Shofar, So Good!

Kate Mishkin

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 why they endure.

Play

Open in

15 episodes
weekly
Avg 24 min
English

Episodes 15

Newest Oldest Longest

All15 Unplayed15 In progress0 Played0

S2 · E3
Thursday · 26 min
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 "for the sake of heaven." Kate explores what exactly that means, teaches us about Jewish history's most famous study partners, and learns how AI is changing havruta learning. Then, Kate and her dad become havrutas. Further reading and resources: Havruta: Learning in Pairs (My Jewish Learning) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/havruta-learning-in-pairs/ Project Zug https://www.projectzug.org/ Whole and Broken Tablets: Aging in Rabbinic Literature (Project Zug) https://www.projectzug.org/courses/whole-and-broken-tablets-aging-in-rabbinic-literature Beit Midrash Research Project (Brandeis University) https://www.brandeis.edu/mandel/research/past/beit-midrash-research/index.html Words as Weapons: The Story Of Rabbi Yochanan And Resh Lakish (Exploring Judaism) https://exploringjudaism.org/words-as-weapons-the-story-of-rabbi-yochanan-and-resh-lakish/ AI on Sefaria https://www.sefaria.org/ai Ohrbit.ai https://ohrbit.ai/ Credits: • Writer/producer: Kate Mishkin • Story producer: Gabrielle Birkner • Fact-checking: Rachel Scheinerman • Sound design/mixing: Jonathan Shifflett of Studio Phonic • Intersitial Music: Nan Schwartz • Art direction: Grace Yagel Outro music is "Swirls & Eddies," written and performed by Grace Corsi. "Shofar, So Good!" is a podcast from My Jewish Learning, a division of 70 Faces Media. Ami Eden is the CEO of 70 Faces Media, and Rebecca Phillips is the publisher. This podcast was originally developed in the Jewish Writers Institute Digital Storytellers Lab and produced with support from Maimonides Fund. Special thanks to Rebecca Friedman.
S2 · E2
August 20 · 30 min
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 circles, the ritual is stretching itself to adapt. Further reading and resources: • What is a Mikveh? (My Jewish Learning) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-mikveh/ • The Mikveh's Significance in Traditional Conversion (My Jewish Learning) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/why-immerse-in-the-mikveh/ • Non-Traditional Uses for Mikveh (My Jewish Learning) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/non-traditional-uses-for-mikveh/ • A Detailed Explanation of Niddah, or 'Family Purity' Laws (My Jewish Learning) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-laws-of-niddah/ • Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh https://www.mayyimhayyim.org/ • Mass Center for Jewish Journeys — Community Mikveh https://aju.edu/maas-center/program/community-mikvah/ • ImmerseNYC https://www.mmjccm.org/jewish-life/jewish-learning-living/immerse-nyc • Adina Blaustein, Yoetzet Halakhah https://www.instagram.com/tasteoftext/ • Dr. Jordana Topp, Yoetzet Halakhah https://www.bethjacob.org/dr-jordana-topp.html • Miriam Ezagui on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@miriamezagui Credits: • Writer/producer: Kate Mishkin •Story producer: Gabrielle Birkner • Fact-checking: Rachel Scheinerman • Sound design/mixing: Jonathan Shifflett of Studio Phonic • Intersitial Music: Nan Schwartz • Art direction: Grace Yagel Outro music is "Swirls & Eddies," written and performed by Grace Corsi. "Shofar, So Good!" is a podcast from My Jewish Learning, a division of 70 Faces Media. Ami Eden is the CEO of 70 Faces Media, and Rebecca Phillips is the publisher. This podcast was originally developed in the Jewish Writers Institute Digital Storytellers Lab and produced with support from Maimonides Fund. Special thanks to Rebecca Friedman.
S2 · E1
August 13 · 28 min
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 100 blessings a day. She hears what happens when scientists try to measure whether saying Jewish blessings makes us happier and more grateful. The results: Not what the researchers expected. Further reading and resources: • "Jewish Prayer Has Become My Favorite Morning Ritual" by Avie Herman (Kveller) https://www.kveller.com/jewish-prayer-has-become-my-favorite-morning-ritual/ • A guide to common Jewish blessings (My Jewish Learning) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/blessings/ • "The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today" by Rabbi Evan Moffic https://amzn.to/4wi9jgQ • Rabbi Meir on daily blessing obligations (Sefaria) https://www.sefaria.org/Menachot.43b.15?lang=en • Sinai & Synapses https://www.sefaria.org/Menachot.43b.15?lang=en • The Social Emotions Lab at Northeastern University https://davedesteno.com/lab Credits: • Writer/producer: Kate Mishkin • Story producer: Gabrielle Birkner • Fact-checking: Rachel Scheinerman • Sound design/mixing: Jonathan Shifflett of Studio Phonic • Interstitial music: Written and performed by Nan Schwartz • Outro music: "Swirls & Eddies," written and performed by Grace Corsi • Art direction: Grace Yagel Shofar, So Good! is a podcast from My Jewish Learning, a division of 70 Faces Media. Ami Eden is the CEO of 70 Faces Media, and Rebecca Phillips is the publisher. This podcast was originally developed in the Jewish Writers Institute Digital Storytellers Lab and produced with support from Maimonides Fund. Special thanks to Rebecca Friedman.
August 11 · 1 min
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 why they endure. The first episode drops August 13, 2026, right in time for Elul. See you then.
#11
Apr 2, 2025 · 48 min
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. The show, hosted by Rabbi Jeff Salkin, is for people who want to be shaken and stirred. Episodes are well-produced, deep, and thought-provoking. Listen to Martini Judaism wherever you listen podcasts, read Jeff's column here, and watch this space for more information on Season 2.
#10
Mar 26, 2025 · 25 min
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 world of podcasting. Jonah's the host of Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, a podcast that highlights the range of Jewish identity and voices. This is one of Shofar, So Good's bonus episodes while we're in between seasons. If you'd like to support the production of Season 2, please visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support, or simply spread the word about this show.
#9
Mar 12, 2025 · 28 min
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/poet and director of Applied Jewish Spirituality, an online portal that brings the tradition's spiritual wisdom to life. Among his other accomplishments: He's a cofounder of Lines of Faith, a Muslim-Jewish hip hop and poetry collective. Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to support our Season 2 efforts. Producer: Kate Mishkin Music: Nan Schwartz Show Art: Laura Mishkin Made with support from the Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund.
S1 · E8
Feb 26, 2025 · 37 min
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. I immediately appreciated who he was within the walls of the synagogue, but outside — Rabbi Urecki engaged with the community, often in interfaith conversations, consistently as a positive presence for West Virginians. In this episode, we talk about belonging, religion as a tool to bring people together, and how Rabbi Urecki's meeting the moment with new traditions. Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to make a financial contribution to the production of Season 2. Producer: Kate Mishkin Production Assistant: Jack McDonald Music: Nan Schwartz Show Art: Laura Mishkin Made with support from the Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund.
#7
Feb 19, 2025 · 33 min
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. In this episode, I try to learn where Judaism was lost in my family, and why it might be more difficult than expected to reclaim my heritage. This episode is about what it means to be lost and found, and who's considered Jewish by law. Learn more about Rabbi Lisa Rubin, Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, and Rabbi Mark Washofsky. Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to make a financial contribution to the production of Season 2. Producer: Kate Mishkin Editor: Lacy Roberts Music: Nan Schwartz Sound design/mixing: Jesse Perlstein Show Art: Laura Mishkin Production Assistant: Jack McDonald Made with support from the Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund.
#6
Feb 12, 2025 · 27 min
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 better people in the end. In this episode, I talk to three rabbis about what it means to atone. Then, I talk to my younger sister about how her life experiences made her incredibly comfortable saying sorry. Learn more about Rabbi Joshua Aaronson, Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, and Rabbi Susan Goldberg. Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to make a financial contribution to the production of Season 2. Producer: Kate Mishkin Editor: Lacy Roberts Music: Nan Schwartz Sound design/mixing: Jesse Perlstein Show Art: Laura Mishkin Production Assistant: Jack McDonald Made with support from the Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund.
#5
Feb 5, 2025 · 28 min
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 live our lives today. I'll call two rabbis whose work requires them to look death head-on. Learn more about Eitan Levine, Rabbi Lynn Liberman and Rabbi Morris Panitz. Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to make a financial contribution to the production of Season 2. Producer: Kate Mishkin Editor: Lacy Roberts Music: Nan Schwartz Show Art: Laura Mishkin Sound design/mixing: Jesse Perlstein Production Assistant: Jack McDonald Made with support from the Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund.
#4
Jan 29, 2025 · 27 min
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 -- and keep -- the faith. Learn more about Rabbi Morris Panitz and Rabbi Josh Rose. Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to make a financial contribution to the production of Season 2. Producer: Kate Mishkin Editor: Lacy Roberts Sound design/mixing: Jack McDonald Music: Nan Schwartz Show Art: Laura Mishkin Made with support from the Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund.
#3
Jan 22, 2025 · 28 min
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 meal after a long week. But I've also found it incredibly daunting. In this pilot episode, I call on two rabbis — one who considers Shabbat a slowing of time, and one who sees it an opening of space. Both explain their reasons for Shabbat, and help me understand mine. Learn more about Rabbi Adam Naftalin-Kelman and Rabbi Marc Margolius. Producer: Kate Mishkin Editor: Lacy Roberts Sound design/mixing: Zachary Goldberg Music: Nan Schwartz Show Art: Laura Mishkin Production Assistant: Jack McDonald Made with support from the Jewish Writers' Initiative Digital Storytellers Lab and the Maimonides Fund. Additional thanks to Robert Mishkin, Natalie Mishkin, Andrew Mishkin, Conrad Pope, Barbara Mutnik, Matt McKinney, Rekha Murthy, Ian Coss, Janine Okmin, Sarah Lefton, Rebecca Friedman, and the Digital Storytellers Lab cohort. Please support this podcast! Tell a friend, rate/review the show, and visit shofarsogoodpodcast.com/support to make a financial contribution to the production of Season 2.
#2
Dec 18, 2024 · 46 sec
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 interviews rabbis and children about what we believe and why. This is "Shofar, So Good!" For more on the podcast, including how to support the show, visit https://www.shofarsogoodpodcast.com/
#1
Oct 14, 2024 · 2 min
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 foreign to me. I can imagine I'm not alone. Enter "Shofar, So Good!", an audio documentary series about my search for Jewish answers.

Showing 1–15 of 15 episodes