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

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 th

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 ha

Rabbi Knopfs Shabbat message for Parashat Va-Yeshev (December 20, 2019): Josephs brothers make it easier to harm him by dehumanizing him. This was the mega-trend of the 2010s. Can we do it differen

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?

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

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

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

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

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, S