The Straw Hat

Beha’alotcha 5779: Memorized Torah

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld talk about a new program at the shul—Learn & Earn—and interview some of the participants, Noam, Hillel, Akiva, and Sophie Wolkenfeld. They also discuss the shiur Rabbi Wolkenfeld taught during Shavuot about Torah holding and Torah stands. This episode also features our first-ever trivia question and the chance to be featured on the next episode of the podcast!
Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Bamidbar 5779: From Holy to Holy

In preparation for Shavuot this week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss some of the differences between Shabbat and Yom Tov and examine the transition from Shabbat into Yom Tov which will occur this Saturday night. They also interview the chair of ASBI’s Family Committee, Jennifer Loeb.
Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Behar 5779: To Love a Shul

This week, in the wake of an antisemitic attack on our shul, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld share what they love about Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel and celebrate what’s special about our community. Congressman Mike Quigley of Chicago’s 5th District appears as a special guest on the podcast to share some words of support. We’ll also hear from Erica Phillips, ASBI’s Vice President for Ways and Means, who will speak about a wonderful chance to gather to celebrate and support our community - our upcoming Soiree.
Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Kedoshim 5779: The Mikvah Episode

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi  Wolkenfeld interview Rabbanit Sara Wolkenfeld, Director of the Adam R. Straus Memorial Mikvah, to learn what is special about ASBI’s Mikvah and what it takes to keep it up and running. They’ll also use one of Professor Nechama Leibowitz’s gilyonot—parsha sheets—to explore one of the themes of Parshat Kedoshim: respect for the elderly.
Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Passover 5779: The Existential Bookends of Life

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld discuss Shir HaShirim and Yizkor, both of which will be recited this Shabbat. They also interview ASBI Member and minyanaire Barry Mogil.
Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Metzora 5779: The Passover Episode

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld offer up different perspectives, advice, and strategies on how to prepare for your Passover seders and also interview our podcast producer, Hayley Leventhal.
Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Shmini 5779: Strange Fire Sudden Death

This week, Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld have a discussion about Parshat Shmini, offer insights into dishwasher kashering for Pesach, and interview our Immediate Past President and longtime ASBI member Rabbi Paul Saiger.Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Vayikra 5779: How to Keep Pork Out of Your Soup

Join Rabbanit Sarna and Rabbi Wolkenfeld for the first episode of The Straw Hat! They discuss some of the complications and interesting situations that arise during the Jewish leap year as well as how an idea from this week's Daf Yomi affects the observance of kashrut. This episode also features an interview with ASBI Member David Passman who sheds some light on the history of our shul and tells the story that inspired the name of our podcast.Music credit: “Three” from the album Proverbs, by Les Hayden, used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.