The JCast Network Total Feed: Recent Episodes
The JCast Network Total Feed
What if humanity learned, once and for all, that we are not alone? In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, a film about revelation, secrecy, fear, and the courage to face truths that powerful people would rather keep hidden. Along the way, we discuss what extraterrestrial life might mean for faith, whether discovering we are not alone would diminish or deepen our sense of awe, and how Judaism helps us think about truth, empathy, and the moral challenge of welcoming the radically other. Disclosure Day asks not only whether we can handle the truth, but whether learning the truth about extraterrestrial life might make us more human — and why authoritarian power is so threatened by anything that turns “them” into “us.”
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into Netflix’s new supernatural sci-fi series The Boroughs, about a group of unlikely heroes in a seemingly perfect retirement community who discover that their “golden years” may be more dangerous — and more meaningful — than anyone imagined. The series, produced by the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things fame, centers on a mysterious threat trying to steal the one thing its characters don’t have enough of: time. Join us for a spoiler-filled conversation about aging, mortality, friendship, courage, and what it means to choose life when the world assumes your best years are behind you.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into the acclaimed HBO series Hacks. Beneath the sharp jokes and show-business drama lies a surprisingly rich story about reinvention, aging, ambition, and the complicated relationships that shape us. Through the evolving partnership between Deborah and Ava, Hacks asks what we owe one another, whether people can truly change, and how we find purpose when the identities we’ve built for ourselves no longer fit. Join us for a spoiler-filled conversation about ego and growth, forgiveness and accountability, friendship and rivalry, and why some of life’s most meaningful transformations happen when we’re forced to start over.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, in a super very special Amen Corner, our guest is Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay. Stephanie is not only the wife of our producer Darone, but she’s running for New York State Assembly. She took time to speak with us about the issues that are important to her, her reasons for running, and why her candidacy is historic. We laughed, learned and got inspired — have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Star Wars is back on the big screen, and in this episode of PopTorah, we discuss The Mandalorian and Grogu alongside a broader conversation about the state of Star Wars and franchise storytelling in the age of streaming. What is the difference between fan service and meaningful storytelling? What happens when institutions focus more on keeping insiders happy than inspiring newcomers? Along the way, we explore themes of found family, mentorship, and belonging, asking what fandoms and faith communities can learn from one another in their shared search for meaning, connection, and a way forward.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
After a couple of weeks off, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about Brad’s trip to Israel, the renaming (and un-naming?) of the Kennedy Center, confederate flags, and of course, the ascendence of the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this very special episode of PopTorah, recorded LIVE at Temple Beth El in Stamford, CT in front of a packed sanctuary, we dive into Michael, the long-awaited and deeply complicated biopic about Michael Jackson — an artist whose music reshaped popular culture even as his life and legacy remain fiercely contested. Join us as we explore what the film chooses to reveal, what it avoids, and what it means to turn a figure this beloved, troubled, brilliant, and controversial into mythmaking cinema. Along the way, we wrestle with questions of celebrity, memory, innocence, power, and the uneasy relationship between artistic genius and moral accountability.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about David Lee Roth with and without Van Halen, Graham Platner and Jon Stewart, Bruce Springsteen and music that is the “soundtrack to your life. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi space adventure starring Ryan Gosling. What begins as a desperate mission to save humanity becomes something far more intimate — a story about unlikely friendship and courageous faith. Join us as we discuss what Project Hail Mary has to say about bridging difference, about choosing connection over fear, and about the quiet, radical bravery of not going it alone.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Bad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about tea, loyalty and fandom, Steven’s interaction with a guy wearing a shirt with the flag of Iran on it, the Hulk Hogan documentary and how to properly pronounce the name, “The Iron Sheik,” and Graham Platner’s senatoral candidacy. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, wondering if the Strait of Hormuz is opened or closed and thinking about how some people are making lots of money off of oil futures these days. they also talk about Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary, JD Vance taking on the Pope, how the midterms could be messed with, and Steven’s Big Jim doll, er, action figure. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode of PopTorah, we break down Hulu’s Paradise — a gripping, twist-filled series about a so-called perfect society that quickly reveals its cracks. With full spoilers, we explore how Paradise wrestles with power, control, and the moral cost of creating order out of chaos. Drawing on Jewish tradition, we unpack the dangers of manufactured perfection and why utopia so often turns into dystopia. Because sometimes… “paradise” isn’t what it seems.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about chocolate bunnies and chocolate matzoh, Seders on the subway, the rapper Kosha Dillz, eating in Montreal, and our unhinged president. Have a listen and have a Joyous Easter, Happy Passover and good whatever else you want to celebrate!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the beginning of the baseball season and the NCAA tournament, the war/not war in Iran, and ICE at the airport. They also ask the timeless question: if you had to choose, would you pick the Olive Garden or sex? Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this special Oscars episode of PopTorah, we dive into two of the most talked-about films of the year: Sinners and One Battle After Another. Both films wrestle with big questions about morality, power, violence, and the stories people tell to justify their actions. What does it mean to be called a “sinner”? Are we trapped in cycles of conflict—one battle after another—or is transformation actually possible? Through a spoiler-filled conversation, we explore how these films grapple with guilt, redemption, justice, and the messy complexity of human nature, drawing surprising connections to Jewish ideas about sin, repentance, and moral responsibility.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into Marvel’s newest Disney+ series, “Wonder Man.” This isn’t just another superhero origin story. The show explores the tension between public image and inner truth, the seduction of fame, discovering your purpose and finding your people, and the difficulty of balancing safety and freedom. It’s a meta Hollywood sendup, a buddy comedy, and a political commentary — with a lot of heart. Join us as we wander in wonder about this wonder-ful marvel of a show.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about, what else, the war/non-war with Iran. The guys talk about the various justifications that the administration has given for the “special military action,” and wonder what “imminent” really means. They also talk about Kristi Noem’s firing, Stephen Miller’s incorruptibility, and Brad’s solo weekend. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven talk about their preparations for Snowmageddon 2026, even though it’s going to hit New York City much harder than it will suburban Maryland. The guys also talk about the life of dogs, shoveling snow, and the US Olympic hockey win and the “Miracle on Ice” (again). Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky talk about Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, the HBO Max documentary celebrating Mel Brooks and a lifetime of unapologetic comedy. From The Producers to Blazing Saddles, Brooks never hid what he was doing or why — using laughter to mock power, puncture tyranny, and refuse the demand for Jewish silence or decorum. Join us as we explore how Mel Brooks turned Jewish memory, trauma, and chutzpah into laughter, resilience, and resistance.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, trying to recall all of the different news cycles they missed since the last episode. This week, they talk about the racist meme that the president posted about Former President Barack and Michelle Obama as well as the ongoing Epstein files saga — is everyone a complete scumbag??? They also talk about the winter Olympics and the New York Knicks — have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
What happens when a miracle involves a murder — and who benefits when the truth stays buried? In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Wake Up Dead Man, the darkest and most theologically charged entry in Rian Johnson’s whodunit series. Set inside a fractured church community obsessed with power, purity, and control, the film exposes how faith can be manipulated, righteousness performed, and belief turned into a cover for ambition and greed. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky to explore how Wake Up Dead Man takes aim at false piety, moral certainty, and the dangerous stories people tell to justify harm.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week’s episode is devoted to the execution of Alex Pretti on the streets in Minneapolis by government thugs. May Alex Pretti’s memory be a blessing.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky return to Hawkins for the final season of the Netflix juggernaut Stranger Things. Beyond monsters and nostalgia, the show offers a sobering meditation on fear, power, and the seductions of militarism and authoritarian control. Through a Jewish lens, the conversation explores what it means to grow up, take responsibility for one another, and resist the darkness — both supernatural and all too human — without surrendering hope.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about aging and how quickly time is passing. It’s another week where so much news is happening that it’s hard to process it all, but they also talk about what’s happening in Minneapolis, the increasing threats to take over Greenland, and the offshore account that Trump set up to steal Venezuelan oil revenue. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back for the first episode of 2026, and there’s no shortage of things to talk about. It’s hard to believe that we’re less than two weeks into the new year and how fast events are happening around the world. This week, the guys review the events of the fledgling year, including, the US nabbing the president of Venezuela, the threat by the administration to seize Greenland, the anti-government protests in Iran, and the cold-blooded killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
What does it really mean to choose the side of “good” — and what does it cost? In this follow-up journey back to Oz, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore Wicked: For Good, the second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda’s story, and what it reveals about loyalty, love, sacrifice, and the messy moral terrain between heroism and villainy. Through Jewish lenses — from biblical rebels to rabbinic dreamers — we ask whether anyone is ever fully “for good,” and how our tradition teaches us to hold complexity even when the stakes are sky-high. Grab your broom (or bubble) and join us for a conversation that soars.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
What does it mean to be good? And who gets to decide? In this magical episode of PopTorah, we dive into the world of Wicked, the spellbinding prequel to The Wizard of Oz that flips the script on the nature of good and evil. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they explore how the tale of Elphaba and Glinda challenges our assumptions about morality, power, and friendship, all through the lens of Jewish wisdom. From Talmudic debates on justice to the Torah’s portrayal of misunderstood heroes, we uncover how Wicked invites us to question the stories we tell and the labels we assign. Listen now and embrace the complexities of life’s green-tinted shades of gray!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back for one last time in 2025. They’re talking about the 60 Minutes/Bari Weiss situation and put it in the context of the larger discussion of legacy vs. new media. They also talk about the lack of accepted truths in today’s world and wonder what this portends for the future. Have a listen and Happy Holidays!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
What does it mean to learn, to teach, to remain faithful to ideals in a changing world? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss A Man on the Inside Season 2 — campus mysteries, human motives, and the deeper questions this witty Netflix comedy invites us to ask.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, and what a week it’s been. Between the horrific shootings at Brown University, the despicable terrorist attack in Sydney, and the senseless murders of Rob and Michele Reiner, there has been a lot to process in a short amount of time. The guys talk about these events as well as the (partial) release of the (redacted) Epstein Files, and Representative Elise Stefanik’s decision to drop out of the race for governor of New York and not to run for congress again. It’s also Chanukah and Christmas is in a few days, so happy holidays to all, no matter what you celebrate or even if you don’t celebrate at all.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about President Trump’s winning of the first ever FIFA Peace Prize — yay Donald! They also talk about the recently released 2025 National Security Strategy and the shift away from the rules-based international system that was created (by the US) in the aftermath of WWII. They also talk about (and like) Forrest Gump. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the haunting and thought-provoking world of AppleTV+’s Pluribus — a series in which nearly all of humanity becomes fused into a single hive mind, leaving only a handful of individuals to wrestle with what it means to remain distinct. Drawing on Jewish wisdom about individuality, community, agency, and the sacred dignity of difference, we consider how to hold the many and the one together without collapsing into conformity on the one hand or fragmentation on the other, as well as what Pluribus reveals about our own moment — when voices risk dissolving into echo chambers, tribal loyalties, or a numbing collective “join.”
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back with the very, very special, post-Thanksgiving episode. The guys talk turkey (and sides) and debrief over their respective holiday gatherings. They also talk about Pete Hegseth, the erosion of political norms, and discover that there are actually a decent number of kosher restaurants in Panama City (who knew?). Have a listen as you continue to digest your Thanksgiving food. Enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
After a couple of weeks off for travel, Brad and Steven are back at it this week with a new episode, just in time for Thanksgiving. This week, the guys talk about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s “face” turn, Zohran Mamdani’s favorite restaurant, and try to come up with new ideas for their rightwing grift so they can afford to eat at Barney Greengrass more regularly. Happy listening and Happy Thanksgiving!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The rabbis are back in session! In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky convene a Beit Din to deliberate the ethical, emotional, and existential questions raised by Netflix’s Nobody Wants This. Joined by special guest Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, NJ, the trio puts Netflix’s most Jewish the show on trial. What does Nobody Wants This reveal about the joys and pitfalls of clergy life, community expectations, gender, and vulnerability? With humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of rabbinic real talk, they explore what it means to lead, to love, and to be human… even when nobody wants this.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the World Series, Halloween costumes and candy, and Nazis on both sides of the aisle. The big reveal in this episode is that Steven went to a David Cassidy concert as an adult. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Taylor Swift is smiling, and so are we. In Life of a Showgirl, the world’s biggest pop star turns the page from heartbreak to happiness—finding meaning, playfulness, and joy in the spotlight. In this latest episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore what Jewish tradition teaches about the holiness of joy, the spiritual work of celebrating without guilt, and the courage it takes to embrace delight after pain. Because sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is dance. Join us for Torah, Taylor, and maybe — just maybe — a sing-along.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
After a short break for respective Parents Weekends, Brad and Steven are back with the podcast this week. They’re talking about the government shutdown, the general corruption in society, Nazis having a moment, and sugar cereal. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back, coming off of the High Holidays and talking about being Jewish in the world today, They talk about the rise in antisemitic violence and the impact that it’s had on how they feel about their Judaism and the safety of their families. Have a listen.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the New York Times coverage of the Comey indictment, the designation of ANTIFA as a terrorist organization, Tylenol, Costco, New York City stories, and the Manischewitz truck. Have a listen and Happy New Year.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
What’s the role of a newsroom in an age of spin, clickbait, and fake news? The Paper — the new Office spinoff — takes us inside a struggling local newspaper where staffers battle not just deadlines and budgets, but the question of whether truth still matters. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the show’s funny, heartfelt take on journalism and why the pursuit of truth is as urgent as ever. Drawing on Jewish teachings about words, justice, and bearing witness, they unpack what it means to be people of integrity in a world where facts are up for debate and stories shape our lives.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about Steven’s experience going to a Yankee game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. They also discuss the firing of Jimmy Kimmel, living at home with your parents after college, and the Charlie Kirk/Starbucks experience. Have a listen and Shannah Tovah to all who celebrate!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about the murder of Charlie Kirk and the spillover effect that it has had on, of all things, the Yankees. Brad was at Yankee Stadium earlier this week, coincidentally on the same night that the president was in attendance. Things did not go as expected. Have a listen and find out what happened.You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Netflix’s smash hit K-Pop Demon Hunters delivers more than catchy beats and dazzling visuals — it’s a story about guilt, redemption, and the courage to embrace who we really are. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the film’s mythic lore, its banging music, its commentary on fan culture, and its deeper message: that true strength comes not from hiding our flaws, but from claiming them as part of our story.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Welcome back for the second episode of the latest season of the Amen Corner. This week, Brad and Steven are talking about the $1.8 billion Powerball drawing that took place this weekend. Spoiler alert: neither of the guys won it, but they did talk about what they would have done with the money had they been the big winner — Barney Greengrass for everyone! Have a listen and now you can also have a look! You can watch the podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AmenCornerPodcast. Enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Happy Labor Day! Welcome to the tenth season of The Amen Corner! In the season premiere this week, Brad and Steven look back at the summer that was — federal troops in DC, the gutting of the federal government, the nightmare unfolding at the Department of Health and Human Services, and the higher cost of, well, everything. On the bright side, the guys seem pretty clear headed about what their lives will be like going forward. Have a listen and welcome back!!!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Before they’re the world’s greatest heroes, they’re a family — and family means hard choices. In Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel’s first family learns that the call to save the world can clash with the call to be there for the people we love most. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the movie’s heartfelt take on loyalty, sacrifice, and what we owe to our children — and to the world.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
What if the real superpower isn’t leaping tall buildings — but refusing to harden your heart? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the new Superman film’s bold message: that kindness is a kind of strength, and vulnerability is a virtue. With nods to Jewish teachings on welcoming the stranger, protecting life, and the sacred work of tikkun olam, we explore what this reboot gets so right — and so Jewish — about being a hero.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In Netflix’s Sirens, myth meets modernity as ancient sea spirits crash into a coastal town’s contemporary chaos — leaving behind a trail of mystery, memory, and moral reckoning. On this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive deep into the show’s haunting exploration of identity, womanhood, trauma, and truth — and the fragile, often painful bonds of family. What does it mean to be heard — or silenced — in a world afraid of what lies beneath the surface? Heed the siren song and join us!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Mountainhead,’ the sharp new HBO film from Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, stars Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef as four tech billionaires on a poker retreat at a mountaintop villa — while the world unravels outside. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as we unpack the film’s biting satire, shocking twists, and what it reveals about power, disinformation, the moral emptiness at the heart of tech culture, and what it means for all of us when the people shaping reality can no longer distinguish it from their own delusions.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into Netflix’s new dramedy The Four Seasons, a modern take on love, friendship, and the many seasons of life. Inspired by the eponymous 1981 film, the series invites us to reflect on aging, change, and the beauty and complexity of long-term relationships. Join us as we explore how the show’s themes resonate with Jewish wisdom about what it means to love deeply and live meaningfully.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Set during the ascendancy of the evil galactic empire, Andor, whose full second and final season is now out on Disney+, strips away the mythic and reveals the human cost of rebellion. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the critically acclaimed Star Wars series that trades spectacle for soul-searching — and asks what it really takes to stand up to tyranny. Through the lens of Jewish history and wisdom, we dive into themes of resistance, moral compromise, and the quiet courage of ordinary people who choose to fight for something better. Join us as we unpack how tyranny overtakes freedom, and wrestle with the cost — and the calling — of liberation.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
What do a Hollywood studio and a synagogue have in common? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore ‘The Studio’, the Apple TV+ comedy about the pressures of keeping a creative machine running — and what it reveals about the challenges of sustaining meaningful work in the shadow of institutional demands. From the unsung heroes behind the scenes to the tension between mission and money, we draw connections between the entertainment industry and Jewish communal life. Along the way, we explore why humans need stories, and how sacred meaning can emerge from even the messiest production.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In this week’s episode, Brad and Steven take a walk down memory lane talking about graduations and birthdays. Several youthful indiscretions are confessed to (mostly by Brad) and the guys can only hope that the statute of limitations has expired on them. They also revisit their discussion on Diet Coke and of course bring it around to America’s number one Diet Coke connoisseur, DJT. Happy listening and congrats to all the graduates, especially Talia and Justin!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Long before Westeros crowned its kings, ancient Israel had its own saga of ambition, betrayal, prophecy, and power. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore House of David, the new Prime series that reimagines the life of Israel’s most iconic and enigmatic ruler. Who really was King David—and who gets to tell his story? They dig into the drama, faith, and complexity at the heart of David’s journey, bringing centuries of Jewish interpretation into conversation with the show’s modern retelling. From shepherd to sovereign, sinner to songsmith, we unpack the many faces of David—and what his story reveals about leadership, legacy, and the divine in the drama.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back, talking about the measles vaccine (PSA: make sure you still have your immunity!), the ridiculous Lindsey Graham tweet following the death of the Pope, Mexican Coca-Cola, Sephora, and the firing of Mike Waltz. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
It’s the Easter/Passover is Over episode, and this week, Brad and Steven talk about how seemingly everyone ends Passover by eating pizza, wonder if it’s more accurate to compare the US today to Turkey or North Korea, and comment on RFK Jr’s recent frightening comments on autism. They also remind their listeners about the Signal Chat scandal and how it has completely fallen off of the radar screen with no punishment being meted out whatsoever. Happy listening and Happy Easter and end of Passover!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Season 3 of ‘The White Lotus’ trades Sicilian scandal for Thai transcendence, following guests who journey to Thailand seeking serenity, connection, and maybe even enlightenment. What they find, however, is far more complicated. In this soul-searching episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the show’s exploration of wealth, power, relationships, and the search for meaning. Is it possible to buy enlightenment? Can spiritual awakening be authentic in a world of luxury and illusion? And what does Jewish wisdom have to say about the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage? Tune in as we wander the sacred and superficial in Mike White’s tropical house of mirrors.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back with a special Passover episode. In honor of the holiday, the guys talk about gefilte fish and keeping carp in the bathtub back in the day. They also discuss the tariff craziness of the last week and the uncertainty that they brought to global markets. They also talk about Global entry, the one positive thing about living in a surveillance state. Happy listening and Happy Passover!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about, what else? Signalgate. Hard to believe that this story broke less than a week ago and how quickly it unfolded. The guys talk about the lying before Congress, the hypocrisy, and the disdain for the rule of law on display. They also talk about the Yankees and their magic bats. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
When the world seems to be going off the rails, what movies and shows do we turn to for comfort, and why? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are binge-watching at the edge of the abyss. Join us as we catch up on everything Jewish about our favorite pop culture offerings of this Winter of our Discontent. Join us as we discuss the third season of The White Lotus, the second season of Severance, the fourth season of The Righteous Gemstones, and the new series Paradise, among other shows and movies.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about the ominous turn that the country is taking. They discuss Paul Weiss’ capitulation to Trump and debate what they would have done had they been forced to make a similar decision. They also talk about the risk of being stopped in an airport and the Democrats’ response (or lack thereof) to the authoritarian moment that we’re in. They try to figure out if flawed responders like AOC and Bernie Sanders are better than no responders at all. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the steady creep toward authoritarianism, film A Real Pain, what’s happening at Columbia University, and Chicago deep dish pizza and the semantic debate over what is defined as pizza, Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—but what happens when everything goes off the rails? In this celebratory episode of PopTorah, we RSVP to You’re Cordially Invited, the new comedy that turns a dream destination wedding into a hilarious disaster. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they unpack the film’s themes of love, family, and unexpected chaos, exploring what it really means to celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Grab a glass, break some glass, and listen in!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
The 97th Academy Awards are here, and Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are here to talk about the Torah of this year’s nominees. In this special episode, we discuss Emilia Perez, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Wicked, Anora, The Apprentice, and more! Who will win, who should win, who stirred controversy, and who got the coveted “PopTorah Bump”? And, most importantly, which movie has the deepest Torah? Join us and find out!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back at it this week after a week’s hiatus due to Covid. Thankfully, everyone is ok and happy to be podcasting again. The guys talk about Covid (obviously), the joys of air travel, more Nazi salutes, DOGE and justifying your job, and the German elections. There’s a lot to catch up, so have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
What do we owe the past — and each other? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack ‘A Real Pain’, the poignant new film that follows two cousins on a journey through Poland, confronting history, family, and their own complicated relationship. Through the lens of Jewish tradition, we explore how grief, memory, and humor intertwine. Join us as we reflect on the power of confronting history, the pain of remembrance, and the many miracles that shape and impact our lives.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back at, trying to wade through (and remember!) the week’s major developments. They talk about Trump’s proposal for the US to take control of Gaza and empty it of its inhabitants and the positive response that this received from many on the “pro-Israel” side of the equation. They also talk about the gutting of USAID and the other havoc being wreaked on the federal government; finally they turn their attention to the upcoming SuperBowl. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the looming trade war with Canada and Mexico, the unempathetic president, the death of DEI and what that may mean for Jewish Heritage Month. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Who is Bob Dylan, really? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are joined by friend-of-the-pod Henry Bernstein to explore ‘A Complete Unknown’, the new biopic that takes us behind the enigmatic persona of one of music’s most influential figures. As we unpack Dylan’s journey of self-discovery and reinvention, we examine how his quest for identity mirrors some of the profound themes in Jewish tradition. From the Torah’s stories of transformation to the Talmud’s wisdom on authenticity, we explore what it means to be both true to yourself and constantly evolving. Tune in for a reflection on the tension between fame, self-expression, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back, talking about the first week of the new Trump administration — it’s hard to believe that we’re only five days in and the guys have already forgotten the number of truly awful things that are happening, The guys also talk about their recent dinner in freezing New York City, the curious hand gesture of Elon Musk and the strange reaction by the head of the ADL, and the importance of the number 15. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back and talking about the incoming Trump administration, what their algorithms are serving them on social media, potential sponsors for the podcast, why they won’t go to see a Rolling Stones concert and Snoop Dogg playing at the inauguration. Have a listen and stay warm this week!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
What can an undercover spy in a retirement home teach us about aging, purpose, and truly living? In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss ‘A Man on the Inside,’ the new Netflix comedy from show runner Michael Schur and star Ted Danson that finds meaning — and some mischief — in life’s later years. Through the lens of Jewish tradition, we explore how aging brings new opportunities for growth, and what it means to embrace every stage of life with curiosity and courage.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back for their first podcast of 2025. It may be a new year, but things seem to have picked up right where they left off in 2024. The guys discuss the car ramming attack in New Orleans and the Tesla blowing up in Las Vegas. They also talk about the documentary film “The Bibi Files,” which leads to an extensive discussion about the war in Israel/Gaza. It’s very Middle East heavy this week — please have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into ‘Moana 2’, Disney’s follow-up to the beloved original. How does the sequel build on Moana’s journey of self-discovery and leadership? What new lessons does it offer about courage, identity, and the interconnectedness of generations? And how does this chapter deepen the story’s resonance with timeless values and challenges? Join us as we explore the beauty, depth, and waves of inspiration in ‘Moana 2’!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
It’s the last Amen Corner of 2025 and Brad and Steven are back from (another) week’s hiatus. This week, the guys are talking about the emerging rift in Trumpworld between MAGA and DOGE, old-school Italian restaurants, Florida, and plum torts. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus, and Happy New Year!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
What does it mean to be good? And who gets to decide? In this magical episode of PopTorah, we dive into the world of Wicked, the spellbinding prequel to The Wizard of Oz that flips the script on the nature of good and evil. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they explore how the tale of Elphaba and Glinda challenges our assumptions about morality, power, and friendship, all through the lens of Jewish wisdom. From Talmudic debates on justice to the Torah’s portrayal of misunderstood heroes, we uncover how Wicked invites us to question the stories we tell and the labels we assign. Listen now and embrace the complexities of life’s green-tinted shades of gray!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Unexpectedly, Brad and Steven are back this week due to a faulty airplane. The guys are talking the drones over New Jersey, Chris Christie, Chanukkah, and once again, about how old they are. Spoiler alert: right now, Steven is considerably older than his father-in-law was when Steven got married(!). Happy listening!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it and they’re talking about rage rooms, the potential fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Christmas songs, Van Halen t-shirts, and Trump memorabilia. Happy listening!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss season 2 of the AppleTV+ hit, ‘Shrinking‘! After our first deep dive into the series, we couldn’t help but return to explore even more of the lessons it has to offer about therapy, grief, and the messiness of human connection. As we revisit the characters and their journeys, we ask: what’s changed? What’s still resonating? And how does this show continue to capture the complexity of life in a way that feels both funny and painfully real? Once more, with feeling — join us as we try Shrinking on for size… again!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
It’s the post-Thanksgiving episode and Brad and Steven are recapping their respective holidays. In addition to talking about how turkey (the food, not the country) is overrated, they also delve into Matt Gaetz, Madonna, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the need to prepare for the long battle ahead. Happy listening and happy holiday season!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back after another travel related hiatus. They survey how not much has changed over the past couple of weeks — it’s the calm before the storm. They take advantage of the relative quiet to talk about food choices in Saudi Arabia and Miami, the Yankees (and even the NY Giants), and of course, how they’re looking forward to Thanksgiving. Happy listening and Happy Thanksgiving to all of our listeners!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode, we dive into the rugged and ruthless world of “Yellowstone,” where questions of legacy, land, and loyalty play out against a stunning yet unforgiving backdrop. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the show’s themes of justice, tradition, and the pursuit of power, asking what it means to protect — and even “make great”— a place or a way of life. How does “Yellowstone” reflect broader struggles over identity and belonging in America today, especially in light of the 2024 presidential election, which took place the day before this episode was recorded? Join us for an exploration of this modern Western’s deep moral undertones and cultural resonance.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven talk about, what else? The absolute drubbing that Kamala Harris suffered in the election. What more needs to be said, you might think, and you might be right, but the guys will walk you through their thoughts on this monumental election. They talk about their biggest fears from the new administration and the foreign policy changes that could have huge impacts on the world order. Have a listen.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode, we explore the spellbinding new Marvel TV series “Agatha All Along” (streaming on Disney+), where the lines between power, control, and deception blur in thrilling ways. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive deep into the show’s themes, unpacking its clever take on leadership, hidden motives, change and the lengths people go to maintain control. What can we learn from Agatha’s manipulations, and how do they reflect larger questions about identity, community, and vulnerability? Join us as we break down the magic, mystery, and meaning behind “Agatha All Along.”
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven are back one last time before the election to talk about, what else? The Yankees and Van Halen. Seriously, while the guys do talk about the World series fiasco and Alex Van Halen’s new memoir, they spend most of the episode talking about the last days of the campaign, how unhinged Trump is getting, and their fears of potential violence. They also finally settled on their grift and this episode will be brought to you by Ivermectin. Have a listen and get out and vote!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven talk about the Yankees making it to the World Series and about the meaning of fandom (not to mention how much tickets are going for!). They also discuss the decision by the owner of the Washington Post not to endorse a candidate for president as well as the ultimate “bridge and tunnel” event — Trump’s fascist rally that will be held at Madison Square Garden. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode, we dive into the thought-provoking Netflix series “Nobody Wants This,” exploring its funny and sometimes cringey take on identity, community, and the challenges of belonging. Joined by special guest Rabbi Talia Kaplan of Congregation Beth Shalom in Overland Park, Kansas (whose hot take on the show recently went viral), Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss the show’s rich Jewish themes, including the search for love and meaning, the impact of communal expectations, and clergy ethics. Together, we’ll unravel why this series resonates deeply in our contemporary world and why you might just find yourself actually wanting whatever ‘This’ is!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, for the second week in a row, Brad and Steven are back! It’s the post-Yom Kippur episode and the guys discuss whether we’re living in a simulation, flooding in Florida, green salsa in New Mexico, and how everything in the US has become supersized, except for the size of airline seats. Have a listen and Happy New Year!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
After (another) week away, Brad and Steven are back and are talking about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish High Holidays and the length of time that services last. They also talk about the Trump bible, the Yankees in the playoffs, what to eat when you’re in the southwest, and the best Egyptian seafood restaurant in Queens. Happy listening and Happy New Year!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode, we dive into ‘Between the Temples‘, a quirky new indie comedy about a cantor grappling with a crisis of faith. Starring Jason Schwartzman as Ben, a grief-stricken cantor whose life takes an unexpected turn when his former grade school music teacher (Carol Kane) re-enters his life as an unlikely Bat Mitzvah student, this film blends humor, heartbreak, and Jewish identity in unique ways. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they explore the film’s portrayal of faith, loss, and the chaotic beauty of rediscovering purpose.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back this week for the second episode of the new season, and they’re talking about accountability (or the lack thereof). They start by looking at the state of the Yankees and go from there to accountability in public life and of course, among our elected officials. They also recap a bit of what has happened since the last podcast and wonder how it will all end. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The rabbis are back from break and ready to talk Torah! The summer of 2024 delivered epic superhero showdowns, headline-grabbing streaming series, and some family-friendly fare. As the summer heat fades, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into the season’s biggest pop culture moments, exploring their deeper meanings and connecting the dots to Jewish values and stories. Tune in for a fun and thoughtful roundup of the movies and shows that had us talking all summer long!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back for the ninth season of the Amen Corner! In the first episode, they recap the momentous events of the past summer — President Biden’s disastrous debate, the attempted assassination of the former president, Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, and the Yankees decision to remove Clay Holmes as their closer. Have a listen and welcome to the new season!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
‘Inside Out 2’ is the sequel to the critically acclaimed and widely beloved 2015 Disney/Pixar animated film ‘Inside Out,” and is proving to be just as successful. By depicting the inner life of an adolescent girl, these films explore how our emotions shape us, for good and for ill. The sequel adds to this by examining the dynamic relationship between our feelings, especially anxiety, and our core beliefs and identities. Does Jewish tradition view our inner lives similarly or differently? Also, the story is intriguingly set when its protagonist, Riley, would become a Bat Mitzvah (if she were Jewish; the movie doesn’t say). What insights does Judaism have about the process and experience of coming of age from an emotional standpoint? Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they get into ‘Inside Out’!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Dune: Part 2, now streaming on Max, continues the sprawling epic adapted from Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi series. Featuring an all-powerful psychotropic mineral, a race of space witches, personal force fields, giant sandworms, Dune explores themes such as power, greed, the nature of heroism, and intersectional liberation — topics about which Judaism also has a lot to say. Also: is riding sandworms akin to Bnai Mitzvah? Let’s find out, as Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky go back to Arrakis on another interstellar episode of PopTorah!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97, now streaming on Disney+, is a reboot/sequel to the X-Men animated series that was beloved by older Millennials who grew up in the ‘90s. The sequel is smoother and shinier, but still possesses the same spirit that made the original series so popular: mutant melodrama and pulse-pounding action set-pieces, combined with thinly-veiled political commentary that surfaced complicated ethical issues — and an amazing theme song (which Rabbi Knopf tried, but failed, to incorporate into the episode). What did Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky think of the show? What would the Jewish tradition have to say about the X-Men? And what insights and issues do Professor Xavier’s gifted students and their antagonists raise that are worthy of Jewish consideration? Targets identified, Bub. Here come the X-Mensches!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven were actually together and recorded the final podcast of the season directly from the Amen Corner studios in NYC. To celebrate the end of the season, the guys first went to the happiest place on earth — Barney Greengrass — due to a torrential downpour, they found themselves unable to leave and decided that it was the best possible place for them to be stuck in. Happy listening and have a great summer!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, in what is the penultimate episode of the season, Brad and Steven continue to discuss the campus wars. They also talk about the Washington Post and a recent disturbing article about Jewish power and perceived control over the mayor and police in NYC, bad coffee in the DC area, and what happens when conservatives make good points. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The third installment in PopTorah’s ongoing conversation about Taylor Swift, our resident rabbinic Swifties discuss her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Spoiler alert: the reviews were decidedly mixed, and prompted some spirited conversation. We suspect many of you have strong feelings as well. Was it poetry? Or was it torture? (Don’t say we didn’t, say we didn’t warn ya). Or perhaps somewhere in between? And what might Jewish tradition have to say about it all? Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky for hot takes, and even hotter Torah!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven talk (a bit) more about the campus protests and wonder out loud if seeing a non-Arab or a non-Muslim wearing a keffiyeh is triggering. They also ask if it’s cultural appropriation for non-Middle Easterners to wear a keffiyeh. They also talk a bit about New York sports, where the Knicks and Rangers are making relatively deep playoff runs. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back after (another) week off for travel. They spend the entire episode discussing the nationwide campus protests. They talk about the meaning behind the slogans that are being chanted around the country and wonder how much the protestors understand what it is that they’re saying. They also talk about how these slogans are heard by Jews on campus and off. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The new film, ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,’ a sequel to the ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ is a thing that exists. But should it? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky have feelings. Is there something strange in the neighborhood? Are we ‘ready to believe’? Or is it just a matter of “If there’s a steady paycheck in it, I’ll believe anything you say”? And the big question: is the proper terminology “requel” or “legasequel?” Fortunately, for these rabbis, no job is too big. No fee is too big. Grab your Ecto Cooler, strap on your proton pack, and answer the call, because something’s weird, and it don’t look good.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven return from their various travels and find that the Passover Seder season is upon us. They talk about Germany, lunch in Athens, the Yankees and Knicks, and they wonder if the Amen Corner will reach the magical 33 episodes of the season. Can they do it? Tune in to find out.You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The new AppleTV+ series ‘Manhunt’, adapted from James L. Swanson’s eponymous book, follows the 12 day search for Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth. As the hunt for Booth unfolds, it exposes a deeper conspiracy — one aimed at restoring white men to political dominance, despite the South losing the war. In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky talk about how we continue to experience the consequences of this history, underscoring the Jewish imperative to uphold truth and pursue justice, and how we navigate affirming those values when they seem to be in tension with the demands of peace. Spoiler alert: Booth dies. But is justice done, delayed, or denied? And what does that mean for us today?
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven follow up on their discussion of the Trump bible and talk about religious groups like Mormons and Chabad. They also talk about how Jews are becoming less welcome on college campuses and what happens when Jews are removed (or remove themselves) from public forums. Put on some headphones and have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Brad and Steven are back this week after a brief hiatus with another episode of your favorite podcast. The guys catch up on some of the things they missed, like the passing of Joe Lieberman and Louis Gossett, Jr and Trump’s decision to start selling bibles. They also talk about Covid, hand washing, and staying in hotels. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The 96th Academy Awards are behind us, and Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are here to talk about the Torah of this year’s nominees. In this special episode, we discuss Oppenheimer, Barbie, Poor Things, The Zone of Interest, and more! Who won, who lost, who was snubbed, who stirred controversy, and who got the coveted “PopTorah Bump”? And, most importantly, which movie has the deepest Torah? Join us and find out!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven conjure up the memory of Steven’s late father, Michael Cook, to talk about how to avoid being screwed over. They’re back to talking about junk fees on auto rentals, the advantages of having lawyers and doctors in the family, and finally about a situation with Con Edison that can only be solved by calling Seven on Your Side. Have a listen and enjpy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Jon Stewart’s back, baby! The influential Jewish comic who made ‘The Daily Show’ a cultural juggernaut before leaving in 2015 has returned, for a limited time, to his old seat. Does he have what it takes to make the show, and basic cable, relevant again? Is he the political savior we’ve been waiting for, who will bring us back from the edge of the abyss? Or is everyone just out of new ideas? “The Best Freakin’ Rabbinic Team on the Planet,” Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky, talk about the inherent Jewishness of political comedy, ‘The Daily Show’s place in the pop cultural pantheon, and what Stewart’s return says about where we are — and where we might be going — as a Jewish community and as a society.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven talk about the State of the Union address, junk fees, disgraced former politicians, President Buden’s age (as if we needed more people talking about this), and wonder about pronouns. Have a listen while you enjoy the extra hour of daylight!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back, talking about the soon to be released Alex Van Halen autobiography, the departure of Mitch McConnell, Steven’s turn to the right, what should and should not go into scones, and just for good measure, a little about their beloved Yankees. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
HBO’s long-running comedy series, Curb Your Enthusiasm, starring legendary comedian and ‘Seinfeld’ co-creator Larry David as a slightly fictionalized version of himself, is coming to an end with its 12th and final season. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky take a look back at the hilarious highs and cringe-worthy lows of Larry’s many exploits, and discuss the Jewishness of it all — including what makes us kvel and kvetch about having such a successful show that is so self-consciously Jewish. Join us for this pretty, pretty…pretty good episode of PopTorah!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven talk about their daughters and college (spoiler alert: it involves ED and happy endings), IVF and Alabama, South Carolina, the hypocrisy of Trump supporters (we know, shocking!), and yet more about pizza. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this week’s better late than never episode, Brad and Steven are going all in on pizza again, this time, while reminiscing about the long winter days in between football and baseball season of their childhoods. They also talk about Trump’s gold sneakers, the lame NBA All Star Game (and all star games in general), and Matisyahu. Happy listening!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The new Netflix film ‘Good Grief,’ written, directed, and produced by star Daniel Levy, explores how we pick up the pieces in the wake of tragic loss, especially when we discover things about our loved ones after their death that complicate their legacy and our memories of them. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss what emerges when the film is brought into conversation with Jewish tradition, which has its own rich tradition of wisdom and practice around loss and the grieving process.Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Much of this week’s episode is devoted to a discussion about National Pizza Day. Brad and Steven talk about the merits of New York-area pizza and the outsized importance it has on people who grew up in the area. They also talk about make-you-own-pizza and how to define what makes something “pizza.” All in all, it’s an episode that might make you think, but will definitely make you hungry. Grab a slice and have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Alexander Payne’s newest film, ‘The Holdovers,’ stars Paul Giamatti as a prickly, demanding teacher at an elite northeastern boarding school who gets stuck supervising the one student left on campus during winter break. Set as the 60’s become the 70s, what ensues is emotional, funny, and ultimately uplifting — a coming-of-age story for student and teacher alike that explores issues like race, class, the purpose of education, and the meaning of growing up. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they look at ‘The Holdovers’ through a Jewish lens.Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven talk about how they’re well on their way to being crotchety old men, and the elderly life that they envision for themselves doesn’t seem so far-fetched. They also talk about the recent judgement against the former resident of the White House and about the corrupt Supreme Court. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven talk about the right-wing grift that they’re going to run, the lack of discussion around Trump’s cognitive decline, the ongoing war in Gaza, and flight delays. Happy listening!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The new musical ‘Wonka,’ a prequel of sorts to the beloved Roald Dahl novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and the classic Gene Wilder film based on it, is a celebration of imagination, lovingkindness, and, of course, chocolate. Grab your golden tickets and go on a tour of the factory — watch out for that chocolate river and don’t steal any Fizzy Lifting Drinks — with Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky, who discuss the movie’s messages about good and evil, the importance of dreams, and the timeless struggle between the greedy versus the needy.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven discuss college — the cost, the value, the job prospects, and the purpose. Unsurprisingly, they compare the process today to how it was back in the “old days,” when they were going through it themselves. They also touch on the Israel-Palestine conflict and how it was supposed to be over by now. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week’s episode is coming to you a bit later in the week than usual, but we’re trying to keep to our New Year’s resolution and doing the podcast as often as possible. We talk about flight delays, perception versus reality and what’s more important in today’s political climate, and of all things, Tulsa. Happy Listening!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
It’s been an interesting and somewhat challenging year for superhero movies, with the once seemingly invincible Marvel Studios showing signs of wear and tear. For example, the studio’s latest tentpole team-up film (and one of its best in years), ’The Marvels,’ is now widely regarded as its first-ever commercial flop, and the actor Jonathan Majors, whose character Kang the Conqueror was supposed to be the Big Bad of Marvel’s latest saga, was just dropped by the studio after being convicted of domestic abuse. Is this the end of the superhero movie boom, a moment of truth for Marvel, or the beginning of a new era? And what, if anything, does the Jewish tradition have to say about it. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they go “higher, further, faster,” discussing ‘The Marvels’ and the future of the MCU.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
It’s the final episode of 2023 and this week Brad and Steven are talking about the year ahead and the one that just passed. For better or worse, the guys’ New Year’s resolution is to continue to do the Amen Corner, hopefully more regularly. At any rate, have a listen and here’s to a better 2024!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven are back after a brief hiatus. Their moods, however, continue to be “meh” in the extreme as they still try to make sense of what’s happening all around us. Adding injury to insult, both of them had to deal with emergency rooms over the past few days, but each had a completely different experience. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The new sports comedy ‘Next Goal Wins,’ directed by Taika Waititi, is based on the true story of American Samoa’s soccer team as it attempts to overcome its embarrassing status as the worst team in the sport’s history. The film stars Michael Fassbender as Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen, who has the unenviable task of helping prepare American Samoa for a World Cup qualifying match, even as he seeks his own redemption. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are suckers for a good underdog story — you might say that Judaism itself is an undergod story — and find that ‘Next Goal Wins’ touches on a number of important Jewish concepts and themes.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Much of this week’s episode is devoted to a discussion between Brad and Steven about the 45-minute video compiled and screened by the government of Israel that documents the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The video contains footage from body cameras of the Hamas attackers, closed-circuit footage, video from victims’ cellphones and from first responders at the scene of the attacks. Steven watched the footage earlier this week and shares his impressions with Brad and their listeners.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The new miniseries on Netflix, ‘The Fall of the House of Usher,’ is many things all at once: a love letter to Edgar Allen Poe, a gothic horror masterpiece, and a biting social commentary reminiscent of HBO’s ’Succession.’ Loosely based on a Poe story of the same name — and brimming with references to other Poe masterpieces — ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ follows the demise of a wealthy family that had built its fortune on human suffering. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky get right to the “tell-tale heart” of the matter, discussing the morality of wealth, the dangers of privilege, the persistence of guilt and grief, and the possibilities and limitations of repentance. “Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe” and enjoy this deliciously dark conversation.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven talk about their Thanksgivings and wonder if there’s such a sting as too many kinds of pie. They also discuss New York City doormen, how important they are in the daily lives of the people in their buildings, and why we should tip them. TOf course, they also talk about the ongoing war in Israel and the importance of hearing the stories about what happened on October 7. Have a listen!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven try to talk about subjects other than the war in Gaza. They discuss the latest Yankees woes and a little bit about Thanksgiving, but come back to the elephant in the room and, once again, the Middle East takes center stage in the conversation. Have a listen, remember our shared humanity and Happy Thanksgiving.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Taylor Swift’s long-awaited “Eras” tour was not only the pop cultural event of 2023, it was one of the most successful concert tours in music history. Each night Taylor took fans on an epic three hour tour of her career. And she has followed up on that success by releasing a film version of her live show, which is currently playing to more sold-out crowds in theaters everywhere. We don’t know about you, but Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are feeling 22 as they talk about why this show was so important to them as Swifties and as spiritual and communal leaders, and explore the Torah we can learn from Taylor Swift’s music as well as from the artist herself. Join us, whatever your “era”!
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven continue to talk about the war in Israel and Gaza and its impact on Jews around the world. They talk about a number of physical altercations that have taken place on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and return to the subject of antisemitism and anti-Zionism on campus. Have a listen.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
You know that Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are lifelong friends, but did you know that they met as teenagers on a youth group summer trip to Israel? And did you know that they lived down the street from one another in Jerusalem for a year? Now, Israel is a central and inseparable part of their friendship, their Jewish identities, and their rabbinates. How are they navigating this moment of deep crisis in Israel, and in the larger Jewish world? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky talk Torah when pop culture is the news. What about when the news is pop culture? What Torah do they look to, or have to share, in this complex time of sadness, fear, anger, and uncertainty? Have a listen to their important, challenging, and ultimately hopeful conversation in this special episode.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven continue to talk about the situation in Israel and Gaza and the repercussions that are being felt around the US, particularly on college campuses. They also talk about the new Speaker of the US House of Representatives as well as the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine. Please have a listen.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven talk about the spillover effects of Israel’s war in Gaza — from the frontlines to the academy to the streets of Paterson. Have a listen.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Disney and Pixar’s latest animated feature, Elemental, became a sleeper hit at the box office this summer. Using the interaction of various elements as an extended metaphor for the immigrant experience and striking the balance between honoring one’s past while charting their own future, the movie has a lot of resonance with Jewish history and tradition. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss the movie’s powerful meaning and message, celebrating the fact that its recent release on Disney+ will it deservedly enable the movie to rise even higher in popularity.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This week, Brad and Steven talk about the horrific Hamas terrorist attack against Israel.
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
This week, Brad and Steven talk about the flooding that hit New York, the normalizing of the abnormal and whether or not rabbis should talk about politics in their Yom Kippur services. Have a listen and enjoy!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Back in May, film and television writers went on strike. Actors joined them on the picket lines in July, leading to the longest strike in Hollywood history (the WGA recently ended it’s strike when it struck a new deal with the studios, and it is expected that SAG-AFTRA will follow suit shortly). In this very special episode, WGA member (and friend of the pod) Erica Wachs and WGA/SAG member Johnathan McClain take a break from the picket lines to join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky for a discussion about the Jewish values at stake in these labor disputes, and how the strikes might shape the way Jewish pop culture fans think about the media they consume moving forward.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Brad and Steven are back with the first episode of Season Eight of the Corner. They’re back to their usual banter about the Jewish High Holidays, the best food for breaking the fast, Lauren Boebert, and the lack of accountability in our society. All in all, it’s like they’ve never been gone — have a listen and enjoy!You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky seem like they would be the target audience for Adam Sandler’s new Netflix movie, You’re So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. But while the film covers some explicitly Jewish subject matter, the rabbis had mixed feelings about it — as an Adam Sandler comedy, and as a piece of Jewish art. Join us as we discuss the meaning of becoming B’nei Mitzvah, what the movie tells us about the state of American Judaism today, and what the Jewish tradition would have to say in response to this movie.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
It’s official — ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ are this summer’s unlikely “it” couple! This summer, we’re all obsessed with the World’s Most Famous doll taking on the patriarchy and wrestling with mortality, and the Father of the Atomic Bomb struggling with his conscience and (maybe) starting a chain reaction that will destroy the world. It all may herald the end of the world as we know it, but Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky feel “closer to fine” about it all. What does it all mean, and what can it all teach? Join us as we dig into the meanings and messages of the biggest movies (and meme-machines) of Summer 2023.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
The Bear, whose first two seasons are currently streaming on Hulu, follows Carmy Berzatto, a rising superstar in the culinary world, as he seeks to revitalize his brother Mikey’s Chicago dive following Mikey’s suicide. The show masterfully explores very Jewish themes, like honoring difficult parents, carrying on a legacy, dealing with grief and guilt, the ethics of running a business, and the spirituality of what we eat and how we welcome others. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they say “Yes, Chef!” To The Bear.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Indiana Jones is back! The dashing, swashbuckling, fedora-wearing, bullwhip-cracking, Nazi-punching archaeologist is literally racing against time in his fifth and, by all accounts, last, crusade. But did Disney choose wisely with this one, or does this iconic franchise belong in a museum? Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky to hear “just what the Hebrews thought” about the movie, and what it has to say about our relationship with history, nostalgia, and time itself.
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture.
How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
This is it, the season finale of the Amen Corner. This week, Brad and Steven talk about the heat (without using the word “schvitzing” even once!), the antisemitic comments of Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the fascist group Moms for Liberty, isolationists and appeasers, and Jews Behaving Badly. Happy listening and enjoy the summer!
You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
‘The Flash’ was supposed to be an exciting reset for the beleaguered DCEU, even heralded by some Hollywood luminaries as one of the greatest superhero films of all time. Instead, it was at least as much of a mess as many of its predecessors, and doubly burdened with instability at Warner Bros. (the parent company […]
This week, summer is here and Brad and Steven are coming to the end of the podcast season. The guys lament the state of the New York Yankees and of New York sports in general. They also discuss the 40th(!) anniversary of Trading Places, the mysterious coup in Russia, the lost submarine, and why Texas […]
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse’ is the sequel to the hit 2018 animated adventure ‘Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse,’ and the second part of a planned trilogy following Miles Morales as the titular wall-crawler, along with hundreds of other spider-people. Our friendly neighborhood web-heads, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky, want to talk about the high-flying, wise-cracking, multiverse spanning […]
This week, after three plus years of flying below the radar, Brad finally got Covid. The guys talk about the dreaded “C word’ before pivoting to discuss the rise in antisemitic incidents in the Montgomery County, Maryland school system. Steven is trying to figure out an appropriate response — Amen Corner listeners are invited to […]
This week, Brad and Steven welcome a special guest to the Amen Corner, Catherine Herrold, associate professor of public administration and international affairs at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and Loyal Amen Corner Listener. Catherine talks about free speech on campus and DEI. It’s a thoughtful and important discussion, one not to be missed. You […]
The hit HBO series Succession, currently in its final season, is deceptively complex. On the surface, it’s about members of a wealthy family vying for control of their father’s media empire. But while most similar shows would either glorify or revile wealth and power, Succession deals in shades of grey that are truer to life and closer to […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about members of Israel’s government getting into trouble on the streets of NYC. The guys spend much of the episode discussing an article from the Atlantic about CNN head, Chris Licht. Here’s a link to the piece, which you may want to check out before listening to the podcast (you don’t […]
The MCU has been in a bit of a rough patch lately, but ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3’ gets things back on track. The final chapter of James Gunn’s trilogy about this wisecracking gang of galactic misfits has jokes, action, and lots of heart. In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky argue that the […]
This week, Brad and Steven are talking again about an old favorite subject of theirs: hagbah. With Steven in Georgia for a family Bat Mitzvah, the pressure is on for him to lift a special Torah that was rescued from the Nazis. They also talk about what to eat in Georgia and the elections in Turkey. […]
It’s Mother’s Day this week and Brad and Steven discuss the day’s merits and its potential impact on gifts for Steven. They also talk about the disgraceful CNN broadcast of Trump’s town hall last week and wonder how the media will cover a presidential campaign that promises to be like none other before it. Spoiler alert: they’re […]
‘The Mandalorian,’ whose third season is now streaming on Disney+, is one of the most critically and commercially successful offerings of Disney-era Star Wars. Noted Star Wars nerds Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss the show’s very Jewish themes, its relationship to Torah and Midrash, and the relative value of complex mythology in modern pop culture. […]
This week, it’s The Coronation Day Episode, where Brad and Steven spend as little time as possible talking about the British monarchy. Instead, they talk about Twitter vs. TV news, Clarence Thomas’ shameless corruption, the killing of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway car this week and how it relates to the national homeless crisis. Have a […]
After a two-week hiatus, Brad and Steven are back at it. In this week’s episode, the talk about the ongoing protests in Israel which Brad attended last weekend, the future of Israel’s democracy, the prospect of being a stranger in a country that’s not one’s own, and old school Chinese restaurants. Happy listening! You can listen to The Amen […]
Mario, Luigi, Toadstool, Princess Peach, and Bowser are back — this time in the cleverly-titled blockbuster animated comedy ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie.’ Is it super? Or is it the film equivalent of hitting a banana peel on Rainbow Road? What does it say about the state of entertainment and society? And what does it […]
‘Shrinking,’ the new series streaming on AppleTV+ boasts some big names (have you heard of this guy Harrison Ford? We think he’s got a promising future in showbiz…) and a big premise: what would happen if therapists got more involved in their patients’ lives, and let their patients get more involved in their own lives? […]
This week, Brad and Steve talk about some of the things that they actually don’t agree on. There’s not a lot but they did manage to come up with something: Diversity Equity and Inclusion, also known as DEI, and college admissions. The guys talk about their experiences with their respective children’s admissions processes and find that while there […]
In this week’s episode, Brad and Steven talk about the two HUGE legal decisions that were handed down this week. One is historical and precedent-setting, the other is the indictment of a former president whose name shall not be mentioned by a New York grand jury. The first case, of course, is the Gwyneth Paltrow trial, […]
It finally happened! The sequel to Mel Brooks’ 1981 classic ‘History of the World: Part I’ that nearly every Jew of a certain age has been waiting for is here at last. Was it worth the wait? Is it the greatest sequel in ‘The History of the World: Part II’? Or is it more of […]
Due to popular demand (ok, Producer Darone and one other person asked for it), this week Brad and Steven tell the story of how they first met and became friends. In what should be no surprise to Amen Corner listeners, the story involves the Yankees, the Middle East, and Plainview/Plainfield. Enjoy our stroll down memory lane! You can […]
The guys are back this week to talk about Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaeprnick, Sylvester Stallone and Tony Danza, expensive restaurants and a big disappointment. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
The 95th Academy Awards are fast approaching, and Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are here to talk about the Torah of this year’s Best Picture nominees. In this special episode, we discuss Avatar, Elvis, Top Gun, The Fabelmans, and more! Who should walk away with this year’s top prize? Who will win? And, most importantly, which movie […]
After a prolonged hiatus, Brad and Steven are back with the news that nearly three years into the pandemic, Steven finally got Covid, leaving Brad as the last man standing. Steven dry coughs his way through his description of what happened to him before the guys turn their attention to discussing Dominion Voting Systems vs. […]
The new HBO series, ‘The Last of Us,’ based on the acclaimed video game of the same name, explores what life might look like 20 years after a pandemic decimates the world. The show features plenty of terrifying zombies (especially if you’re freaked out by fungus), but more importantly explores what remains — love and […]
It’s the Little Bit of Everything Episode this week; Brad and Steven talk about some of the feedback that they got from last week’s episode and then go back to their roots and talk about parenting, Van Halen, and this weekend’s Super Bowl. They even mention Popeye’s. On a serious note, they also talked about this […]
The new Netflix film ‘You People,’ starring Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill, is a romantic comedy in the mold of ‘Meet the Parents.’ The twist, however, is that this time, the parents are African American members of the Nation of Islam, and the prospective son-in-law is a white Jew from West LA. While the movie […]
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay acknowledges with regret the end of one of the most important shows on the Network Daily Daf Differently. After explaining the ins and outs of the issues with keeping the show going, Darone thanks Jeremy Kalmanofsky and The Conservative Yeshiva for all of their help […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 15. What do we do when the values between two of our commitments conflict? To view the text of Nazir, Daf 15 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 14. In today’s episode we ask how can a person fulfill two obligations at the same time? To view the text of Nazir, Daf 14 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and closing music for this podcast […]
In this week’s episode, Brad and Steven talk about how they spent time in the hospital this week, visiting Steven’s nephew who is undergoing chemotherapy. It’s a bit of a departure from their usual podcast content, but still with the same Amen Corner spirit. Have a listen! You can listen to The Amen Corner in […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 13. What is the obligation to fulfill a Nazir’s vow, if it was made in a moment of bargaining for the life or health of a child?” To view the text of Nazir, Daf 13 on Sefaria, please […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 12. A meditation on the limits of language and knowledge when we depend on others. To view the text of Nazir, Daf 12 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 11. When someone makes a vow in order to prevent others from forcing them into an action, does that vow have validity? In other words if I make a vow to avoid peer pressure do I remain accountable […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 10. What are the limits of frustration as an explanation for extreme statements? If a person makes a Nazarite vow under the stress of frustration does that vow have validity? To view the text of Nazir, Daf 10 […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Mordecai Schwartz looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 9. Can an individual modify the Nazarite vow to fit their personal preferences? We will look at the limits for individuals altering religious ritual described in the Torah. To view the text of Nazir, Daf 9 on Sefaria, […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Joe Rosenstein looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 8. Yesterday’s daf focused on the implications of the person’s vow on the length of his or her n’zirut if the vow mentioned duration. Today’s daf focuses on the implications of the person’s vow if it specifies the n’zirut […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Joe Rosenstein looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 7. Although Chapter 1 of Tractate Nazir has led us in many interesting directions, we have to remember that the internal theme of the chapter is on the implications of the specific language of the vow on the person’s […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back after a short hiatus and are trying to figure out what the episode is about, following their last conversation with Producer Darone. They talk about everything and nothing and decide that they’ll call this episode, “Everything and Nothing.” Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Joe Rosenstein looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 6. The ceremony at the end of the nazir’s term is called “hitgalachat” because that is when his or her hair is cut (galach). Daf 6 focuses on the question of when hitgalachat takes place. If the term of […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Joe Rosenstein looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 5. Today’s daf is focused on a Mishnah that states that if a person vows to be a nazir without setting a specific time limit, then the term of his or her n’zirut is 30 days. This term is […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Joe Rosenstein looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 4. Today’s daf focuses on a vow to be a nazir like Samson and a vow to be a nazir for life; neither of these corresponds to the nazir described in Bamidbar (Numbers) since that nazir has a fixed […]
The first three seasons of Darren Starr’s guilty pleasure series ‘Emily in Paris’ are now streaming on Netflix. Most viewers agree that the show is the pop culture equivalent of junk food: delightful, but mostly empty calories. But what would happen if we took the show (too) seriously? Thankfully, that is Rabbi Knopf and Rabbi […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Joe Rosenstein looks at Masechet Nazir, Daf 3. Following up on a question in the previous daf, this episode discusses the question of why the nazir might be considered a sinner? This leads us to discuss the ceremony at the end of a period of n’zirut […]
The first chapter of Tractate Nazir focuses on the implications of the actual statement made by a person on whether and for how long he or she becomes a nazir. We begin today’s episode, dealing with the first page of Tractate Nazir, with a description of the three prohibitions of the nazir in Bamidbar (Numbers). A nazir is a person who vows not to partake of the fruit of the vine, not to be in contact with a corpse, and not to cut his or her hair. The episode continues with a discussion of the various perceptions of the nazir, and a set of questions that will be discussed in the first seven episodes of Tractate Nazir, including, Is there any link between the three prohibitions? Why would a person choose to be a nazir? What role did the nazir have in society? Was the nazir regarded favorably or unfavorable in Jewish history? The first Mishnah of the tractate includes a number of euphemisms and abbreviations that would make a person a nazir, including one that provokes the question in the gemara of whether a nazir is a sinner (!)
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 91. Hadran Alach Masechet Nedarim! We will return to you, Tractate Nedarim! We give thanks to God for the Talmud kopp, the Talmudic mind, that we cultivate through this study. To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 91 […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 90. To a modern eye, the rabbis seem to have some blind spots when it comes to women and to marriage. But in other areas, as when they deal with real communities and their propensity for gossip, the […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 89. The rabbis understood that the vows we make that damage our most intimate relationships actually threaten our own happiness as well. Thankfully, they put some protections into place to prevent us from wreaking havoc on ourselves and […]
This week, your friends at the Amen Corner have a special episode to share with you, our loyal listeners. Brad and Steven’s special guest is the creator of the JCast Network and the producer of this podcast, Darone Ruskay. The three talk about podcasting in general and about the Amen Corner in particular. Please enjoy this extremely […]
The new film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is Rian Johnson’s follow-up to his critical and commercial 2019 hit Knives Out. Once again starring Daniel Craig as “world’s greatest detective” Benoit Blanc and an all-star cast (including some incredible cameos), Glass Onion finds Blanc attempting to solve a mysterious murder that has taken place against the backdrop […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 79. Today we focus on the categories of vows that a husband may annul. To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 79 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 78. This daf shares some reflections on what God does on God’s own and what people contribute to holy calendar. To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 78 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and closing music […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 77. Today we ask what the grounds are for a sage to nullify vows? Are vows serious business? Or a mere formality? To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 77 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 76. This podcast episode focuses on the intersection of laws about vows and the restrictions of Shabbat. To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 76 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and closing music for this podcast […]
It’s the first episode of 2023 and Brad and Steven are talking about the craziness of the last week, including the horrific collapse on the field of Buffalo Bills’ player Damar Hamlin, the 15 round vote for Speaker of the House of Representatives, George Santos flashing the white power sign on the House floor, and the […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 75. A husband may annul his wife’s religious vows when he hears of them. Can he annul them before she makes them? To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 75 on Sefaria, please click here. The opening and […]
Happy New Year from your friends at the Amen Corner! In this, the final episode of the podcast in 2022, Brad and Steven talk about conservatives in Hollywood, lying George Santos, and the death of the iconic Pele. Happy listening and hope 2023 is better than 2022! You can listen to The Amen Corner in […]
The follow-up to the smash HBO limited series ‘The White Lotus’ explores issues of sex and relationships, trust and power, class and privilege, beauty and treachery in a new luxurious setting. Also, can you believe that
Happy Holidays from your friends at the Amen Corner! This week, Brad and Steven do a Christmas episode that does NOT include any discussion about Chinese food or going to the movies. Instead, they talk about their favorite Christmas songs and think about cultural appreciation versus appropriation. Whatever holiday you celebrate, or if you don’t celebrate […]
This week, Brad and Steven are gearing up for Chanukah and Steven waxes nostalgic for his favorite Chanukah gift of all time. Spoiler alert: it’s not the grapefruit spoons. They also talk about vaccinations and car accidents and wonder if anything at all can be done to change people’s bad behavior. Spoiler alert: nothing can be done. Happy listening! […]
The new Hulu series ‘Fleishman is in Trouble’, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Claire Danes, is a show about how love can become hate, marriage can devolve into divorce, midlife can spiral into a crisis, comfort can turn into boring routine, and the blessing of kids can turn into the thankless burden of parenting. In other […]
This week, Brad and Steven talk about their favorite Eddie Murphy movie, Aaron Judge re-signing with their beloved New York Yankees, the World Cup, and how everyone is on the take. They also talk about waking up earlier as they get older. Happy listening! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. […]
In this episode, Rabbis Daniel and Hillary Chorny delve into the complex mishnah that began on the previous amud. This mishnah features several scenarios over which the chachamim of the mishnah and Rabbi Eliezer Yaakov disagree.
In this episode, Rabbis Daniel and Hillary Chorny conclude the fourth chapter of Nedarim and begin the fifth chapter, which is concerned with the implications of mutual vows on two partners who share property.
In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Chorny delves into the fundamental disagreement between Rabbi Yosi and the chachamim in answering the question: when does a renunciation of ownership (hefker) go into effect?
In this episode, Rabbi Daniel Chorny explores the limits, challenges, and relationship between one who vows that his fellow may not enjoy any of his property, and the one who is subject to the restrictions of that vow.
In this episode, Rabbis Daniel and Hillary Chorny explore the effectiveness of vows made before and during the sh'mita year. The daf begins with the fifth mishnah of chapter four of Nedarim.
On this page, continuing the theme of the mitzvah of bikkur holim, we focus on three statements today. One regarding the relationship between forgiveness and healing. One regarding how illness can impact our intellectual capacity. And one regarding the extraordinary, though every-day, miracle of people moving from illness to health.
This week, Brad and Steven talk about the World Cup and why American announcers feel the need to be British when calling a soccer game. Keeping with the World Cup motif, they talk about the legendary Pele’s illness and his impact on American soccer. They also discuss the week in Nazism and the noticeable changes […]
In this episode we take a break from some nitty-gritty material regarding vows and promises, and learn about the great mitzvah of visiting the sick, reminding us that when we choose to make ourselves vulnerable to others’ pain and discomfort, we can contribute to enormous healing.
Happy After-Thanksgiving from your friends at the Amen Corner! This week, Brad and Steven do their post-mortem on Thanksgiving eating and hope that they’ll feel like themselves again soon. They also discuss cryptocurrency and that time that the former president of the United states hosted a Nazi for dinner. Happy listening! You can listen to […]
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ is the eagerly-awaited sequel to one of the most critically and commercially successful films of all time. The original ‘Black Panther’ was not only a mega-hit, but a watershed in pop culture, particularly for many in the African-American community. Adding to the significance of ‘Wakanda Forever’ is the fact that the […]
It’s the Special Pre-Thanksgiving Special episode and this week, Brad and Steven talk about the potential demise of Twitter and wonder if Elon Musk just bought the platform in order to destroy it. The guys also discuss if the podcast is too “bro-y” and wonder how things are going to go for the Republicans in congress if […]
On this week’s episode, Brad and Steven continue their discussion about the midterm elections and the non-existent “Red Wave.” They also talk about the ridiculous Sunday Routines section of the New York Times and wonder what a profile of Steven would look like.Have a listen and enjoy — and Big Mazal Tov to Tiffany Trump on […]
The new Prime Video series ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,’ is based on one of the most popular book and film series ever, and is the most expensive TV show ever produced. Does it rule them all? Has the king returned? And just how Jewish are harfoots and hobbits, anyway? Rabbis […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back for a special mid-term election episode. They look at the winners and losers and talk about the “Red Wave” that failed to materialize. The guys also discuss some of the lessons that the Republicans may draw from these elections and what it could mean for 2024. Happy listening! […]
Some notes on variations in Talmudic manuscripts and how they relate to our daf -- where we see a strange phrase that doesn’t seem to fit and indeed isn’t found in other manuscripts.
Are all nazirim sinners? And why seem some of the rabbis convinced that anyone who does take the oath of nazirut is indeed a sinner? What is Judaisms relationship to self-imposed stringencies?
We look at the difference between nedavot and nedarim, we learn about the "oath of the wicked" and the "oath of righteous" and why the first one is valid and the latter is not.
Can you swear an oath to fulfill a mitzah? And what happens if you fail to fulfill it -- would you have to bring a sin offering? How can you even swear to fulfill something for which you are obligated in the first place?
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Ute Steyer looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 7. Certain transgressions bring the punishment of “nidui” — excommunication. What does this mean? And can a person revoke a “nidui” that he placed on himself or herself? To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 7 on Sefaria, […]
Is a partial declaration, a "yad" valid in the case of kiddushin? There are all kinds of misunderstandings that can happen as some of the sages will point out. And what are some other examples where a "yad" might have more than one meaning -- and are these declarations valid?
It was a crazy week and Brad and Steven were there for all of it. In the latest episode of their podcast, the guys talk about the sad ending to the Yankees’ season, the ongoing Ye antisemitism fiasco, Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, and the assassination attempt at Speaker Pelosi’s house. Amidst all of the craziness, […]
What becomes forbidden and what remains permitted in a vow? What effect has a vow that is in some sort “shortened” in the way it was articulated -- a "yad b'nedarim". Is such a "yad" valid or not?
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Noam Raucher looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 4. By letting us know how certain vows can be understood, specifically or generally, distinct or related to something else, the Talmud reminds us that we should have intent behind our words. Not only do the words we […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Noam Raucher looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 3. On this page we address the differences between “equivalent terms” and “partial declarations.” Both hold weight within the concept of vows, but have different methods of enactment. To view the text of Nedarim, Daf 3 on Sefaria, […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Noam Raucher looks at Masechet Nedarim, Daf 2. Nedarim kicks off a discussion about different types of vows and their consequences. Here we introduce four different types of vows with overarching similarities. Words have a great deal of weight our tradition. They can obligate us, […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 112. We follow a sage who feels impelled to come to live inIsrael. But is he doing the right thing? What does it mean to love Israel? Does it mean extolling its uniqueness only? Or can it mean […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 111. We are supposed to yearn for life in the land of Israel. Yet some would argue that the possibility of a more vibrant Jewish life in the Diaspora would justify staying away from Israel. Are those who […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 110. How shrewd does one have to be in order to protect one’s rights, in order to get justice done? Can we take shortcuts if we can get a fair outcome without going through all the steps of […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 109. We explore a number of situations in which people find themselves in difficulty. How much do we assume that it is their own fault and how much is just bad luck or the fault of others. Even […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 108. When is a favor not a favor? How do we measure a benefit that one derives from the unbidden generosity of others? Can we put a monetary value on the prevention of embarrassment? To view the text […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 107. What assumptions can we make about a person who does not tell us what in on their mind? How does our concept of the “standard” marital relationship color our assumptions about what each partner cares about? How […]
The new FX/Hulu series The Patient is a psychological thriller about a therapist, played by Steve Carell, who is kidnapped by and forced to treat his patient, a serial killer, played by Domnhall Gleeson. The show touches on many powerful Jewish themes appropriate for the High Holy Day season, as well as the complicated dynamics of families […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 106. We continue to examine the issue of bribery. We learn of the many problems caused by a seemingly innocuous gift of a basket of fish. Then we return to considering the proper use of public funds, originally […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 105. We learn of early arrangements of judiciary authorities from Temple times, arrangements that may reflect the changing of the guard from priestly leadership to leadership by lay scholars. Within the overall topic of judicial integrity we explore […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 104. We examine a heart-wrenching story about the death of Rabbi Judah the Patriarch. This one also involves a roof. And it raises hard problems: How shall we cope with difficult issues raised at the end of life? […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 103. What was the real sin of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah? What are the benefits of living together under one roof? Can these benefits be compelled? And speaking of roves, we ponder an emotionally challenging story […]
On this week’s episode, Steven is in a dark place and Brad tries not to get dragged down with him. The guys discuss the recent January 6th Committee hearing, the Warnock-Walker debates and realize that all fascists are actually bad people. Happy listening! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 102. The new chapter raises questions about undertaking and meeting one’s obligations. When can a verbal commitment be taken as binding and when is it to be dismissed? Another question raised regards custody arrangements for children after parents […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi David Greenstein looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 101. The discussion examines various scenarios of terminated marriages. In what ways do the rabbis intervene to preserve the rights of the parties and when is one or the other party penalized for entering or ending the marriage? […]
This week, Brad and Steven talk about President Biden’s recent comment about how the world is now closer to nuclear armageddon than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis. The guys consider the prospects of the world coming to an end and discuss what would be on the menu for their last meal. They also […]
The new Marvel TV series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ is currently streaming on Disney+, “hulking out” on subjects ranging from toxic masculinity to celebrity culture to embracing one’s power and taking responsibility for others. As always, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky have thoughts. What does this series say about the state of the MCU, and what […]
This week, Brad and Steven talk about Steven’s visit to NYC and the treasure that was unearthed in his childhood home. they also talk about Aaron Judge’s pursuit of the American League single-season home run record, what to eat at Yankee Stadium, Long Island Trumpists, and the Ken Burns Holocaust documentary. Happy New Year to all who celebrate […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 79. Real estate is often considered to be the best investment, and it certainly functions that way in a usufruct arrangement where a husband manages his wife’s property and benefits from the income. Thus it makes sense that […]
So much great TV, so little time! Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky recap everything Jewish about the 2022 Emmy awards. Who won, who was robbed, who wore what best, and who got that coveted PopTorah bump? Plus we discuss what the night’s biggest winners and losers tell us about the state of pop culture today, and what it […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 78. Today we begin Chapter 8 of Ketubot, HaIsha Shenafla, which addresses cases in which a woman inherits property around the time of her engagement or marriage. Rabbinic law gives husbands ownership of their wife’s property acquired during […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 77. Settle in for an expanded presentation of a very rich daf. Enough about the blemishes of women–what about the guys? Our daf has two mishnayot that address men’s blemishes–were they present before marriage, in which case perhaps […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 76. The feminist critique of kiddushin is that it is ultimately about treating women as chattel—the sages are anxious to know whether the kinyan or purchase was valid, or whether it was a false sale. Daf 76 gives […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 75. Who is more eager to be married—a man or a woman? In the world of the sages, the answer is obvious. A woman wants to be married, even to a flawed man, since he provides food and […]
Brad and Steven are back for week two of the new season, talking about the political stunt that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pulled this week when he trafficked asylum seekers from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard. The guys also talk about the importance of getting vaccinations and other routine maintenance done once you hit a certain age and […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 74. Who has more power, a lawyer or a doctor? How do men feel about sending their wives to court? Whose character is more in question—the wife who makes vows, or the husband who can’t abide them? To […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Danny Nevins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 73. Our chapter deals with unpleasant surprises after the wedding. First with things the husband discovers about his wife, and then with things the wife discovers about her husband. But let us not thing that this is an […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 72. Do we bury the dead for them or for us? While we often teach that taking care of the dead is a chesed shel emet, a kindness that cannot be repaid, our daf suggests otherwise. Instead, caring […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 71. In the middle of the discussion on vows made between husband and wife, and all the potential problems that might arise in any marriage, the Talmud brings verses that remind us of the relationship between God and […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 70. A husband may vow not to support his wife for 30 days, but only if he gets a steward to do what he is forbidden to do. In this case as in others, the legal loophole is […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 69. When is it okay to refer to someone as “chaver?” Certainly not when the “buddy” is someone greater than you in knowledge or status! To view the text of Ketubot, Daf 69 on Sefaria, please click here. […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 68. Of course, the Gemara recognizes, it’s not ideal to give Tzedakah to a swindler who is only pretending to need it. But it is far worse to harden our hearts and miss giving to those who actually […]
The Amen Corner is back for its seventh season! After a summer of trying not to melt, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about the wonders of Frank Pepe’s pizza, Steven’s foray into golf, and the sad state of the New York Yankees. It’s almost like they’ve never left — have a listen […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 67. When it comes to Tzedakah, some of the needy may be used to a more comfortable style of living than others. Is it our responsibility to fill each person’s different level of need? Today’s daf brings a […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Abby Sosland looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 66. What happens when an argument can’t be resolved in the Talmud? “Teiku”– a beautiful word with many different meanings– suggests that one day, perhaps, all will be resolved. To view the text of Ketubot, Daf 66 on […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 65. Is wine good for women? Today the Sages discuss whether wine might sexually arouse women too much. We’ll also learn the story of a famous siren named Homa, who buried three husbands, but is still so sexy […]
Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are back from summer vacation and eager to catch up on everything Jewish about our favorite pop culture offerings of the summer. Join us as we discuss the blockbuster film Thor: Love and Thunder, the provocative Netflix docuseries Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99, the Apple TV+ gem For All Mankind, and the latest Disney+ MCU series Ms. […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 63. This episode focuses on the story of Rabbi Akiva, the married monk, and the Talmudic law – sadly fallen out of practice – that women could initiate divorce with the claim that “he is repulsive to me.” […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 62. Today’s episode focuses on the required regular sex in marriage, and subtle stories about “married monks” who abandon their wives in order to study for years on end. The opening and closing music for this podcast is […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 61. In this episode we ask about the economic arrangements surrounding nursing, and sharing banquets with the waiters who work there. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 60. Today we ask the question “How long should nursing continue? Is breast milk kosher for people older than babies?” The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 59. Today we focus on the economic contributions women made to ancient households. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view the text of Ketubot, Daf 59 on […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joel Roth looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 58. Chapter One of a complicated issue: the financial responsibilities and rights of a married couple toward each other. What are they? Can they be overridden? The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joel Roth looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 57. How much time does a couple get to plan a wedding? What’s involved? What happens if it gets postponed? And, the art of biblical derivation. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joel Roth looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 56. How does the Talmud handle an apparent contradiction between statements of the same sage? How does our Gemara understand an extreme statement of our Mishnah? The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joel Roth looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 55. How does the Talmud go about determining what view a specific sage holds in a dispute between two sages in which it is not stated which sage holds which view? The opening and closing music for this […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joel Roth looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 54. As we begin a new chapter, we will clarify the stages of getting married, whether the amounts in the marriage contract are fixed or not, whether deals can be made to reduce the amount, and whether collection […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joel Roth looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 53. Women have certain business rights regarding their ketubbah. Let’s look at a couple of those rights and learn whether her exercise of those rights impacts upon the benin dikhrin requirement we learned about yesterday. The opening and […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Joel Roth looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 52. Today we will look at one more court-mandated stipulation for a marriage contract, and understand both it and what motivated its promulgation. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 51. Ketubot 51 discusses a deep-seated tension over whether rape should lead to dissolution of marriages. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view the text of Ketubot, Daf […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 50. Ketubot 50 discusses educational expectations – when should children start to be educated in Torah, and what happens if you push too hard too soon? The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 49. Ketubot 49 discusses the economic obligations of parents towards children, and how to balance personal responsibility, moral persuasion, and legal obligation in the face of limited resources. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 48. Ketubot 48 discusses the obligation of a husband to pay for his wife’s burial, involving throny issues of relative social class, expectations for funerals, and ultimately how to deal with rich people who try to defraud society. The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 47. Ketubot 47 discusses support obligations of husbands toward wives, sets up the economic framework of rabbinic marriage, and grounds those obligations in the text of the Torah. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 46. Ketubot 46 features a fascinating debate about reading the Torah “literally” or “metaphorically” and, I argue, tries to break down the distinction between those reading strategies. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 45. Ketubot 45 continues the discussion of motzi shem ra, opening up the possibility of false pre-coital accusations, and asking whether the Torah’s punishments should apply to a case not discussed explicitly in the Torah itself. Featuring more reflections […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 44. Ketubot 44 discusses whether orphaned young women receive the same treatment as other young women, and what that might tell us about the web of family relationships. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 43. Ketubot 43 examines the emotional relationship to orphaned daughters and widows and the legal implications of those relationships. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view the text […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 42. Ketubot 42 further discusses the nature of fines, whether they are about deterrent or punishment, and whether the court’s imposition of the fine changes that nature. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 41. Ketubot 41 discusses whether someone who confesses to a crime has to pay a fine, revealing the underlying logic of what fines are really about. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 40. Ketubot 40 discusses when positive commandments override negative commandments and when they don’t. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view the text of Ketubot, Daf 40 on […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 39. Ketubot 39 discusses rape and how to punish it legally. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view the text of Ketubot, Daf 39 on Sefaria, please click […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 38. Ketubot 38 discusses exegetical consistency and maintaining two conflicting versions of a Sage’s opinion. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view the text of Ketubot, Daf 38 […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 37. Ketubot 37 provides an opportunity to discuss the Talmud’s principle of Scriptural omnisignificance – the idea that every verse in the Torah must teach something unique. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 36. Ketubot 36 contains a fascinating and troubling discussion of whether kidnapped women are assumed to have been raped. We see that two sages, Rabbi Yehudah and Rabbi Dosa, fight back against this presumption in order to prevent such […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 35. This daf discusses whether serious crimes committed accidentally, that result in property damage, are subject to repayment. We discover in the course of the Talmud’s consideration the relative importance of compensation for damages and maintenance of important social […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 34. Today’s episode continues with the topic of the collision of different punishments, monetary and corporal. In one particularly revealing sugya, we discover something unique about the nature of fines. The opening and closing music for this podcast is […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 33. Today’s episode tries to figure out the Biblical basis for why monetary compensation for victims in cases of assault is preferred to lashing the assailant. Along the way, we see some interesting psychological claims about the preference for […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 32. This daf discusses, among other things, how we know whether to choose monetary fines or lashes to punish crimeshis that could receive either. In the course of discussing this question, we once again encounter a tension between analogical […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, William Friedman looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 31. This daf discusses, among other things, how to think about whether two violations of different severities should both be punished. We unpack this debate and try to think about what the consequences of each side are. The opening […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Chesler looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 30. Conclusion of discussion about the difference of opinion between a woman who can become a wife and a woman who can remain a wife. Distinguishing the Mishnah, which requires a q’nas for sleeping with one’s sister, from […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Chesler looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 29. Beginning of Chapter 3. The monetary penalty for sleeping with na’arot, women between the ages of 12 and 12 ½ against their will, in particular, those groups of women who are either not full members of the […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Chesler looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 28. End of Chapter 2. Restrictions on where a man may live after divorcing his wife. Restrictions on business dealings between a divorced man and woman to guard against sin. Mishnah and Talmud on what a person may […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Chesler looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 27. Exploration of when a captive woman or captive women may be returned to their husbands. What happens to the wives of kohanim when a city is conquered by siege. Who may testify about captive women. The opening […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Chesler looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 26. Conclusion of the long sugya on indirect testimony. Consideration of when eating t’rumah is a presumption for being a Kohen and when it is not. When a captive woman can return to her husband. The opening and […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Chesler looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 25. Continuation of sugya on when we can presume a Kohen is a Kohen based on his participation in priestly behavior. Cases in which a Kohen and Levi were elevated on the basis of being called to the […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Barry Chesler looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 24. The principle of שהפה שאסר הוא הפהשהתיר, the mouth that forbids is the one that permits, and the rationale for mentioning so many specific cases. The disagreement between R. Yehudah and the Sages regarding chazaqah, presumption. The […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 23. Two women return from captivity. What are the legal consequences when one of them testifies about what happened to each of them in captivity? The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 22. Another example of “the mouth that confined is the mouth that permits.” Also, why would a woman, even (or especially?) a prominent woman, lie about her marital status? The opening and closing music for this podcast is […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 21. Sometimes, you can learn important lessons when people say the most obvious things. Also, why would a judge act with greater care and precision than the law demands? The opening and closing music for this podcast is […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 20. The dangers of refreshing a witness’s recollection. Also, when a witness confirms his signature on a document, what is he really doing? Is he testifying that the contents of the document are true and/or that it was […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 19. The principle of “the mouth that confines is the mouth that releases.” Also, three kinds of promissory notes that it is best not to keep in your home. The opening and closing music for this podcast is […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 18. In order to make use of a ketubah or other note to recover funds, it must first be authenticated. In this episode, we discuss one challenge that can arise when witnesses come forward to authenticate their signatures […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 17. How honest should we be when asked to describe a bride at her wedding? How indeed should we sing the praises of the bride? And what do we have to play at a wedding, anyway, if we’re […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Rabbi Carl Perkins looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 16. Is a marriage an expression of love between two people, or is it a business transaction? There’s nothing like the dissolution of a marriage to make it seem more like the latter. On this page, we begin […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 15. If we are not sure what happened in a given case, should we legally assume that what most likely happened is what actually happened? In other words, do we follow the majority? The rabbis do not provide […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 14. The second part of this chapter is largely about how does a legal system deal with cases of doubt, in which we cannot know which party is telling the truth. Here I discuss a few principles that […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 13. The mishnah says that the woman was seen “talking” with a certain man and yet it clearly describes suspicions that she had sex with him. I discuss the use of sexual euphemisms in Ketubot and even in […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 12. The mishnah seems to allude that in Judea husbands may have had sex with their betrothed wives before marriage. I compare this mishnah with other tannaitic sources and conclude that in Judea far from being lax about […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 11. This daf discusses the conversion of a minor. In Second Temple and in tannaitic times conversion was not a process that required a court. This was an innovation of the amoraim, and it may have first occurred […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 10. There are six stories on this daf about men who come in front of rabbis with a virginity claim against their wives. In each case the man seems to lose his claim. I discuss the function of […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 9. R. Elazar says that a man who claims to have found his virgin wife’s “opening, open” is believed and she is prohibited to him. I discuss the background of this law in the development of the laws […]
Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky just finished binging the fourth […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 8. On this daf the “blessing of the mourners” is discussed. These were blessings recited either in the town square on the return from the burial or during Birkat Hamazon. I will discuss what these blessings were and […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 7. Betrothal and then marriage: When were the two conflated into one ceremony? We will also discuss the formula of the “birkat erusin” the blessing recited upon betrothal. The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros […]
Welcome to the Daily Daf Differently. In this episode, Dr. Joshua Kulp looks at Masechet Ketubot, Daf 6. Sex with/for a female virgin on Shabbat: Permitted or not? The opening and closing music for this podcast is Ufros from The Epichorus album One Bead. To view the text of Ketubot, Daf 6 on Sefaria, please […]