Best Mishkan Chicagos Podcasts (2025)

1
Hands As Tools For Work & Holiness — Guest Teacher AnnMerle Feldman 35:02

Play Pause

2d ago35:02

35:02

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

1
Euphemisms for God: A Deep Dive into the Amidah 43:56

16d ago43:56

43:56

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

1
Modeh Ani Three Ways 35:08

22d ago35:08

35:08

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

1
Pride Month As A Palace In Time 22:17

24d ago22:17

22:17

Hello and welcome to Contact Chai. Pride Shabbat was a beautiful celebration of what makes this community special, a place to bring our whole selves to something larger than ourselves. Rabbi Steven drashed on Pride, love, and our obligations to our fellow humans. We also kicked off Builder Drive 2025! Our community is only possible through the supp…

1
The Divine Duel 52:50

30d ago52:50

52:50

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen TranscriptBy Mishkan Chicago

1
Grasshoppers and Giants: The Stories We Tell Ourselves 26:22

1M ago26:22

26:22

Hello, and welcome to Contact Chai. Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on Saturday, June 21st, when Rabbi Lizzi delivered a drash on that famous scene in which the spies come back with a less than rosy report on what they were up against in Canaan: "If we’re snagging that land, it might cost us our lives. Those guys are huge!" Value…

1
Do You Believe In Miracles? 43:29

1M ago43:29

43:29

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Become A Builder! https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/ Transcript…

1
Torah For Navigating the Wilderness 34:25

1M ago34:25

34:25

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on Friday, June 13th, when Rabbi Lizzi spoke about our ancestors’ harrowing experiences as they navigated the wilderness. How can learn from their wisdom and failure as we chart a course through our own uncertain time? Pride Shabbat is nearly here! We hope you will join us next Friday, June 27th, i…

1
When Afraid, Be A Blessing 17:42

2M ago17:42

17:42

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Saturday morning service on June 7th, when Rabbi Steven delivered a drash on how we can productively respond to violent antisemitism. Dwelling on our fear and succumbing to paranoia may not be a healthy reaction to hatred and violence, but there is no point in pretending that we are not afraid right now. S…

1
American Judaism #3: Andrew Rehfeld — Are Rabbinic Seminaries In Crisis? 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

Andrew Rehfeld, President & Professor of Political Thought of Hebrew Union College, presents his findings on the state of American Judaism. Are seminaries in crisis? What can be done about the shortage of rabbis? View From The Top: A Discussion Series w/ Rabbi Lizzi Rabbis are on the front lines of leading communities, speaking out for moral clarit…

1
Leaving the Wilderness, Finding Judaism 20:46

2M ago20:46

20:46

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay from our Shavuot Shabbat service on May 30th. Caroline Miller, a Davening Team member, lay leader, and BluePrint class conversion graduate delivered a sermon about her experience rediscovering herself in Jewish community after years in a personal wilderness. For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our e…

1
American Judaism #2: R'Deborah Waxman — Boldness & Holy Chutzpah in Reconstructing Judaism 1:06:02

2M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Join Rabbi Lizzi and Rabbi Deborah Waxman, President and CEO of Reconstructing Judaism, for a conversation about the state of American Judaism and the boldness and "Holy Chutzpah" in Reconstructing Judaism View From The Top: A Discussion Series w/ Rabbi Lizzi Rabbis are on the front lines of leading communities, speaking out for moral clarity and J…

1
The Present & Future of American Judaism #1: R'Bradley Shavit Artson 53:15

2M ago53:15

53:15

In this inaugural episode of a new interview series titled "The View From The Top," Rabbi Lizzi spoke with Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson about his perspective on the state of the present and future of American Judaism. R'Artson (www.bradartson.com) holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean's Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is …

1
Political Blasphemy — In Conversation With Rabbi Adi Romem 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Virtual Friday Night service on May 16th. Rabbi Lizzi was joined by Rabbi Adi Romem, one of the first female rabbis ordained by the Hartman Institute for Israeli rabbis. Together, they discussed blasphemy, in the Torah portion and in politics. Mark your calendars for our Pre-Shavuot Shabbat Pizza Picnic at…

1
In Conversation with Israeli Humanitarian Alice Miller 50:08

2M ago50:08

50:08

"My response to trauma has to be to see everyone as human." Rabbi Lizzi spoke with Alice Miller, the CEO of Natan Worldwide Disaster Relief, an Israeli organization providing all-volunteer medical, dental, and humanitarian support all over the world. Their conversation was wide-ranging, fascinating, and surprising. Learn more about NATAN and suppor…

1
Not Giving Up Our Seat at the Table 21:22

2M ago21:22

21:22

Today's episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on Friday, May 30th. Rabbi Steven delivered a passionate, vulnerable sermon on how it can feel to be Jewish in public at times — unwelcome and misunderstood. How can we boldly show up as our whole selves when even progressive interfaith spaces can sometimes harbor real, if less explicit, antisemiti…

1
Holiness V. Chosenness V. Being Above the Law 41:08

3M ago41:08

41:08

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Become A Builder! https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/ Transcript…

1
Standing Together: We Have More In Common Than You Think 1:02:30

3M ago1:02:30

1:02:30

Rabbi Lizzi spoke with representatives of the Standing Together movement, whose mission is to bring equality, political, and climate justice to all citizens of Israel, and peaceful coexistence with Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. On the Eve of Yom HaAtzma’ut, which celebrates 77 years of Israeli independence, Itamar Avneri and Angela Mattar…

1
Strength, Discipline, Compassion: Omer Day 10 and Yom HaShoah 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Links referenced in today's episode: Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe's Omer song: https://soundcloud.com/ariel-root…

1
Love is A Radical Act 21:24

3M ago21:24

21:24

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on April 19th when Rabbi Steven drashed on the power and danger of anger. We can get pretty uncomfortable with this emotion these days, with good reason, and it can be awkward how present righteous anger is in the haggadah. How can we harness this potent feeling in a healthy way in pursuit of justi…

1
Reading Ezra in an Age of Mass Deportation with Rabbi Sarah Bassin 46:39

4M ago46:39

46:39

Rabbi Lizzi is joined by her friend Rabbi Sarah Bassin, Rabbi in Residence for HIAS. R’Sarah has developed a curriculum titled “Reading Ezra in an Age of Mass Deportation,” and she shared her insights into this alarming moment with our Morning Minyan crew. Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in you…

1
Small Steps to Redemption 19:30

4M ago19:30

19:30

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on April 5th. Rabbi Steven drashed on the power of the seder to both ground us in history, reminding us that our people have survived tyranny before, and to uplift our spirits, eating and drinking and remembering the joyful dance of Miriam. If you are looking for a seder, you’re in luck. We are so …

1
Getting The Seder Ball Rolling 37:52

4M ago37:52

37:52

Are you looking for a seder? We are so excited to announce that thanks to the generosity of Builder volunteers and our partners at OneTable, Mishkan is able to offer Community Hosted Seders this year. If you want to spend an inspired, down-to-earth evening with fellow Mishkanites, we would love to have you. These seders will be hosted in the homes …

1
Spiritual Preparation for Passover 19:39

4M ago19:39

19:39

Sell your chametz with this handy form! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeogC725eWYVK8mYF6SUuTzvUAQKXBjtU9VTAlmdsK6Cg593g/viewform Check out our Passover Programs, including "Ugh, I'm Bored!" a workshop with Rachel Mylan on engaging kids at your seder: https://www.mishkanchicago.org/events/category/holiday/ Join us for services at CJDS thi…

1
Come Close to the Broken Heart 38:01

4M ago38:01

38:01

Today's minyan features a new song by former Mishkan Leadership Fellow and current rock sensation Ezra Furman! "Come Close" by Ezra Furman: https://open.spotify.com/track/6qUhcvhfcdH2HqeVg9gjdM?si=723e2aa086ee4d7e Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, …

1
Building A Community And Harnessing The Power of AI 26:43

4M ago26:43

26:43

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Friday service on March 21st.Mishkan’s former board chair, Mark Achler, shared his considerable depth of knowledge on artificial intelligence, examining the ethics of this emerging technology from a Jewish lens. What are the positive — even lifesaving — applications of A.I.? How is A.I. already being explo…

1
Making an Idol of Our Safety 18:07

4M ago18:07

18:07

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on March 15th. Rabbi Steven delivered a stirring drash. In this moment of rising antisemitism and encroaching tyranny when free speech is being suppressed in the name of our safety, how do we respond? **** For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibili…

1
Purim in America in 2025 36:37

4M ago36:37

36:37

Today's minyan is an opportunity to spiritually prepare for Purim — featuring a drash by Rabbi Sharon Brous! Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergre…

1
Toward A Lasting Peace: Nadav Tamir and Ezzeldeen Masri 48:40

5M ago48:40

48:40

At our March 7th service, we were joined by guest speakers Nadav Tamir, an accomplished Israeli diplomat who serves as J Street Israel’s Executive Director, and Ezzeldeen Masri, a respected Palestinian educator who serves the U.S. Director of Outreach for OneVoice Movement and serves as the Chief Field Officer for the PeaceWorks foundation. The pai…

1
Next Stop: Interview with author Benjamin Resnick 53:45

5M ago53:45

53:45

Join Rabbi Lizzi for an intimate conversation with Rabbi Benjamin Resnick on his provocative and timely novel, "Next Stop." In her review of Next Stop for the Jewish Book Council, Megan Peck Shub asks, “What would happen if, say, Israel collapsed into a black hole, triggering a global cataclysm that magnetically beckoned every Jewish person in the …

1
Don't Just Do Something, Sit There 23:59

5M ago23:59

23:59

Hello, and welcome to Contact Chai. At our March 1st Saturday morning service, Rabbi Lizzi shared a drash about the dangers of trying to drown out our boredom with distraction and silence our doubts with idolatrous certainty. How can we find God and make meaning when life gets chaotic and scary, or worse — really, really boring? You Are So Not Invi…

1
Parshat Terumah: Make Yourself (Into) a Mishkan 36:14

5M ago36:14

36:14

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Become A Builder! https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/ New Builder Orientation — February …

1
Repro Shabbat: Alicia Hurtado of Chicago Abortion Fund 34:57

5M ago34:57

34:57

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our February 21st Friday service. Last week was very difficult, so we have included Rabbi Lizzi’s introductory remarks addressing our grief and pain after this opening segment. Then, you will hear a brief musical interlude curtesy of our Davening Team, followed by drashing on the theme of Repro Shabbat, an ini…

1
Morning Minyan — Parshat Mishpatim: People of the Book 36:25

5M ago36:25

36:25

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen Become A Builder! https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/ New Builder Orientation — February …

1
Forgiving Those We Cannot Forgive 19:24

5M ago19:24

19:24

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Saturday morning service on February 15th, when Rabbi Steven delivered a personal sermon on the important nuances of teshuvah — repentance. Repentance and repair are core Jewish values, but what do we do when reconciliation is not possible? You Are So Not Invited To Mishkan's BMitzvah Mishkan's Grownup Pur…

1
The Ten Commandments — Morning Minyan w/ Rabbi Lizzi 39:43

5M ago39:43

39:43

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen **** For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inc…

1
Creating The Conditions For A Miracle 38:54

5M ago38:54

38:54

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on February 7th, when we celebrated Shabbat Shira, the joyful Shabbos when we sing extra songs to recall the Splitting of the Sea. Rabbi Lizzi connected the momentous but rather frightening first step toward freedom across the Red Sea to the courageous steps toward liberation taken by civil rights …

1
Refuse To Be A Bystander 19:48

6M ago19:48

19:48

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Saturday morning service on February 1st, when Rabbi Steven shared about his recent rabbinic mission trip to Poland where he learned about the long history of Eastern European Jewish culture, a legacy nearly eradicated by the Holocaust. Many survivors owe their lives to non-Jews who refused to be bystander…

1
You Were Once An Immigrant, Too 18:53

6M ago18:53

18:53

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Friday night service on January 24th when Builder Kalman Resnick, an immigration lawyer and legal expert, gave a detailed breakdown of the impact that Trump’s executive orders will have on millions of our neighbors. As Jews, our scriptures demand that we treat immigrants and foreigners as equal citizens, f…

1
When Pharaoh Became A Slave 41:28

6M ago41:28

41:28

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen **** For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inc…

1
The Oldest Trick in Pharaoh’s Book 23:12

6M ago23:12

23:12

Our Saturday morning service on January 18th, 2025 fell just two days before Martin Luther King Day, which also just so happened to be Inauguration Day, ushering in the second term of the Trump presidency. Just like in the Exodus story of our parshah, Pharaoh is back. Well, technically, it was two different pharaohs, the one Moses fled from and the…

1
What Is God's Name To You? 41:40

6M ago41:40

41:40

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen **** For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inc…

1
Hope Is Not An Option — It's An Obligation 18:22

6M ago18:22

18:22

At our Friday Night Shabbat service on January 10th, Rabbi Steven delivered a sermon on the strategic necessity of hope in dark times. In Joseph’s day, the land of Egypt was a refuge, and his family enjoyed wealth and prestige and political power. But in just a few generations, their descendants were enslaved by a tyrant in that same land. In a day…

1
A Very Hanukkah Minyan 34:50

7M ago34:50

34:50

It is nearly the end of Mishkan’s 13th year of creating inspired, down-to-earth Judaism. If you value the work that we do, help us to sustain Mishkan for another year by making a donation by December 31st — think of it as a BMitzvah gift for our community! Donate: https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/donate Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago h…

1
Creating Our Own Light 19:05

7M ago19:05

19:05

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Saturday morning service on December 21st when Rabbi Steven delivered a vulnerable and fascinating sermon on the niceties of celebrating Hanukkah as a Jew-by-Choice and in a time of rising antisemitism. How do we muster the courage to shine our light for all the world to see when the world is so frightenin…

1
Exploring the Miracle of Hanukkah 1:01:09

7M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

It is nearly the end of Mishkan’s 13th year of creating inspired, down-to-earth Judaism. If you value the work that we do, help us to sustain Mishkan for another year by making a donation by December 31st. Are you a Builder? Come celebrate 13 years of Mishkan at our BMitzvah Bash on January 25th. Register now! Sponsorships are available if you can …

1
Overcoming Vengeance: Esau and the Maccabees 27:26

7M ago27:26

27:26

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Friday service on December 13th. Rabbi Lizzi recounted the ancient tale of the rivalry between Jacob and Esau in light of the Festival of Lights. Just as Jacob learned from his youthful mistakes and Esau put aside vengeance, the rabbis learned from the mistakes of the Maccabees, and their rather loose rete…

1
Setting Intentions For The Day — Minyan With R'Lizzi 32:07

8M ago32:07

32:07

It is nearly the end of Mishkan’s 13th year of creating inspired, down-to-earth Judaism. If you value the work that we do, help us to sustain Mishkan for another year by making a donation by December 31st. Are you a Builder? Come celebrate 13 years of Mishkan at our BMitzvah Bash on January 25th. Register now! Sponsorships are available if you can …

1
Seeking Small Wonders 17:31

8M ago17:31

17:31

Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our Saturday Morning Service on December 7th. Rabbi Steven delivered a sermon in which he made us all jealous of a recent trip to see the Northern Lights, and also edified us on the nature of awe from both a theological and neuroscience perspective. How can we cultivate this profound and uncanny sensation of t…

1
Waking Up To God's Presence — Minyan w/ Rabbi Steven 32:23

8M ago32:23

32:23

Every weekday at 8:00 am, Mishkan Chicago holds a virtual Morning Minyan. You can join in yourself, or listen to all the prayer, music, and inspiration right here on Contact Chai. https://mishkan.shulcloud.com/form/reg-morning-minyan-evergreen **** For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inc…