Havdalah Happy Hour — Beth El Podcast Network

Rabbi Dana Saroken's Friday Evening Shabbat Sermon (May 29, 2026)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282686/fan_mail/new] As Beth El Congregation prepared for a historic weekend, Rabbi Dana Saroken delivered an inspiring and heartfelt Friday evening sermon.  This  came at a truly meaningful moment as Rabbi Saroken prepared to become Beth El's fourth Senior Rabbi and the first woman to serve in that role in our congregation's history. We invite you to watch Rabbi Saroken's sermon and join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Beth El Congregation.

Rabbi Steven Schwartz's Shabbat Sermon (May 30, 2026)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282686/fan_mail/new] In his final sermon as Senior Rabbi of Beth El Congregation, Rabbi Steven Schwartz reflects on the relationships and memories that have shaped his rabbinate, and the profound journey of our congregation.   And for those who may be wondering—there is no need to say goodbye. While Rabbi Schwartz is concluding his tenure as Senior Rabbi, he will continue to serve as a valued member of Beth El's clergy team, sharing his wisdom, guidance, and presence with our Beth El community.

Havdalah Happy Hour (May 30, 2026)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282686/fan_mail/new] This week’s season‑finale episode is a full blast of fun as Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck go all‑in on the 90s with a hilarious round of 90s trivia pictionary. Did you guess any of the answers correctly? We also recapped an incredible Jewish Heritage Night at the Orioles game — seeing tons of familiar faces, enjoying amazing kosher food with so many options, taking in the fireworks, and of course admiring another win! And because we love a good challenge, we’re leaving you with one more: Comment below if you know who WROTE the song “Manic Monday,” sung by The Bangles. As always, we wrapped with our signature blessing of the week and shonda of the week, closing out the season with warmth, laughter, and gratitude. Thank you to all our listeners for an amazing season of Havdalah Happy Hour on the Beth El Podcast Network. Have a wonderful summer — we’ll see you after the holidays!

Havdalah Happy Hour (May 23, 2026)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282686/fan_mail/new] This week’s episode is the perfect blend of pre‑recording chaos, summer excitement, and classic Maryland confusion as Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck gather for one of the final conversations of the season. We kick things off with their beloved pre‑recording catch‑up session, which naturally leads straight into the eternal mystery of why Maryland weather is so unpredictable and confusing. From there, the crew dives into the summer vacations we’re all looking forward to, dreaming about sunshine, travel, and a little well‑earned rest. Of course, no episode is complete without a little real‑world frustration — this week featuring the wild rise in prices on everything, especially cars and emissions tests, which sparked plenty of shared disbelief. We also highlight upcoming Shavuot services and learning opportunities, plus a handful of other joyful tangents that make Havdalah Happy Hour what it is. As always, we wrap up with our signature blessing of the week and shonda of the week, closing out the conversation with warmth, humor, and heart. ✨ Tune in next week as we wrap up this season of Havdalah Happy Hour before summer break!

Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2282686/fan_mail/new] In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Steve Schwartz's sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.