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In case you missed it or want to share, here is Rabbi Dana Saroken's sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (April 18,, 2026)

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The gang is finally back together after a few weeks away, and the energy is exactly what we needed. Join Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck as we dive into all things Passover, plus a recap of the holidays we’ve celebrated since we were last together.

We also couldn’t resist sharing the incredible finds and fabulous buys from Unique Boutique — comment below with your favorite vendor or the item you snagged this year. From there, the conversation drifted into local sports talk, plenty of laughter, and the pure joy of rekindling the happiest of hours post‑Shabbat.

And yes… it wouldn’t be Havdalah Happy Hour without our signature blessing of the week, shonda of the week, and a little weather talk sprinkled in for good measure.

✨ Tune in and listen.

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Joe Buchanan sat down with Cantor ​Melanie Blatt Schuster for a deep‑dive into his brand‑new album Heaven and Earth—15 tracks of original Jewish country music straight from the heart.

They talked about the stories behind the songs (including the super‑personal “My Beloved” and “Goodnight My Love”), Joe’s creative process, and how he and his wife April shape every detail—down to panning sound effects in the direction Hebrew is read.

Joe also shared what he’s looking forward to most about his May 4th concert at Beth El, performing with Shir Hadash, and spending time with Cantor’​s family while he’s in town.

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In case you missed it or want to share, here is the Sisterhoods sermon from this past Shabbat at Beth El Congregation of Baltimore. (April 11, 2026)

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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.