Shtender: Recent Episodes
JCast Network
Join Rabbi Michael Knopf, the Rabbi of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA, for sermons given from his Shtender.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Beshallah (Saturday, February 8), Rabbi Knopf discusses the importance of hope in the Jewish tradition, and how it calls upon us to march forward, even and especially in dark times. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, […]
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for Parashat Va-Yeshev (December 20, 2019): Joseph’s brothers make it easier to harm him by dehumanizing him. This was the mega-trend of the 2010’s. Can we do it differently in the next decade, and forge a different future? How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you […]
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Toldot (November 30, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explains the unique spiritual and moral characteristics of Jacob that made him worthy of inheriting the mantle of leadership from his father, Isaac. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, […]
For his Yom Kippur message (October 9, 2019), Rabbi Knopf talks about the resurgence of antisemitism in the US and around the world, and what we can and should do about it. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
For his Yom Kippur evening message (October 8, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explores lovingly and honestly the condition of the promises made to the Jewish people and the world by the modern state of Israel. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s […]
In his message for Shabbat Shuvah (October 5, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explains that repentance isn’t something we just do during the High Holy Day season. Rather, it is ongoing work, a way we approach life itself. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, […]
In his message for the first day of Rosh Hashanah (September 30, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explains how we can emulate God by supporting the vulnerable and the oppressed, especially during this time of indifference and cruelty. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, […]
In his message for the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah (October 1, 2019), Rabbi Knopf talks about the religious roots of white supremacy and racism, and prescribes a religious antidote. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In his Shabbat, message for Parashat Matot-Mas’ei (August 3, 2019), Rabbi Knopf teaches that, while it’s unclear if the Torah’s Cities of Refuge ever existed, it is abundantly clear how far we are today in this country from upholding the fundamental moral message of the Cities of Refuge. How do you listen to Shtender? You […]
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for Parashat Pinhas (July 27, 2019), connecting the zealotry of the eponymous character with the commandment regarding the Tamid or daily Temple sacrifice. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Korach (Saturday, July 6), Rabbi Knopf unpacks the meaning of Korach’s rebellion, and, drawing a connection with the American Revolution, discusses what it means for us today. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your […]
Rabbi Knopf’s message for Parashat Nasso (June 15, 2019), discussing how the beginning of Numbers, which depicts order, contrasts with the rest of Numbers, which depicts chaos, and what that contrast teaches us today. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s […]
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the 2nd Day of Shavuot (June 10, 2019), explaining how the book of Ruth is a model for growth after the trauma of loss. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the 1st day of Shavuot (Sunday, June 9, 2019), discussing the content of the revelation at Mt. Sinai, and its implications for our understanding of Torah today. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Rabbi Knopf’s message for parashat Behar-Behukkotai (June 1, 2019), addressing the mass shooting in Virginia Beach, which occurred a day earlier. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for Parashat Aharei Mot connects Game of Thrones, Leviticus, and the recent shooting at the Chabad synagogue in Poway, California. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In his message for the 2nd day of Passover (April 21, 2019), Rabbi Knopf discusses the significance of Elijah the Prophet’s appearance at the Seder, and how to recognize the Messiah. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In his sermon for the first day of Passover (April 20, 2019), Rabbi Knopf unpacks the significance of the prayer for dew, which is recited on the holiday, and which holds a powerful message about the partnership between God and humanity. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? […]
n a special sermon delivered at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond (April 3, 2019), Rabbi Knopf teaches an interfaith audience of hundreds about the Jewish idea of the “Heavenly Jerusalem,” and how we have the power to make heaven on Earth. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options […]
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Shemini (March 30, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explains that a possible reason for the laws of kashrut are that they prepare us to draw clear ethical lines and make tough moral choices. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, […]
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Tzav (March 23, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explains the contemporary meaning of the installation of Aaron and the priesthood in the ancient tabernacle. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Vayak’hel (March 2, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explains that the building of the Tabernacle is training for repairing the world, much as the Jewish imperative to build a righteous and just Israel is meant to inspire all the nations of the world. How do you listen to Shtender? You have […]
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Terumah (February 9, 2019), Rabbi Knopfs discusses the recent political uproar in Virginia and the Torah’s wisdom for a pathway forward. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Mishpatim (February 2, 2019), Rabbi Knopf reflects on his recent trip to Guatemala with American Jewish World Service, where he came away with the message that all lives must be considered equal, and that we are called to build a society, and ultimately a world, that enshrines and ensures […]
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Bo (January 12, 2019), Rabbi Knopf uses a linguistic connection to unpack one of the primary messages of the Exodus narrative. How do you listen to Shtender? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
In his message for Parashat Va-era (January 5, 2019), Rabbi Knopf explains that while failure is both inevitable and desirable, it is possible to fail at failure. Here’s how to succeed.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Shemot (December 29, 2018), Rabbi Knopf draws a parallel between Pharaoh and today’s growing threat of authoritarianism, and discusses how we, like Moses and Aaron, can confront this challenge in 2019.
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for Parashat Va-Yehi (December 22, 2018), connecting the unlikely dots of Bruce Springsteen, Jacob, Joseph, and the funeral of a family friend.
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for Parashat Vayigash (December 15, 2018), a discussion of how to pray with proper intention.
In his Shabbat message for Hanukkah (December 8, 2018), Rabbi Knopf explains how the ancient rabbis covered up the real story of Hanukkah and invented a new one in order to teach a lesson about pluralism and power.
Rabbi Knopf explains the power of the Hallel service, which invites us to partner with God, shake off the dust, and rise.
On December 1 and 2, 2018, Rabbi Michal Knopf participated in an interfaith “pulpit swap” with colleague, Rev. Hollie Woodruff, of Seventh Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Richmond. She preached on Saturday, and he spoke to her congregation on Sunday. The topic was “Spiritual Revolutionaries: Making Religion Relevant in the 21st Century”. This episode is […]
On December 1 and 2, 2018, Rabbi Michal Knopf participated in an interfaith “pulpit swap” with colleague, Rev. Hollie Woodruff, of Seventh Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Richmond. She preached on Saturday, and he spoke to her congregation on Sunday. The topic was “Spiritual Revolutionaries: Making Religion Relevant in the 21st Century”. This episode […]
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Vayetze (November 17, 2018), Rabbi Knopf discusses the meaning of a strange story about the matriarch Rachel stealing her father’s idols, explaining that it is a story about needing to let go of the past to become who you were meant to be.
In this episode of The JCast Journey, host Darone Ruskay returns for his semi-annual request for support. Have you been listening to JCast Network podcasts for days, weeks, months, years? Well as we say, podcasts are free to listen to, but not free to produce. Darone discusses some the cost of keeping the network afloat, and […]
In his Friday message for Parashat Toldot (November 9, 2018), Rabbi Knopf explains that our identity is formed by how we show up and what we do in the world.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Hayyei Sarah (November 3, 2018), Rabbi Knopf offers a message of healing and hope following the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Vayera (October 27, 2018), Rabbi Knopf shares that the story of the Binding of Isaac has a crucial lesson to teach for our incredibly politically charged moment.
Most of us don’t believe that rainfall depends on moral behavior or that God literally raises the dead. Yet the liturgy of Shemini Atzeret asserts both of those things simultaneously. In this holiday message, Rabbi Knopf brings these practices into the 21st century.
The biblical book of Ecclesiastes, which is read on Shabbat during the Sukkot holiday, is one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible. In this brief talk, Rabbi Knopf offers a unique way of understanding Ecclesiastes that is relevant for our times, and morally and spiritually challenging.
Waving the Lulav and Etrog on Sukkot is how we take the secular act of repeating a harvest and turn it into the spiritual act of gratitude, which elevates and directs our joy in an already joyous season.
Introducing the confessional prayer on Yom Kippur morning, Rabbi Knopf points out that its plural language means we share responsibility for the sins of our community. In a democracy, that means we must participate in the processes — like voting — that make our society better.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Noah (October 13, 2018), Rabbi Knopf discusses how the Tower of Babel story teaches us about the dangers of uniform thinking.
In his Yom Kippur sermon, Rabbi Knopf talks about the role of luck in our lives, and how Jewish tradition offers pathways for the privileged few to level the playing field for those who have been less fortunate.
For his Kol Nidrei sermon, Rabbi Knopf shares a personal account of his struggles with social media addiction, and what he learned about himself could help others, and open up a new way of relating to the holiest day of the Jewish year.
Rabbi Knopf teaches the Torah’s commandment not to return runaway slaves, and discusses its implications for today, particularly regarding the current assaults on immigrant communities, in his Shabbat message for Parashat Ki Teitzei (August 25, 2018)
Rabbi Knopf’s introduction to the Shofar service on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah 2018, introducing the Shofar’s call as a reminder of how to be sane in a world gone mad.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah 2018, an exploration of what it means to be part of a community, and an invitation to show up for each other.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the 1st day of Rosh Hashanah 2018, a forceful call for women’s equality in the Jewish world and beyond.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Eikev (August 4, 2018), Rabbi Knopf discusses the conditions the Torah attaches to living in the Land of Israel, and their implications for the modern-day Jewish State.
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for Parashat Va-Et’hanan (Saturday, July 28, 2018), discussing the significance and challenge of the 10th commandment – not to desire that which does not belong to us.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for Parashat Mattot-Mase’i (July 14, 2018), discussing the importance honestly confronting the mistakes of our past in order to move forward in a positive direction.
Guest preacher Rev. Wallace Adams-Riley discusses the intersection of race, the history of America’s South, and the implications for our lives today, sharing from his own story, his family’s story, and from his work on the History & Reconciliation Initiative at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Richmond.
Rabbi Knopf’s address to the Maggie Walker Governor’s School graduating class of 2018, at their Baccalaureate ceremony (June 14, 2018).
In his Yizkor message for Shavuot (May 20, 2018), Rabbi Knopf argues that it is the job of all Jews, and not just the rabbi, to minister to and care for each other.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the first day of Shavuot (May 20, 2018), discussing the importance of treating the Torah as a living, breathing document.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Bamidbar (May 19, 2018), Rabbi Knopf argues that the set up of the ancient Israelites’ camp in the wilderness offers powerful guidance for our world today, where poverty and inequality are rampant, and we have an epidemic of in/visibility.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Emor (May 5, 2018), Rabbi Knopf offers a glimpse at the true purpose of counting the Omer, through a close reading of the biblical text.
Rabbi Knopf’s Yizkor message on the last day of Passover 2018, in which he proposes that death is, in a certain sense, an illusion. No one is ever really gone.
On the eve of the 8th day of Passover 2018, Rabbi Knopf invites us to consider what insights from the holiday will stay with us after the holiday ends.
In his message for the second day of Passover (April 1, 2018), Rabbi Knopf explains why Diaspora Jews are inconsistent with respect to their observance of the calendar – at least as it relates to the practice of Counting the Omer – and offers a powerful contemporary message.
In his message for the first day of Passover (March 31, 2018), Rabbi Knopf argues that the holiday’s name has been misunderstood, and its real meaning bears an important message for us all today.
In his message for Parashat Tzav (March 24, 2018), Rabbi Knopf discusses the importance of peace in the Jewish tradition, and how those marching for gun control do so in the spirit of the Jewish quest for peace.
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for Parashat Vayak’hel-P’kudei (March 10, 2018), discussing the Torah’s teaching that the copper washing basin in the Tabernacle was made of womens’ melted mirrors.
Rabbi Knopf offers a fresh take on a story you thought you knew in his Shabbat message for Parashat KI Tisa.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Terumah (February 17, 2018), Rabbi Knopf offers a rabbinic perspective on the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida and the need for stronger gun laws in the US.
In his message for Parashat Yitro (February 3, 2018), Rabbi Knopf explains how the 1st Commandment requires us to resist normalizing abnormal behavior in our leaders.
From the Exodus to the founding of the State of Israel, Jews have been animated by the Torah’s teaching that we must make our own miracles. But have Israeli as well as Diaspora Jews lost our ability to dictate our own destiny? And what can we do about it? Rabbi Knopf’s message for Parashat Beshallah […]
Rabbi Knopf’s message for parashat Mikketz (December 16, 2017) explores the biblical Joseph story, and discusses how it’s actually Judah’s story. And Judah’s heroic story arc has a great deal to teach us.
Rabbi Knopf’s sermon for Yizkor on Shemini Atzeret (October 12, 2017), unpacking the meaning of the holiday, how it fits into the scheme of the high holidays, and why it matters.
On the 2nd day of Sukkot (Friday, October 6, 2017), Rabbi Knopf explains how a famous midrash about the Lulav and Etrog teaches that we need diversity to flourish.
On the first day of Sukkot (Thursday, October 5, 2017), Rabbi Knopf explains that the essence of a Sukkah is the people inside.
Rabbi Knopf’s Yom Kippur 2017 sermon, identifying how we as Jews are called to live in our disorienting “post-truth” era.
Rabbi Knopf’s Kol Nidrei eve sermon, identifying three critical spiritual lessons from, of all people, Thomas Jefferson and Lewis and Clark.
Rabbi Knopf’s text study from the second day of Rosh Hashanah 2017, examining insights from Torah, hasidic literature, and contemporary psychology about why change is so hard, and how to do it better.
Rabbi Knopf’s sermon from the first day of Rosh Hashanah 2017, reflections on what we can do to confront the challenge of our time, the resurgence of a newly emboldened white supremacy.
On the Shabbat immediately following the death of one of Rabbi Knopf’s rebbes, Rabbi Sholom Brodt, founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Simchat Shlomo in Jerusalem, Rabbi Knopf shares some singing and learning in his honor.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Ekev (August 11, 2017), discussing the preciousness of our attention, the importance of mindfulness, and the gift of Shabbat that enables us to let go of all that clamors for our attention.
Rabbi Knopf offers a special Shabbat-evening meditation at a “Hope and Healing” service, providing solace and guidance for those grappling with the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia the previous Shabbat.
Rabbi Knopf’s message at an interfaith prayer vigil in Richmond, held at Third Street Bethel AME Church in the wake of the Charlottesville tragedy, reminding us why we should not despair.
In his Friday evening message for Shabbat Nahamu (August, 2017), Rabbi Knopf discusses how we might alleviate some of our suffering by recognizing that almost all pain is temporary.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Korach (June 24, 2017), Rabbi Knopf discusses some insights from the Torah about dealing with the “difficult people” in our lives.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Naso (June 3, 2017), Rabbi Knopf makes spiritual sense of an obscure birth order anomaly in the Book of Numbers.
In his sermon for Shavuot (May 31, 2017), Rabbi Knopf argues that the 2nd of the 10 Commandments ought to ban Confederate monuments like those that stand on Richmond’s Monument Ave.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Bemidbar (May 27, 2017), Rabbi Knopf argues that the wilderness setting of the giving of the Torah is a powerful argument for the spiritual importance of taking moments for quiet in our lives.
Elections across the West represent the apotheosis of a big trend – people are rejecting institutions and traditional authority in a big way. While understandable in some ways, it is also a destabilizing and even dangerous phenomenon. What wisdom does the Torah have to offer for this moment? In his Shabbat message for parashat Aharei […]
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Tazria-Metzora (April 28, 2017), Rabbi Knopf discusses the relationship between the biblical leper and the modern-day refugee, and how the Torah calls us to action in our time.
In his Yizkor message for Pesach (April 18, 2017), Rabbi Knopf explains how the Jewish holidays sensitize us to God’s time, which, in turn, sensitizes us to the eternality of all life.
In his sermon for Shabbat Ha-Gadol (April 8, 2017), Rabbi Knopf discusses how a relatively obscure section of the Passover haggadah is actually central to the whole celebration, and provides profound insight about human nature as well as immeasurable wisdom for our world today.
Rabbi Knopf’s teaching for the second day of Passover (April 12, 2017), focusing on the questions “Why isn’t Moses in the haggadah” and, “If Moses isn’t important enough for the haggadah, why is he in the Torah?”
In his Saturday message for Parashat Mishpatim (February 25, 2017), Rabbi Knopf argues that, while the Torah may not always necessarily align with today’s conservative or liberal political views, it is a political document with teachings that apply to today’s political debates.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Yitro (February 18, 2017), Rabbi Knopf discusses the Jewish obligation to care for refugees and immigrants.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Be-Shallah (February 11, 2017), Rabbi Knopf explains the function of miracle stories in the Bible, and how to experience miracles even in our time.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Bo (February 4, 2017), Rabbi Knopf argues that a central message of the Exodus narrative is obedience to God and no other master, a message with profound moral and political implications, especially for our time.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Shemot (January 21, 2017), Rabbi Knopf explains his solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington and his support for the Jewish Resistance against Trumpism.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Va-Yeshev (December 24, 2016), Rabbi Knopf talks about some lessons he learned from a recent terrifying car accident.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Va-Yetzei (December 10, 2016), Rabbi Knopf discusses the role Jews must play in our “post-truth” era of American life.
In his message for Yizkor on Shemini Atzeret (October 24, 2016), Rabbi Knopf shows the wisdom in the apparent contradiction of Yizkor and Simhat Torah.
In his Saturday message for Parashat Lekh Lekha (November 12, 2016), Rabbi Knopf shows how an obscure part of Abraham’s story can guide us after the 2016 presidential election.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday evening message for Parashat Lekh Lekha (November 11, 2016), discussing how we move forward as Jews in the wake of an unprecedented and disorienting election season.
Rabbi Knopf’s sermon for Yom Kippur. How a strange, ancient ritual offers powerful insights on the state of our world, our presidential election, and us.
Rabbi Knopf’s sermon for Kol Nidrei. Tikkun Olam is hard work. Rabbi Knopf offers thoughts on how to be most effective in our work of world repair, and also why we should bother.
Rabbi Knopf offers words of inspiration and prayer to Richmond’s community-wide interfaith Eid dinner, the Muslim celebration of the end of Ramadan.
Rabbi Knopf’s teaching for Parshat Devarim (Aug. 12, 2016). Words are powerful, but we so often do not treat them as such. This is readily apparent in contemporary politics, but also, if we look, in our own lives.
Rabbi Knopf’s teaching for Parshat Pinhas (July 30, 2016). Many people think that leadership is about passion, energy, and decisive action, no matter the cost. The Torah warns us about such leaders, and insists that true leadership requires compassion, understanding, patience, and relationship.
Rabbi Knopf’s teaching for Parshat Bamidbar (June 11, 2016). How a close read of the opening verses of Numbers can teach us how to hear God’s voice today.
Rabbi Knopf shares a graduation message with the Class of 2016, reminding them that we are all connected to each other, a fact that calls for awareness and action.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for Parashat Emor (May 21, 2016), on the importance of presence, not sacrificing the moment for the unknown future.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for Parashat Kedoshim (May 14, 2016), on the impossibility of dual loyalties, and the value of commitment.
Rabbi Knopf’s Yizkor message for the last day of Passover (April 30, 2016), on the power and importance of memory, including what happens when we lose it.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the eve of the 8th day of Passover (April 29, 2016), about the connection between Shabbat and the Exodus, and why it matters.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the second day of Passover (April 24, 2016), on the question of the justice of the 5th plague, the death of livestock: How can God seem to be so cruel?
Rabbi Knopf’s message for the first day of Passover (April 23, 2016), on the growing generational divide over Israel in the Jewish community, and what we can do about it.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Shemini (April 1, 2016), on the spiritual impact of a very physical act, eating.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Tzav (March 26, 2016), on how a religious life needs both the continual nourishment of tradition and exposure to the outside world.
Rabbi Knopf offers some words of prayer to kick off Richmond’s February city council meeting.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Bo (January 16, 2016), on the plague of darkness, in ancient Egypt, and today.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Va-Era (January 9, 2016), on the infinite possibility of our lives.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Era (January 8, 2016), on the importance of the fierce urgency of now.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Vayigash (December 18, 2015), on the legacy of Judah, and our communal responsibilities as Jews.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Yeitzei (November 20, 2015), as the country debates resettling Syrian refugees in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, some moral clarity from the Torah and from Jewish history.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Tol’dot (November 13, 2015), as the Conservative Movement gathers for its biennial convention in Chicago, a reflection on its enduring importance.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Yera (October 30, 2015), why the destruction of an ancient city has enduring relevance for our world.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Noah (October 16, 2015), what the behavior of the animals on Noah’s Ark can teach us about being our best selves.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Shabbat Sukkot (October 3, 2015), Rabbi Knopf unpacks an enduring Sukkot mystery.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Shabbat Sukkot (October 2, 2015), how building and dismantling a Sukkah prepares us for life.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for Second Day Sukkot (September 29, 2015), the practice of Sukkah can set you up for a great year. Here’s how.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for First Day Sukkot (September 28, 2015), what Sukkot teaches us about the nature of our world and everything in it.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Yelekh (September 25, 2015), what the four species of Sukkot teach us about the importance of Jewish unity.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for Yom Kippur day 5776/2015, on seeing all kids as our kids, from Baltimore to Damascus, and everything in between.
Rabbi Knopf’s sermon for 1st Day Rosh Hashanah 5776, a vision for how synagogues can win the future by being more like God and Wall Drug.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Nitzavim (September 11, 2015). Torah is not simply about what you believe, but what you do; not about religious acts, but about making every act a religious expression
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Ki Tavo (September 4, 2015). A message from the Torah on the refugee crisis: The proper response to blessings in our life is gratitude and generosity.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Ki Tetzei (August 28, 2015). When you want to encourage someone to behave a certain way, it’s important to lead by example.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Re’eh (August 14, 2015). Most of us don’t live religious lives because we don’t believe in a commanding God. But what if we had the equation backwards?
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Re’eh (August 15, 2015). Not only is loving criticism of Israel kosher, it’s commanded.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Eikev (August 8, 2015). Why we dare not take Israel for granted.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Eikev (August 7, 2015). Most of us know that prayer doesn’t save us, but here’s how prayer makes us worth saving.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Va-Et’hanan (August 1, 2015). The Jewish culture made possible only through statehood benefits us all.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Et’hanan (July 31, 2015). As the Jewish community debates the Iran deal, we must remember that no one can predict the future.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Devarim (July 25, 2015). A provocative suggestion for what it means to call Israel “The Jewish State.”
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Devarim (July 24, 2015). Tisha B’Av reminds us of the ethical dangers of independence.
Rabbi Knopf's message for Shabbat Parashat Korah (June 19-20, 2015). A Jewish response to last week's horrific attack on Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Shelah Lekha (June 12, 2015). What the founders of Home Depot, a toddler, and two good spies have in common.
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for parashat Emor (May 9, 2015): Rabbi Knopf’s second sermon for the series “Be Holy.”
Rabbi Knopf’s Shabbat message for parachute Aharei Mot-Kedoshim (May 2, 2015): Rabbi Knopf’s first sermon for the series “Be Holy.”
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Aharei Mot-Kedoshim (May 1, 2015). How and why we should learn to forgive, even if the person who hurt us has not sought out our forgiveness.
Guest scholar Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson shares his dynamic and inspiring vision for a compelling and relevant 21st Century Judaism
Rabbi Knopf’s message for Parashat Tazria-Metzora (April 25, 2015): Judaism teaches that our souls and bodies are one, organic whole, which means we have a religious obligation to care for our bodies and our planet.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for 8th Day of Passover (April 11, 2015): In his third sermon of the series “Being Jewish” Rabbi Knopf explores how being Jewish is, at its core, about standing by and marching with our fellow Jews.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for 2nd Day of Passover (April 5, 2015): In his second sermon of the series “Being Jewish” Rabbi Knopf explores how being Jewish is, at its core, about hating injustice and fighting for what’s right.
Rabbi Knopf’s message for 1st Day of Passover (April 4, 2015): In his first sermon of the series “Being Jewish” Rabbi Knopf explores how being Jewish is, at its core, about doubting and questioning everything.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Vayak’hel/P’kudei (March 14, 2014): In his third sermon of the series “Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary,” Rabbi Knopf explores how Shabbat enables God’s presence in our world.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Vayak’hel/P’kudei (March 13, 2014): How the Red Heifer ritual teaches us to be more compassionate.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Ki Tisa (March 6, 2014): How discovering purpose can inspire us toward a better life.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Tetzaveh (February 27, 2014): Giving blessings is a spiritual practice that can change your life. Here’s how to do it, with a little guidance from Star Trek’s Mr. Spock.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Terumah (February 20, 2014): Our interconnected world means our actions impact people everywhere, and thus we have a responsibility to ensure our purchasing decisions do no harm.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Mishpatim (February 14, 2015): In the first sermon of the series “Prepare Me to be a Sanctuary,” Rabbi Knopf explores how the pursuit of justice enables God’s presence in our world.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat B’Shallah (January 31, 2015): How to break free from the fears that hold us back from being the best spouses, parents, friends, community members, and citizens we can be.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat B’Shallah (January 30, 2014): A day of rest is all well and good, but means nothing if you don’t prepare for it.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Bo (January 24, 2015): How to break free from the materialism that hold us back from being the best spouses, parents, friends, community members, and citizens we can be.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Bo (January 23, 2014): On the responsibility of parents to accept kids for who they are, and of Jewish communities to meet people where they are.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Va-Era (January 17, 2015): How to break free from the insecurities that hold us back from being the best spouses, parents, friends, community members, and citizens we can be.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Era (January 16, 2014): What are we supposed to be doing when we pray?
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Shemot: How to break free from the cynicism that holds us back from being the best spouses, parents, friends, community members, and citizens we can be.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Shemot (January 9, 2014): In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, how Shabbat can help us make a more peaceful world.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Va-Yiggash (December 27, 2014): Reviewing the past year from the perspective of Torah.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Yiggash (December 26, 2014): How to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good in our lives
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Yeshev (December 12, 2014): The way to become better parents (and better everything) is to learn about and improve ourselves.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Va-Yishlah (December 6, 2014): Following the police killings of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, and the failure to indict the officers responsible, a Jewish call for a more just society.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Toledot (November 22, 2014): Recent events in Israel are a reminder that we still very much live in a broken world. But Judaism believes another world is not only possible but inevitable, and we can help build it.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Toledot (November 21, 2014): What happens when we try to make others be who we want them to be, rather than who they are, and when others try to do the same to us.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Va-Yera (November 8, 2014): In the hierarchy of Jewish values, welcoming guests is more important than personal spiritual breakthroughs, a fact that has profound implications for synagogue life.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Va-Yera (November 7, 2014): The play, “The Book of Mormon” inspires Rabbi Knopf to wonder what a Jewish missionary might sound like.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Lekh Lekha (November 1, 2014): Rabbi Knopf discusses the difference between Abraham and Sarah, and how the good life (and a better world) requires a balance of each person’s traits.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Lekh Lekha (October 31, 2014): Rabbi Knopf explains the connection between Shabbat and Halloween and how, if you want, you can have Halloween every week!
Listen in as Rabbi Knopf is formally installed as the Rabbi of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia.
In honor of Rabbi Knopf’s installation as Rabbi of Temple Beth-El, his father-in-law, Rabbi Neal Rose, Ph.D., offers some words of Torah, connecting the Noah story with the meaning of installing a new rabbi.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat B’reishit (October 18, 2014): Why being our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper is more important now than ever.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat B’reishit (October 17, 2014): The opening chapter of Genesis, teach the rabbis, is an extended metaphor about the nature of the world and the Jewish mission in it. Rabbi Knopf unpacks the metaphor, and charges us with the mission.
In his Saturday message for the Shabbat of the Sukkot festival (October 11, 2014), Rabbi Knopf offers a fresh take on why the Torah instructs us to celebrate Sukkot.
“In his Friday message for the Shabbat of the Sukkot festival (October 10, 2014), Rabbi Knopf compares synagogues to sukkot, the Ise Shrine, and Wikipedia.
In his Yom Kippur message for 5775, Rabbi Knopf explains why we should focus on living a life that counts, rather than on living a life that can be counted.
What two renaissances – separated by centuries and thousands of miles – can teach the American Jewish community about sparking our own.
In his message for Shabbat Shuvah (September 27, 2014), Rabbi Knopf explains the deeper meaning of a High Holy Day season liturgical change.
In his sermon for the 2nd Day of Rosh Hashanah 5775, Rabbi Knopf argues that, for the sake of the welfare of the American Jewish community and Israel, our communal conversation about Israel should be guided by our legacy as a people of the Talmud.
In his sermon for the 1st Day of Rosh Hashanah 5775, Rabbi Knopf calls upon the Jewish community to be more inclusive to intermarried families.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Nitzavim-VaYelekh (September 20, 2014): Some refrain from Jewish observances because they think they get the point, or think there is no point. But the only way to know the ancient wisdom Jewish practice teaches is by taking a “leap of action.”
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Ki Tavo (September 13, 2014): A personal tribute to JTS Professor Dov Zlotnick, who passed away on September 13, 2014, and to his scholarly passion, the Mishnah.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Ki Tavo (September 12, 2014): The capacity for change – in our lives and for our communities – sometimes requires looking at ourselves through a fresh set of eyes.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Ki Tetzei (September 6, 2014): The brokenness of our world might make us tempted to turn off the news and ignore what’s going on. But don’t be tempted to look away. The world needs you now more than ever.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Ki Tetzei (September 5, 2014): The prevalence of political scandals in our time – notably the recent conviction of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell – do not prove that power corrupts. Rather, power simply amplifies our innate characteristics.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Shoftim (August 22, 2014): Many of us feel that in a disagreement, there is only right and wrong, winner and loser. But often, there is more than one right way, and more than one way to win. That’s why the Torah teaches us to actively pursue compromise.
Rabbi Knopf’s Friday message for Parashat Shoftim (August 22, 2014): This month leading up to the High Holy Days is a time for the valuable task of evaluating ourselves. But when you judge yourself, remember to judge yourself fairly.
Rabbi Knopf’s Saturday message for Parashat Re’eh (August 23, 2014): The quality of our life is often dictated by how we choose to see our life. And how we relate to the world is strongly connected to how we choose to view the world.