The Hebrew prophets inspired some of the most stirring, challenging, and influential books of the Bible. Their teachings left an indelible mark on both Judaism and Christianity. But do we really know them? The prophets are both familiar and misunderstood, ubiquitous and mysterious. Join Rabbi Michael Knopf (Temple Beth-El) and Reverend Hollie Woodruff (Seventh Street […]
Mar 05, 2020•1 hr 29 min
The Hebrew prophets inspired some of the most stirring, challenging, and influential books of the Bible. Their teachings left an indelible mark on both Judaism and Christianity. But do we really know them? The prophets are both familiar and misunderstood, ubiquitous and mysterious. Join Rabbi Michael Knopf (Temple Beth-El) and Reverend Hollie Woodruff (Seventh Street […]
Feb 20, 2020•1 hr 26 min
In front of a live audience at one of the nation’s most historic Episcopal churches, Rabbi Knopf gives an introduction to the biblical Prophets, exploring their message, meaning, and enduring relevance. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Jan 09, 2020
Many think of the prayerbook as a litany of statements and declarations. Yet the liturgy of the High Holy Days also poses questions. “When will You rule in Zion?” and “Where is the place of God’s presence?” are among the many questions we will ask — and that will be asked of us — during […]
Sep 19, 2019•1 hr 32 min
Continuing their discussion of rabbinic interpretations of the Garden of Eden story in midrash Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf and his students discuss the man’s role in the story, and the reasons for the woman eating the fruit. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, […]
Jun 20, 2019
Rabbi Knopf and his students continue their discussion of rabbinic interpretations of the Garden of Eden story in midrash Genesis Rabbah. This episode delves into the enigmatic character of the snake. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Jun 13, 2019
Rabbi Knopf discusses the Book of Job and Judaism with an audience of adult Christian students from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Jun 08, 2019•1 hr 29 min
As Rabbi Knopf continues his exploration of rabbinic interpretation of the Garden of Eden story, a discussion about sexual intimacy and the motivations of the story’s serpent. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
Jun 01, 2019•1 hr 1 min
Rabbi Knopf continues his exploration of rabbinic legends on the Garden of Eden story, this time examining parallels between the Adam and Eve, Golden Calf, and Canaanite War stories. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
May 25, 2019•16 min
Rabbi Knopf continues his study of Midrash Genesis Rabbah’s discussion of the Garden of Eden. In this episode, Rabbi Knopf and his students talk about the origins of humanity, and the first commandments God gives to human beings. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google […]
May 18, 2019•36 min
Continuing his exploration of midrash Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf and his students discuss whether there are appropriate limits to human knowledge, free will vs. determinism, and the origins of humanity. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!
May 11, 2019•1 hr 8 min
Rabbi Knopf continues a conversation about Midrash Genesis Rabbah’s interpretation of the Garden of Eden story. This week, we discuss what kind of tree the Tree of Knowledge was, and why it matters. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your […]
May 03, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Rabbi Knopf continues his exploration of midrash Genesis Rabbah, exploring such questions as the size and function of the Tree of Life, the theological problem of evil, and the stubborn persistence of antisemitism. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your […]
Apr 26, 2019•1 hr 19 min
Rabbi Knopf discusses the relationship between the first human being in the Garden of Eden and the Holy Ark in the Temple, the possibility of Adam and Eve’s sin being a moral crime, and the apostasy of disparaging other human beings. How do you listen to Tisch? You have a lot of options you know? […]
Apr 18, 2019•55 min
Rabbi Knopf discusses the meaning of God’s “placing” Adam in the Garden of Eden, diving into issues of predestination, human freedom, and humanity’s relationship with the rest of creation. *Please note that while this is episode three of this series, the first two sessions were not recorded for podcast. How do you listen to Tisch? […]
Apr 11, 2019•1 hr 3 min
Rabbi Knopf discusses what was created first, human beings or the Garden of Eden, and in so doing discusses the nature of time and space, as well as free will and determinism. *Please note that while this is episode three of this series, the first two sessions were not recorded for podcast. How do you […]
Apr 04, 2019•1 hr 13 min
Join us for Part Two of Rabbi Knopf’s Essentials of Judaism: Midieval Jewish History Class. The Middle Ages were a formative and tumultuous period in Jewish history, characterized by violent confrontations, colorful characters, dynamic cultural formation, and timeless scholarlship. Rabbi Knopf offers a rich overview of this critical and complex era. How do you listen […]
Mar 28, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Join us for Part One of Rabbi Knopf’s Essentials of Judaism: Midieval Jewish History Class. The Middle Ages were a formative and tumultuous period in Jewish history, characterized by violent confrontations, colorful characters, dynamic cultural formation, and timeless scholarlship. Rabbi Knopf offers a rich overview of this critical and complex era. How do you listen […]
Mar 21, 2019•56 min
Rabbi Knopf gives an introduction to the Jewish conception of God and theology.
Jan 10, 2019•1 hr 22 min
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 […]
Dec 17, 2018•8 min
Continuing his study of Chapter 2 of Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf unpacks a strange story involving the sage Ben Zoma.
Jun 21, 2018
Rabbi Knopf begins chapter two of Genesis Rabbah, discussing the state of the world at the beginning of creation, and what our past can predict about our future.
Jun 07, 2018
In commemoration of completing his pre-Passover study of the Mishnah’s Tractate Avot, Rabbi Knopf teaches about the rabbinic conception of how piety is related to how one thinks of his or her property.
May 03, 2018•35 min
Continuing his ongoing study of midrash Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf discuss a peculiar use in Genesis’ opening verse of the Torah’s most common word.
Apr 19, 2018•59 min
Continuing his study of midrash Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf discusses topics ranging from blasphemy to God’s humility to the advent of the Messianic era.
Apr 05, 2018•1 hr 2 min
Continuing his study of Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf explores how the creation story demonstrates God’s leadership skills, and what we might learn from God’s example.
Mar 22, 2018•42 min
Continuing his exploration of Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf discusses the concept of a “Law Given to Moses at Mt. Sinai,” and the need for a Torah that is rooted in the past but perpetually innovative.
Mar 15, 2018•55 min
Continuing his study of Midrash Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf explores why the Torah begins with the letter “bet” rather than the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, “aleph.”
Mar 01, 2018•1 hr 5 min
Continuing in his study of midrash Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Knopf explores what building materials (if any) God used to create the world.
Feb 15, 2018•1 hr 6 min
Heaven and hell, good and evil, the messiah. What did God create at the beginning of time that the Bible doesn’t explicitly mention? Join Rabbi Knopf as he explores the ancient midrash’s explanations.
Jan 25, 2018