Shofar, So Good!

EPISODE 6: A Better World

The concept of making the world a better place is a cornerstone of Judaism. There's even a phrase for it: Tikkun Olam. In the Shofar, So Good! Season 2 finale, host Kate

EPISODE 5: Begin Again

In this episode, host Kate Mishkin explores the Rosh Hashanah atonement ritual of tashlich, tells us what Judaism says about repentance and forgiveness — during the High

EPISODE 4: Sacred Society

In this episode, host Kate Mishkin explores the role of the chevra kadisha, or Jewish burial society. She talks with volunteers who ensure that dead bodies are ready for

EPISODE 3: For Heaven's Sake

In Episode 3, Shofar, So Good! host Kate Mishkin delves into havruta learning, the Jewish tradition of studying Torah in pairs. The goal of this paired endeavor: arguing

EPISODE 2: Living Waters

In this episode, host Kate Mishkin visits a mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath, in Los Angeles. She examines the origins and evolution of mikveh immersion — and how, in some c

EPISODE 1: 100 Blessings

In this episode of Shofar, So Good! host Kate Mishkin explores the origins, formula, and meanings behind Jewish blessings — and considers why the Talmud prescribes saying

Introducing Shofar, So Good! — Season 2

In Season 2 of Shofar, So Good! host Kate Mishkin teams up with My Jewish Learning to explore Jewish rituals and practices — where they came from, how they evolved and wh

BONUS: Martini Judaism

Thank you for listening to all five episodes of "Shofar, So Good!" Today, we're featuring a bonus episode of the podcast "Martini Judaism," in which Kate was a guest. T

BONUS: A conversation on 'Being Jewish' with Jonah Platt

Jonah Platt is a multi-talented activist and performer whose work's taken him from Broadway ("Wicked"), to Hollywood ("Being the Ricardos") to -- most recently -- the wor

BONUS: A conversation with Rabbi Daniel Raphael Silverstein

Rabbi Daniel Raphael Silverstein was the perfect person to talk to as I was grappling with what it meant to be Jewish. He's a rabbi, educator, meditation teacher, MC/po

BONUS: A conversation with Rabbi Victor Urecki

Early on in my career, I packed my bags and moved to West Virginia to work as a journalist. That's where I first met Rabbi Victor Urecki, rabbi at B'nai Jacob Synagogue.

EPISODE 5: Where I Belong

The forces that've kept me from Judaism, including interfaith marriage and anti-semitism, are not unique to my family. But they have uniquely kept me from being Jewish.

EPISODE 4: All Will Be Forgiven

One of the traditions that's most drawn me to Judaism is the annual tradition of reflection and atonement. Turns out, that's kind of daunting. But it might make us bett

EPISODE 3: No Day But Today

In this episode, I learn about how we mourn, and how we remember the dead. But even more importantly, I learn about how Jews' relationship with death informs the way we

EPISODE 2: Is Anybody Out There?

If and when we pray, who are we praying to? Is anyone listening? In this episode, I talk to rabbis who help me understand different types of prayers, and how to find --

EPISODE 1: Shabbat, So Good!

Growing up, many of my friends' families had Shabbat dinners. It wasn't a tradition in my house, but I've always liked the idea of slowing down and sharing a communal mea

Coming January 22: Shofar, So Good!

Coming January 22: A series about a search for lost identity and what it means to be human. From how we apologize, to how we think about a higher power, host Kate Mishkin

Introducing: Shofar, So Good!

I'm Jewish, but was never raised with the religion. Even so, I've spent my entire adult life trying to reclaim the traditions and values that feel both intrinsic and fo