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.
Some brief reflections on how Judaism can guide our thinking about welcoming refugees.
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.
