businesses owned by IDF reservists and others hugely affected by the October 7 attack…
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In case you missed it or wanted to share, Torah Talk at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 13, 2025)
16:26
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16:26Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Torah Talk with Rabbi Steve Schwartz, Rabbi Dana Saroken, and Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool, at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 13, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Inward, Outward, Upward - Episode #2 (Tzedakah/Charity)
34:53
34:53
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34:53Send us a text In this episode of the Soul Center's podcast, Ora and her guest Maury Garten, Director and Shareholder of the Law Firm Fedder and Garten discuss the difference between tzedakah and charity; what does it mean to give a “meaningful amount” and how might we determine how much tzedakah is the right amount for us. They’ll share their thou…
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 6, 2025)
15:26
15:26
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15:26Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Steven Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 6, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by journalist, Jotam Confino for an unfiltered conversation on The Israel Connection to break down media bias, journalistic integrity, and the complexities of covering Israel and Gaza for a European audience. From the fallout of October 7th to the failures of international reporting, Jotam offers sharp insights,…
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Inward, Outward, Upward Episode #1: Teshuva with Rabbi Dana Saroken
46:54
46:54
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46:54Send us a text Soul Center Pop-Up Podcast: Inward, Outward, Upward- Moving Through the High Holy Days with Soul Elul!!! It’s a countdown. It’s a pump-up. It’s the Jewish month before the High Holy Days. The month of Elul is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters. Tune in each Sunday of the month of Elul as Ora, the…
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 30, 2025)
11:38
11:38
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11:38Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Abe Friedman's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 30, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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The Israel Connection: My Life - Shahar Cohen
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26:29
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26:29Send us a text In the Season 3 premiere of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Israeli comedian, Shahar Cohen. They talked about Shahar's rise to fame with his 'America vs. Israel' videos, his popular characters like 'Nofar,' and the impact of social media on his career. He also shares insights into his U.S. tour and his mission to unite …
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 23, 2025)
8:43
8:43
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8:43Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Director of Membership and Programming, Jill Suffel's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 23, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 16, 2025)
9:27
9:27
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9:27Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, here is the Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 16, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 9, 2025)
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7:00Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Cantor Emily Ellentuck's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 9, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 2, 2025)
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10:50Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Chief Advancement Officer and Development Director Amanda Beitman's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (August 2, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (July 27, 2025)
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16:55
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16:55Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Steven Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (July 27, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (July 19, 2025)
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4:55
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4:55Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (July 19, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (July 12, 2025)
12:17
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12:17Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Ritual Director Ben Kreshtol's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (July 12, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 28, 2025)
12:36
12:36
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12:36Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 28, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 21, 2025)
10:41
10:41
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10:41Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 21, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Send us a text In this special episode, Esti Zenati sits down with Ben Kreshtool and Jill Suffel from Beth El to unpack the rapidly evolving war between Israel and Iran. They explore the surprising alliances forming in the Middle East, what this conflict means for Israel’s future, and offer practical advice—and words of comfort—for tourists current…
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 14, 2025)
14:06
14:06
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14:06Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 14, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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The Israel Connection: Israeli Ambassador - Dr. Yechiel Leiter
39:09
39:09
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39:09Send us a text In this episode, Esti Zenati interviews Dr. Yechiel Leiter, the 21st Israeli Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Leiter reflects on his return to public service after the tragic loss of his son, Major Moshe Leiter, who was killed leading IDF forces into Gaza on November 10, 2023. He outlines his key goals as ambassador, inclu…
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Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 7, 2025)
12:30
12:30
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12:30Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (June 7, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast Network (June 7, 2025)
35:08
35:08
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35:08Send us a text As the sun sets on Season 2, your favorite Havdalah crew wraps things up with a sweet twist—an Oreo cookie taste test! From classic to questionable flavors, we put our taste buds to work and maybe start a cookie controversy or two. We also reflect on highlights from the season, share some laughs (and crumbs), and close things out wit…
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 31, 2025)
12:46
12:46
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12:46Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 31, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast Network (May 31, 2025)
24:52
24:52
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24:52Send us a text This week on Havdalah Happy Hour, we share stories from an incredible 36 hours of non-stop graduation festivities, recap our school’s epic trip to New York City and we preview the upcoming holiday of Shavuot—a celebration of Torah, cheesecake, and staying up way past your bedtime. Available now on the Beth El Podcast Network—wherever…
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The Israel Connection: I Survived the Nova Festival Attack - Mazal Tazazo
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32:26Send us a text In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati interviews Mazal Tazazo, a survivor of the brutal terrorist attacks at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023. Mazal, a 35-year-old mother from Southern Israel, recounts her life before the incident, the harrowing details of the attack, and how she survived while losing her two clos…
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Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congreagation in Baltimore. (May 24, 2025)
13:57
13:57
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13:57Send us a text In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congreagation in Baltimore. (May 24, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Parshat Behar-Bechukotai with Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken (May 22, 2025)
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26:01Send us a text This week, Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken dive into Parshat Behar-Bechukotai as we continue in the Book of Leviticus. We begin with a fun peek into Rabbi Schwartz’s hat collection, setting the stage for a deeper conversation about the spiritual themes of the week. We reflect on the Torah’s powerful reminder of the need to rest and …
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Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 17, 2025)
14:01
14:01
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14:01Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 17, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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The Israel Connection: Matan Peretz - Influencing through Comedy
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41:22Send us a text Esti Zenati interviews Israeli stand-up comedian, content creator and IDF reservist, Matan Peretz. They discuss Matan's comedy journey, the therapeutic role of comedy - particularly during the war, and his rise to global recognition. Matan also shares insights from his recent visit to concentration camps in Poland, his thoughts on Jo…
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Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 10, 2025)
16:43
16:43
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16:43Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, Rabbi Steve Schwartz's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 10, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Parshat Acharei-Kedoshim with Rabbi Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool (May 8, 2025)
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19:31Send us a text This week, Rabbi Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool dive into Parshat Acharei-Kedoshim as we continue in the Book of Leviticus. Rabbi Schwartz and Ben discuss the deeper meaning of holiness, personal responsibility, and how your actions ripple through your family and community. They also reflect on the themes of reward and punishment—and wha…
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The Israel Connection: Rabbi Dana Saroken, Back by Popular Demand!
57:45
57:45
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57:45Send us a text In this episode of the Israel Connection, Esti Zenati revisits with Rabbi Dana Saroken, Beth El's own rabbi and founder of the Soul Center. They explore her inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to spiritual leader, discuss her efforts to connect Israel and America, and the importance of making Judaism relevant for all ages. They al…
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Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 3, 2025)
6:44
6:44
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6:44Send us a text In case you missed it or wanted to share, here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's Shabbat sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (May 3, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast (May 3, 2025)
20:52
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20:52Send us a text This week on Havdalah Happy Hour, we're recapping the recent "Yoms"— and unpacking what they mean for us today. Then, in true Havdalah Happy Hour fashion, we veer wildly off course and find ourselves talking about the intersection of sports fandom and... prison rodeos? (Yes, really.) Finally, we wrap things up with everyone's favorit…
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Kvetch & Co on the Beth El Podcast Network (May 1, 2025)
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29:01Send us a text Our favorite moms are back to dive into the sticky, stylish, and sometimes cringeworthy chaos of everyday life. From parenting hacks that actually work (yes, really!) to a disastrous run-in with Gorilla Glue (spoiler: it wasn't on purpose), we’re sharing it all. And let’s not forget the segment you didn’t know you needed: “Embarrassi…
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Parshat Tazria - Metzora with Rabbi Saroken and Ben Kreshtool (May 1, 2025)
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23:48Send us a text This week, Rabbi Saroken and Ben Kreshtool dive into Parshat Tazria-Metzora as we continue in the Book of Leviticus. The good, the bad, the easy, and the hard—all of it is a gift from God and should never be taken for granted. Judaism keeps an open door, grounded in the belief that people can change—and no matter the journey, they wi…
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Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore (April 26, 2025)
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13:23
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13:23Send us a text In case you missed it or want to share, here is the Shabbat Sermon with Rabbi Dana Saroken at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (April 26, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Send us a text Esti Zenati sits down with a very special guest, Erin Molan—renowned Australian TV and radio presenter, and former host of the prime-time show Erin on Sky News. Widely recognized for her unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, Erin shares the story behind her viral monologue that not only captured global attention but …
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Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast Network (April 26, 2025)
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23:39Send us a text Pull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of something good, and unwind with this week’s Havdalah Happy Hour! Tonight we’re joined by Amanda from Kvetch & Co for a post-Shabbat conversation full of laughs. We kick things off with a (heated) debate: matzah pizza vs. regular pizza — which one reigns supreme? From there, we give you a snea…
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Parshat Shemini with Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Ellentuck (April 24, 2025)
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16:15Send us a text This week, Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Emily Ellentuck dive into Parshat Shemini as we continue in the Book of Leviticus. What sets the Jewish people apart from others? And more importantly—what does it mean to be holy in our everyday lives? From the food we eat to the prayers we say, holiness isn’t a once-a-week event—it’s a daily choi…
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Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (April, 19 2025)
16:14
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16:14Send us a text In case you missed it or want to share, here is this weeks Shabbat Sermon with Rabbi Steve Schwartz, at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (April 19, 2025)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast Network (April 20, 2025)
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25:25Send us a text This week on The Havdalah Happy Hour, we’re joined by the one and only Ben Suffel! We kick things off with a very special feature: 90 seconds of frozen video thanks to a technical glitch. (Don't worry — we recover faster than Jeremy and Jill will be eating pizza after Passover ends.) Once we’re back in action, we recap Passover. Tune…
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Torah Talk at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore (April 12, 2025)
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19:26
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19:26Send us a text 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)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Parshat Tzav with Rabbi Schwartz and Rabbi Saroken (April 10, 2025)
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23:22Send us a text 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 resta…
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The Israel Connection: Israel's Story with Guy Flavian and Iris Hillel
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38:03Send us a text Esti Zenati is joined by two special guests straight from Israel: Guy Flavian and Iris Hillel, co-heads of the Israel's Story initiative. Israel's Story was a hasbara project launched immediately after the October 7 attacks, rapidly growing to involve over 200 volunteers and spreading across social media platforms in multiple languag…
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Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (April 5, 2025)
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11:40Send us a text 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)By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast Network (April 5, 2025)
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17:16Send us a text 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?By Beth El Congregation of Baltimore
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Weekly Parsha with Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Emily Ellentuck (April 3, 2025)
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12:01Send us a text 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.…
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