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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 eternal dry vs. sweet debate, and so much more. Rachel brings stories rooted in family, legacy, and love — the kind of history that makes every bottle feel alive.

Of course, in classic Jewish fashion, we played a little Jewish geography and discovered connections in more ways than one. And yes… we absolutely sampled some delicious red wine along the way.

Be sure to check out the Loew Vineyards https://loewvineyards.net website for details on joining their Kosher wine list and updates on the much‑anticipated release of their Kosher‑for‑Passover wine. The heritage and heart behind this vineyard are truly remarkable.

Comment below with your favorite wine, and tune in to learn, sip, and smile with us. And naturally, it wouldn’t be Havdalah Happy Hour without our signature blessings, shondas, and a little weather talk to round things out.

✨ Listen in and l’chaim to a great episode.

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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 best thing to eat with matzah? (And yes, we absolutely got into a gross‑smell debate — ketchup vs. syrup vs. peanut butter. You’ve been warned.)

We also tackle the real issues:

• The hardest classroom mess to clean: kinetic sand, glitter, or matzah crumbs
• Spring break plans and the countdown to freedom
• The forbidden foods that somehow still make their way into the school
• Flashbacks to our own school days — from reading maps and counting change to today’s navigation apps and credit cards

It’s chaotic, it’s nostalgic, it’s hilarious, and it’s exactly what makes teacher life so special.

Tune in, listen along, and get ready — because there’s always more Morah to talk about.

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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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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 apparently this is a topic with strong opinions. Comment your favorite flavor below… we’re keeping score.

And in true Havdalah Happy Hour fashion, the weather made its grand reappearance, joined by a new contender: foot and walking traffic, which somehow became its own saga.

As always, we wrap things up with a heartfelt blessing of the week and a perfectly on‑brand shonda of the week.

✨ Tune in and listen.

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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 between. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and full of that signature Beth El energy.

✨ Keep an eye out for future Beth El trips… you never know what stories you’ll bring home.

Tune in and enjoy.