Today, we speak with Rabbi Shira Stutman, senior rabbi at the Aspen Jewish Congregation, author of The Jewish Way to a Good Life, and host of the beloved PRX podcast Chutzpod.
In this episode, we talk about how we use touch and affection in our rituals. We also explore how rituals can evolve alongside our children and grandchildren, while remaining a grounding connection to tradition.
Release date: 6/5/26
Explore more episodes
When we asked Rabbi Stutman what mattered most in marking Shabbat with her kids, her answer was simple: doing it every week. Not making it elaborate. Not making it perfect. Just doing it, again and again.
This guidebook is an invitation to try Havdalah as one small, repeatable anchor into your week. We’ll walk through what Havdalah is and how to do it simply, at home, with whatever you have. We’ll think together about consistency, not as one more thing to be perfect at, but as a kindness you offer your future self. And we’ll keep it as simple as it needs to be.
Senior Rabbi at Aspen Jewish Congregation
Rabbi Shira Stutman is a nationally recognized rabbi, author, speaker, and community builder. Since 2025, she has served as the full-time rabbi of Aspen Jewish Congregation, where she leads vibrant services, weekly Torah study, and creates meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and spiritual growth.
Previously, Shira was the Founding Rabbi of Sixth & I, helping transform it into one of the nation’s most innovative and influential Jewish communities. She is the author of The Jewish Way to a Good Life and co-host of the acclaimed PRX podcast Chutzpod, which explores contemporary questions through a Jewish lens.
Known for her ability to make Jewish wisdom accessible, relevant, and joyful, Shira speaks nationally on building welcoming spiritual communities, fostering connection across differences, and the evolving landscape of American Jewish life. She is also the founder of Mixed Multitudes, a consultancy that helps diverse groups engage with Jewish tradition, conversation, and community.
Rabbi Shira has been recognized as one of America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis by The Jewish Forward and honored as a T’ruah Rabbinic Human Rights Hero, among numerous other distinctions.She is a graduate of Columbia University and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where she was a Wexner Graduate Fellow.
Be the first to know when new episodes are posted!
