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This week, the whole crew is back together and celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut — Israel’s 78th birthday with all the joy, nostalgia, and spirited conversation you’d expect from Ben Kreshtool, Jill Suffel, and Cantor Emily Ellentuck.

We kicked things off by reliving last week’s Epic Israel‑themed Shabbat, complete with lots of Israeli food tasting (and yes, we’re all still shocked by how much everyone tried). From there, the conversation took a wonderfully nostalgic turn into the TV shows, MTV moments, and pop‑culture gems of the 90s and early 2000s, and how wildly different things look today.

Join the fun and comment below with your favorite MTV show and your favorite place in Israel — we want to hear it.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Havdalah Happy Hour without our signature blessing of the week, shonda of the week, and a little weather talk to round things out.

✨ Tune in and listen. Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!

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Join Rabbi Schwartz and Ben Kreshtool as they dive into this week's Parashat.

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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)