Shows
The Beth El Podcast NetworkHavdalah Happy Hour. (December 20, 2025)Send us a textThis week on Havdalah Happy Hour, Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Emily Ellentuck are joined by special guest Sami Halle for a sweet and spirited conversation.The spotlight is on sufganyot as the group samples and rates an incredible spread—four bakeries, two dozen donuts, and plenty of opinions to go around. Listeners are invited to join the fun by sharing their favorite donut flavors or go‑to bakeries in the comments.The episode also explores the tradition of eating dairy on Hanukkah, sparking a thoughtful discussion about holiday cust...
2025-12-2127 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkHavdalah Happy Hour. (December 13, 2025)Send us a textHavdalah Happy Hour – Beth El Podcast Network Join hosts Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Emily Ellentuck for a festive Havdalah Happy Hour brimming with holiday spirit. This week’s conversation celebrates all things Hanukkah, from favorite sufganyot flavors to the excitement of the first candle tomorrow night. They also share laughs about the ups and downs of Black Friday shopping and slow shipping, along with plenty of special shout-outs—listen closely for your name and join the conversation in the comments.The trio takes a moment to appreci...
2025-12-1423 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkBen Kreshtool's Shabbat SermonSend us a textIn case you missed it or wanted to share, here is Ben Kreshtool's Shabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (November 29, 2025)
2025-12-0109 min
The Israel ConnectionThe Israel Connection: They're Home!Send us a textEsti Zenati is joined by Rabbi Dana Saroken, Jill Suffel, Ben Kreshtool and Amanda Beitman for this celebratory special episode in honor of the release of the last 20 living hostages from Gaza and 4 of the 28 deceased hostages.
2025-10-1331 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkIn case you missed it or wanted to share, Torah Talk at Beth El Congregation in Baltimore. (September 13, 2025)Send us a textIn 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)
2025-09-1516 min
The Israel ConnectionThe Israel Connection: Israel vs. IranSend us a textIn 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 currently stuck in Israel who may be feeling anxious or unsafe.Whether you're looking for clarity, connection, or just a space to process everything that's happening, this conversation is for you.Have any questions about...
2025-06-1831 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkParshat Acharei-Kedoshim with Rabbi Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool (May 8, 2025)Send us a textThis 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 what it means to live a life of purpose.
2025-05-0819 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkParshat Tazria - Metzora with Rabbi Saroken and Ben Kreshtool (May 1, 2025)Send us a textThis 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 will always be welcomed back into our community.
2025-05-0123 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkParshat Shemini with Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Ellentuck (April 24, 2025)Send us a textThis 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 choice. Ben and Cantor Emily explore how everyday actions can become sacred, why Judaism encourages us not to cancel out a mitzvah, and how we can bring intention...
2025-04-2416 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkWeekly Parsha with Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Emily Ellentuck (April 3, 2025)Send us a textThis 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.
2025-04-0312 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkParashat Tetzaveh with Rabbi Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool (March 6, 2025)Send us a textThis 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.
2025-03-0615 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkParashat Terumah with Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Emily Ellentuck (February 27, 2025)Send us a textThis 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.
2025-03-0218 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkShabbat Sermon at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (February 22, 2025)Send us a textIn 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)
2025-02-2416 min
The Israel ConnectionThe Israel Connection: Here's Modi!Send us a textEsti Zenati is joined by guest co-host, Ben Kreshtool, and special guest, comedian Modi Rosenfeld! They talk about Modi's career in comedy, his favorite places to perform in Israel and his current US tour, Pause for Laughter.Modi will be performing in Baltimore at The Lyric on Sunday, March 2. Get your tickets at modilive.com.
2025-01-2829 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkJumping into the Book of Genesis - Parashat VayechiSend us a textDon't miss this week's discussion on Parashat Vayechi with Rabbi Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool. Together, they’ll explore the powerful conclusion of the Book of Genesis. Tune in and join the conversation!
2025-01-0818 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkJumping into Genesis with Rabbi Saroken, Ben Kreshtool and Cantor Ellentuck (November 27, 2024)Send us a textRabbi Saroken, Ben Kreshtool, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck are back to explore Toldot. Isaac and Rebecca's prayers are finally answered and after a difficult pregnancy, two children are born. This week we discuss the unique personalities of siblings, highlighting how their differences can shape family dynamics. We also reflect the challenges parents face in raising children and managing sibling rivalries!
2024-11-2721 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkJumping into Genesis at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore (November 21, 2024)Send us a textJumping into Genesis! This week, Rabbi Saroken, Ben Kreshtool, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck explore Chayei Sarah, diving into its timeless lessons. This week’s Torah portion reflects on the profound responsibility of caring for our loved ones, even after death. Sarah's passing serves as a reminder that we are all links in a greater chain, preserving the stories and lives of those who came before us.Don’t miss this meaningful discussion on the weekly Torah portion!
2024-11-2117 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkBen Kreshtool discusses his recent journey back to Poland (November 2, 2024)Send us a textThis past Shabbat our Ritual Director Ben Kreshtool discussed his recent journey back to Poland.
2024-11-0423 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkBONUS EPISODE: Torah Talk from Beth El Congregation (August 31, 2024)Send us a textIn case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends - here is our Torah Talk from this past Shabbat with Rabbi Steven Schwartz, Rabbi Naomi Zaslow, and Ben Kreshtool.
2024-09-0214 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkClergy Talk with Rabbi Zaslow and Ben Kreshtool (July 20, 2024)Send us a textClergy Talk from Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore with Rabbi Zaslow and Ben Kreshtool.
2024-07-2215 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkBONUE EPISODE - Clergy Talk with Rabbi Zaslow and Ben Kreshtool (June 6, 2024)Send us a textClergy Talk from Shabbat at Beth El Congregation with Rabbi Zaslow and Ben Kreshtool.
2024-07-0808 min
The Beth El Podcast NetworkThe Israel Connection - Idan TzameretSend us a textEsti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool talk to our special guest, Idan Tzameret, owner of Kitchen Design by Idan on Falls Rd in Baltimore and Beth El member, about the experience he had with antisemitism in early May, his life as an Israeli, including his years in the IDF, and the current war.
2024-05-2341 min
The Beth El Podcast NetworkRitual Realities (May 23, 2024)Send us a textBen Kreshtool and Amanda Beitman are joined by Mark Plakotoris of Designed with Purpose to discuss Beth El Congregation’s new Shulchan (reading table.)
2024-05-2326 min
The Israel ConnectionThe Israel Connection: Idan TzameretSend us a textEsti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool talk to our special guest, Idan Tzameret, owner of Kitchen Design by Idan on Falls Rd in Baltimore and Beth El member, about the experience he had with antisemitism in early May, his life as an Israeli, including his years in the IDF, and the current war.
2024-05-2341 minThe Israel ConnectionThe Israel Connection: Ongoing College Campuses in CrisisSend us a textEsti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool discuss the ongoing antisemitism crisis on college campuses, the Israeli hostages and more.
2024-04-2526 min
The Beth El Podcast NetworkThe Israel Connection - Ongoing College Campuses in CrisisSend us a textEsti Zenati and Ben Kreshtool discuss the ongoing antisemitism crisis on college campuses, the Israeli hostages and more.
2024-04-2526 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkRitual Realities (April 9, 2024)Send us a textBen Kreshtool and Rabbi Steven Schwartz prepare for the start of Passover. We discuss the required preparation leading up to the holiday, the importance of the Haggadah, and our favorite foods (and drinks) associated with Passover.
2024-04-0927 minThe Beth El Podcast NetworkBONUS EPISODE - Torah Talk ( April 6, 2024)Send us a textIn case you missed it or would like to share with your family and friends - here is Rabbi Steven Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool's Torah Talk from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation.
2024-04-0807 min
The Beth El Podcast NetworkRitual Realities - Hanukkah EditionSend us a textApplesauce or sour cream? From latkes to oil, Ben Kreshtool and Rabbi Steven Schwartz prepare for the start of Hanukkah. In the darkness of winter, how can we use the lights of Hanukkah to illuminate our world?
2023-12-0612 min