
Advertise on podcast: Contact Chai
Rating
5from
This podcast has
409 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Mishkan ChicagoExplicit
No
Date created
2020/03/10
Latest episode
2026/11/13
Average duration
32 min.
Release period
4 days
Description
Contact Chai is Mishkan Chicago’s podcast feed, where you can hear our Shabbat sermons, Morning Minyans, interviews with Jewish thought leaders, and more.
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Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from Contact Chai podcast
Torah and Disaster Relief w/ Alice Miller of NATAN
2026/11/13
Rabbi Lizzi interviews Alice Miller about her work as CEO of NATAN, an Israel-based all-volunteer international disaster relief organization.
On November 17th, join Rabbi Lizzi live in Chicago for a further conversation with Alice Miller to learn about how NATAN opened the first Israeli humanitarian aid clinic in Gaza. Together, we will learn about the challenges and the opportunities their work provides, how we can support their work, and more about why Israeli doctors, nurses, social workers and others are providing humanitarian aid to those some people would label “the enemy.”
https://www.mishkanchicago.org/event/conversation-with-alice-miller-ceo-natan-11-17-26/
The Music of Rabbis Joseph and Nathan Segal — Morning Minyan
2026/11/13
This episode features music of the late Joseph and Nathan Segal, brothers and rabbis who were early pioneers of 1960s Jewish spiritual music.
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.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-tzedakah-campaign
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
Transcript
Grief, Love, and Camels
2026/11/10
When Isaac met Rebekah, and she fell off a camel, a meetcute right out of a rom-drom — a romantic dromedary. On November 7th, Rabbi Julie delivered a sermon on their touching relationship. When Isaac loses his mother, Rebecca's very presence eases his pain. How can we be present in the suffering of others, even those we have been taught to hate?
If you’re sick of listening to us asking for reviews and ratings, imagine how sick we are of asking. If we get five reviews by the end of this week…We will still keep asking, but that would be great, so please, pitch in.
***
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.
Transcript
Earth-Based, Vibrant Judaism with Jakir Manela, CEO of Adamah
2026/11/06
Rabbi Lizzi interviewed Jakir Manela about his work as CEO of Adamah, the largest Jewish environmental organization in North America.
To get on the Adamah email list go to their website and let them know you're in Chicago, and you can help shape the Chicago Hub as it (hopefully!) comes together adamah.org
Support inspired, down-to-earth Judaism by donating to our 5787 Tzedakah campaign.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-tzedakah-campaign
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
Transcript
The Scary Stories We Tell in The Dark
2026/11/02
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?
***
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.
Transcript
Morning Blessings and Cheshvan Rest
2026/10/30
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.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-tzedakah-campaign
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
Transcript
To Be a Good Partner (for God)
2026/10/27
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.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-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.
Produced by Mishkan Chicago. Music composed, produced, and performed by Kalman Strauss.
Transcript
Gilgamesh and the Witness Bearers
2026/10/21
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!
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-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.
Transcript
Why Wear the Palestinian Flag on A Kippah? A Conversation with Israeli Educator Alex Sinclair
2026/10/16
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!
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-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.
Transcript
Division and the Divine Image — On Zohran Mamdani's 10/7 Vigil
2026/10/14
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!
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-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.
Transcript
Reflections On October 7th — Morning Minyan
2026/10/07
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.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-tzedakah-campaign
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
Transcript
Sukkot Hallel — Morning Minyan
2026/10/01
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.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-tzedakah-campaign
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
Transcript
The Symbolism of Sukkot — Morning Minyan
2026/09/25
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.
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-tzedakah-campaign
Produced by Mishkan Chicago.
Transcript
Six Jewish Values To Remember in America in 5787
2026/09/22
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!
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-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.
Transcript
We Live Or Die Together — Rabbi Steven | Kol Nidre 5787
2026/09/21
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!
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/mishkan-chicago/mishkan-high-holidays-2026-5787-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.
Transcript
Podcast reviews
Read Contact Chai podcast reviews
jill17 2026/09/13
Grateful !
So appreciate of these episodes which enrich my continuing Jewish education. Amazing!
Hillary3636 2026/04/26
10/10 100% of the time
Mishkan Chicago’s sermons and discussions are consistently enriching, thought-provoking, and joy-sparking. They have become an important part of my Je...
EHN27 2024/10/16
Great
I have been a student at Mensch academy for 8 or more years and am happy to find recordings of sermons! Thank you Rabbi Lizzie
h DAT TBH 2024/03/29
Grateful to stumble across this podcast!
What a refreshing and present approach in gathering ancient knowledge and constructing and delivering it into the modern day. The sermons are very ins...
Abby Kuchnir 2023/08/31
Fresh Jewish Perspective
I love the sermons because they often make me think about Jewish traditions, values, and life in general in a new way. Sometimes they challenge prior ...
Metmaidtale 2022/08/19
Inspiring
Contact Chai is an inspiring mix of reflections on both current events and timeless practices of Judaism that impact our daily lives. Its content is b...
MrBobbyK 2021/09/16
Fabulous conversation
These are great. Rabbi Lizzi is so cool.
fulubbbbbbb 2021/05/01
Food for the soul
I love the variety of topics and fantastic guests. Every episode leaves me thinking deeply and feeling inspired. Thank you!
$Unknown Buyer$ 2021/04/26
Engaging and inspiring
I usually listen to all my podcast at 1.5 speed. This one I slow down and listen to at normal speed so I can take it all in and let it wash over me. ...
BurchCo 2021/04/16
Binge-worthy, Down to Earth
The beauty of a Shabbat sermon is its staying power -- that you can hear it on Friday night and let it soak in all week. But I couldn’t help myself, I...
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