The Beth El Podcast Network

The Beth El Podcast Network

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.

Episodes

March 30, 2026 13 mins

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

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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. (March 21, 2026) 

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This week’s episode is a true treat as Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Sami Halle welcome special guest Rachel Lipman — a fifth‑generation winemaker and meadmaker at Loew Vineyards in Mt. Airy, Maryland, home of Maryland’s first Kosher winery.

We dive deep into all things wine: how it’s made, the history behind the craft, grape varieties, weather’s impact on flavor, the origins of different styles, the eter...

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Hosted by Sami Halle and featuring the voices of our incredible Morahs — Janice Huritz, Kayla Jackson, and Ashley Aragon — Episode 2 dives straight into the joyful whirlwind of spring holidays, classroom chaos, and the nostalgia that shapes who we are as teachers.

This week, we bounce from Purim to Passover, covering everything from costumes, glitter, and groggers to matzah, crumbs, and the eternal question: What’s the be...

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In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Abe Friedman's sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore.​ (March 14, 2026) 

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March 14, 2026 23 mins

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This week’s episode of Havdalah Happy Hour is pure community joy as Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck relive the magic of Beth El’s Got Talent. Who knew our community could sing, laugh, play instruments, and showcase so many hidden talents? It was unforgettable, and we’re still riding the high.

Naturally, the conversation spiraled into a very serious debate about pie flavors and shapes—because ap...

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March 12, 2026 12 mins

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Join Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Emily Ellentuck as they dive into this week’s Parsha. Guess what?— more props this week! 

Tune in to catch all the fascinating ins and outs of the Parsha.

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This week, Jill Suffel and Cantor Emily Ellentuck are back with a special treat: a bonus episode featuring two incredible guests, Hailey and Jenna, fresh off the recent Beth El Israel trip they experienced alongside our fearless chaperones, Emily and Jill.

Together, they dive into all the good stuff — the unforgettable sweet and savory bites, the standout adventures, the true wow moments, and every bit of magic in be...

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March 9, 2026 16 mins

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In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbinical Student Samson Njogu​'s sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (March 7, 2026) 

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March 7, 2026 20 mins

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This week’s episode is a perfect blend of Purim joy, global awareness, and all the things we’re excited about right now. Join Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck as we reminisce about the best Purim ever—the costumes, the chaos, the community energy—and debate the truly important question of the season: which hamantaschen flavor reigns supreme? (Comment your favorite… we’re ready to judge lovingly...

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March 5, 2026 25 mins

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Join Rabbi Steven Schwartz and Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool as they dive into this week’s Parsha. Guess what?— more props this week! 

Tune in to catch all the fascinating ins and outs of the Parsha.

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February 28, 2026 32 mins

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This week’s episode is a joyful reunion as Jill Suffel and Cantor Emily Ellentuck return from their incredible Beth El trip to Israel—and they come bearing stories. They give us the full rundown: the shopping (obviously), the unforgettable bites, the mitzvah moments, the explorations, and yes… the cereal haul they lovingly brought back for Ben Kreshtool.

Ben, in true Ben fashion, takes that energy and launc...

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February 26, 2026 21 mins

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Join Rabbi Steven Schwartz and Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool as they dive into this week’s Parsha. Wahoo — even more props this week! We explored incense and played with fire (literally and figuratively). Plus, make sure you tune in for Ben K.’s brand‑new intro — it’s amazing. Comment your favorite scent below, then listen in to catch all the fascinating ins and outs of the Parsha.

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My Story with Keith Franz. Join us for this conversation led by Rabbi Steven Schwartz and get to know Keith Franz, a long time dedicated member of Beth El Congregation. Hear his family connections to Beth El and about his amazing journey to Africa

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February 22, 2026 5 mins

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The stars are aligning at Beth El! 🌟

We’re sitting down for a special update with Rabbi Steven Schwartz, Stuart Dankner, Gail Willoughby, and Marsye Kaplan! Representing the Seniors Club and Mens Club, our guests give us the inside scoop on the most anticipated event of the season: Beth El’s Got Talent!

From hidden gems to show-stopping acts, you won’t want to miss the incredible talent within our community.

  • 📅 Wh...
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February 21, 2026 28 mins

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This week’s episode brings a whole new flavor to the table as Ben Kreshtool is joined by special guests Sami Halle and Tzippi King, while we send love across the ocean to our co‑hosts adventuring in Israel — Jill Suffel and Cantor Emily Ellentuck, we miss you!

With Purim right around the corner, we dive into all things Purim prep, costumes, and community celebrations (and yes, don’t forget to check out our website fo...

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February 19, 2026 22 mins

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Join Rabbi Steven Schwartz and Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool as they dive into this week’s Parsha — and yes, this episode comes with props!  
Get ready for a fun, fascinating look at the text as they unpack the details, spark new insights, and bring the Parsha to life in a whole new way.

Tune in, learn something new, and enjoy the ride. 🎧✨

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February 14, 2026 30 mins

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Pack your virtual bags, because this week Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck are taking us on a full‑on travel adventure. We dive into Israel trips—from the magic of stepping onto Israeli soil for the very first time to the emotions, memories, and meaning that come with it.

Naturally, the conversation drifts into the essentials: where you must eat when you travel, the universal chaos of airport sh...

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Parsha Time with Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool & Rabbi Steven Schwartz

Magic? Witchcraft? The weekly parsha? Yep… we’re going there.

This week, we’re comparing and contrasting the “supernatural” in Torah with the way we talk about it today — from ancient texts to TikTok takes. How does misinformation spread so easily, and how can social media also help us learn, connect, and deepen our understanding?

Plus, the big ...

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February 7, 2026 28 mins

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This week’s episode is a full ride through Baltimore memories, modern obsessions, and the everyday chaos that somehow always brings us together. Join Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck as they dive into nostalgic Baltimore—the charming, the spooky, and the childhood adventures that only longtime locals truly understand.

From there, the crew jumps into the shows we’re currently streaming and absolu...

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