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The Spirituality of Welcoming
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.
The Book of Torah
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.
Beginnings: From Creation to the Edge of the Wilderness
In his first “Essentials of Judaism” class, Rabbi Knopf explores the story of the Torah.
The Ideal and the Real
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.
Don’t Look Away
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
Does Power Corrupt
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. Rathe
What Do You Ask of God?
What are we doing when we pray? Why does prayer matter? Join Rabbi Knopf as he explores this question through a close study of Psalm 27, the Psalm for the Days of Awe.
Conflict Resolution
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 w
Judge Yourself Fairly
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.
What Does God Ask of You?
What God wants from us is not always so clear. In Deuteronomy chapter 10, Moses tries to break it down. Join Rabbi Knopf as he unpacks this powerful text.