Episode notes
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 Holidays and year-round — and gets some practical advice for saying "I'm sorry" from Jewish experts on apologies. Further reading and resources: • Tashlich, the Symbolic Casting Off of Sins (My Jewish Learning) • Teshuva, Or Repentance (My Jewish Learning) • The 10 Days of Repentance (My Jewish Learning) • Sorry, Not Sorry: The Real Path to an Apology (At the Well) • 6.5 Steps to a Good Apology (Sorry Watch) • Pirkei Avot…
Podcast
Shofar, So Good!
Kate Mishkin · Devotional & Spiritual · English
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.
More from Shofar, So Good! All episodes →
-
S2 · E6 · 17 Sep 2026 · 35 min
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 Mishkin explores the ancient concept, its mystical interpretations, and how the idea evolved and entered our collective consciousness. Further reading and resources: • Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World (My Jewish Learning) • Aleinu: A Call to Divine Service (My Jewish Learning) • Tikkun Ha'am: Repairing Our People by Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin • The Shalom Center (Detroit, Michigan) • Martini Judaism Podcast (Religion News…
-
S2 · E4 · 3 Sep 2026 · 26 min
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 burial according to Jewish tradition. Their work, Kate discovered, is physical, emotional and surprisingly life-affirming. Further reading and resources: • Tahara, Preparing the Body for Burial (My Jewish Learning) • How To Form A Chevra Kadisha (My Jewish Learning) • Email mini-course: A Jewish Journey Through Grief (My Jewish Learning) • Kavod v'Nichum Credits: • Writer/producer: Kate Mishkin • Story producer: Gabrielle…
-
S2 · E3 · 27 Aug 2026 · 27 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) • Project Zug • Whole and Broken Tablets: Aging in Rabbinic Literature (Project Zug) • Beit Midrash Research Project (Brandeis…
-
S2 · E2 · 20 Aug 2026 · 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) • The Mikveh's Significance in Traditional Conversion (My Jewish Learning) • Non-Traditional Uses for Mikveh (My Jewish Learning) • A Detailed Explanation of Niddah, or "Family Purity" Laws (My Jewish Learning) • Mayyim Hayyim Community Mikveh • Mass Center for Jewish Journeys — Community Mikveh •…
-
S2 · E1 · 13 Aug 2026 · 29 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) • A guide to common Jewish blessings (My Jewish Learning) • "The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to…
-
S2 · 11 Aug 2026 · 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.
Take it with you
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
