Podcast
Contact Chai
Contact Chai is Mishkan Chicago’s podcast feed, where you can hear our Shabbat sermons, Morning Minyans, interviews with Jewish thought leaders, and more.
- Judaism chart
- #172
- Episodes
- 405
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 32 min
- On air since
- 2020
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
405 episodes, newest first
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15 min
The Scary Stories We Tell in The Dark
Show notes
On Erev Halloween, Rabbi Steven delivered a spooky drash on the Talmudic rabbis’ teachings on ghosts and demons. How do we keep the dreaded bathroom demon away? And what keeps us up at night today?
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For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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34 min
Morning Blessings and Cheshvan Rest
Show notes
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
Support inspired, down-to-earth Judaism by donating to our 5787 Tzedakah campaign.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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28 min
To Be a Good Partner (for God)
Show notes
Today's episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service from October 24th when Rabbi Lizzi delivered a sermon on the original iconoclast, Avram the idol smasher. When we follow the example of Abraham of bucking convention to do what is right, life won't be easy, but that authenticity allows us to partner with God in creating a new world.
If you haven't already, please smash that subscribe button and leave us a five star review wherever you listen. And consider donating to our 5787 Tzedakah campaign to partner in the work of creating down-to-earth, inspired Judaism.
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For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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15 min
Gilgamesh and the Witness Bearers
Show notes
Today's episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service from October 16th when Rabbi Julie delivered a drash on the story of Noah. Scholars allege that the biblical flood may have taken inspiration from the Epic of Gilgamesh, but its intended message appears to be quite distinct from other ancient deluge tales. What does the unfolding saga of Genesis teach us about humanity's relationship with our Creator?
We have appreciated your flood of ratings and reviews — keep 'em coming! Although preferably not by twos...We'll take five stars, please. Those reviews really help people find these doses of Jewish inspiration and learning, so please do take a moment to rate us wherever you listen.
Do you appreciate this dose of Jewish inspiration? Support Mishkan's 5787 Tzedakah Campaign!
***
For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. To support Mishkan's important work of creating radically inclusive, down-to-earth, inspired Judaism, we invite you to join as a Builder or donate today.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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54 min
Why Wear the Palestinian Flag on A Kippah? A Conversation with Israeli Educator Alex Sinclair
Show notes
Rabbi Lizzi is joined by Alex Sinclair, noted Israeli academic and celebrated author who was detained for wearing a kippah with both Israeli and Palestinian flags.
Do you appreciate this dose of Jewish inspiration? Support Mishkan's 5787 Tzedakah Campaign!
***
For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. To support Mishkan's important work of creating radically inclusive, down-to-earth, inspired Judaism, we invite you to join as a Builder or donate today.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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25 min
Division and the Divine Image — On Zohran Mamdani's 10/7 Vigil
Show notes
Today's episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on October 10th, when Rabbi Steven delivered a drash reflecting on the polarized reception to an October 7th vigil attended by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Did the mayor's statements downplay the suffering of Israelis or did they dismiss the oppression Palestinians? Both? Neither? The answer may lie in the very first chapter of Genesis.
Do you appreciate this dose of Jewish inspiration? Support Mishkan's 5787 Tzedakah Campaign!
***
For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. To support Mishkan's important work of creating radically inclusive, down-to-earth, inspired Judaism, we invite you to join as a Builder or donate today.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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50 min
Reflections On October 7th — Morning Minyan
Show notes
On the anniversary of October 7th, we gathered to reflect on poetry and prayers written about the evil endured on this day, the cruelties inflicted afterward, and our undying hope for peace.
• Donate to Hersch's Fridge, the first kosher community fridge in the country: https://www.solu.us/fridgedonate
• "If I Must Die, Let It Be a Tale" by Refaat Alareer: https://poets.org/poem/if-i-must-die-let-it-be-tale
• "One Tiny Seed" by Rachel Goldberg-Polin: https://forward.com/fast-forward/573260/one-tiny-seed-rachel-goldberg-poem-hersh-goldberg-polin/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
Support inspired, down-to-earth Judaism by donating to our 5787 Tzedakah campaign.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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32 min
Sukkot Hallel — Morning Minyan
Show notes
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
Support inspired, down-to-earth Judaism by donating to our 5787 Tzedakah campaign.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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33 min
The Symbolism of Sukkot — Morning Minyan
Show notes
You can watch our Yizkor service and slideshow from Yom Kippur 5787 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlcUpDVahWE
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
Support inspired, down-to-earth Judaism by donating to our 5787 Tzedakah campaign.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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28 min
Six Jewish Values To Remember in America in 5787
Show notes
The year is new but the problems are ancient! At Yom Kippur 5787, Rabbi Lizzi looked to Torah and tradition for precedent and prescriptions for our modern woes.
Do you appreciate this dose of Jewish inspiration? Support Mishkan's 5787 Tzedakah Campaign!
***
For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. To support Mishkan's important work of creating radically inclusive, down-to-earth, inspired Judaism, we invite you to join as a Builder or donate today.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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30 min
We Live Or Die Together — Rabbi Steven | Kol Nidre 5787
Show notes
At our Kol Nidre service, Rabbi Steven examined the growing divisions tearing the Jewish people apart and drew from history to offer a path forward.
Do you appreciate this dose of Jewish inspiration? Support Mishkan's 5787 Tzedakah Campaign!
***
For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. To support Mishkan's important work of creating radically inclusive, down-to-earth, inspired Judaism, we invite you to join as a Builder or donate today.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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38 min
God Metaphors & Kol Nidre — Morning Minyan
Show notes
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
Today's episode features "Ki Anu Amecha" by RAZA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=linLj6DW8LM
Registration is open for High Holidays at Mishkan! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, so save your seat today!
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/high-holy-days-5787/
Support inspired, down-to-earth Judaism by donating to our 5787 Tzedakah campaign.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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27 min
The Redemptive Promise of the Oscillating Narrative — Rabbi Lizzi | Rosh Hashanah 5787
Show notes
At our Rosh Hashanah 5787 service, Rabbi Lizzi Heydemann delivered a sermon on the lessons our ancestors provide us in this fraught political moment.
Join us for the High Holy Days! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, so save your seat today!
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18 min
My Prayer Didn’t Work — R' Julie Fishbach | Erev Rosh Hashanah 5787
Show notes
In her inaugural High Holiday sermon at Mishkan, Rabbi Julie Fishbach delivered a surprising drash on the history of prayer.
Join us for the High Holy Days! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, so save your seat today!
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1 hr
Opening The High Holidays — Rerelease
Show notes
In this special episode recovered from The Mishkan Vault, Rabbi Lizzi speaks with renowned tech entrepreneur Harry Gottlieb about the spiritual technology of teshuvah and the power of the High Holidays in our modern world.
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Rosh Hashanah is this Saturday, September 12th! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, so save your seat today!
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/high-holy-days-5787/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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31 min
This is Real and You are Completely Unprepared — Morning Minyan
Show notes
Rabbi Lizzi read a passage on Selichot from Rabbi Alan Lew's classic This is Real And You Are Completely Unprepared, prompting a vulnerable discussion on how hard it feels to enter the High Holidays this year.
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
Registration is open for High Holidays at Mishkan! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, so save your seat today!
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/high-holy-days-5787/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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35 min
Breathing Our Way To Closeness With God — Morning Minyan
Show notes
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
Registration is open for High Holidays at Mishkan! Whether you attend in-person or via our affordable, state-of-the-art livestream, you can count on Mishkan’s High Holiday services to strengthen and inspire you as we face a new year of challenges and opportunities. Tickets go fast, so save your seat today!
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/high-holy-days-5787/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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26 min
Morning Minyan — Ki Teitzei
Show notes
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
This episode features Achat Sha'alti (A Setting of Psalm 27) by Chava Mirel.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=olqBdmrwkhQ
If you value this down-to-earth Jewish wisdom, help us create more inspiration and community by becoming a Builder. Mishkan Chicago relies on Builders, people who have chosen to invest in the longterm sustainability of our community. If you’ve been checking out the community, we invite you to take the next step and become a Builder to help us welcome even more people into a space to bring their whole selves and be part of something larger than themselves.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/builder-drive-2026/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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36 min
Adira Happens — Morning Minyan
Show notes
Like the mighty Leviathan, Adira rises from the depths to sow adorable chaos. Plus, reflections on the Psalms, media consumption, and Parshat Shoftim.
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
If you value this down-to-earth Jewish wisdom, help us create more inspiration and community by becoming a Builder. Mishkan Chicago relies on Builders, people who have chosen to invest in the longterm sustainability of our community. If you’ve been checking out the community, we invite you to take the next step and become a Builder to help us welcome even more people into a space to bring their whole selves and be part of something larger than themselves.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/builder-drive-2026/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
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16 min
Building My Judaism — Manuel Gauto
Show notes
Today’s episode is a Shabbat Replay of our service on August 7th, when we celebrated our graduating BluePrint students who explored Judaism this past year, many of them going on to choose conversion. We heard a drash from BluePrint graduate Manuel Gauto the allure of Judaism and how Mishkan has become a spiritual home. If Mishkan is your home, we encourage you to help us secure its future by joining or renewing your Buildership today.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/builder-drive-2026/
***For upcoming Shabbat services and programs, check our event calendar, and see our Accessibility & Inclusion page for information about our venues. Follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook for more updates. To support Mishkan's important work of creating radically inclusive, down-to-earth, inspired Judaism, we invite you to join as a Builder or donate today.
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/be-a-builder/
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/support/makeyourgift/
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
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