Set during the ascendancy of the evil galactic empire, Andor, whose full second and final season is now out on Disney+, strips away the mythic and reveals the human cost of rebellion. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the critically acclaimed Star Wars series that trades spectacle for soul-searching — and asks what it […]
What do a Hollywood studio and a synagogue have in common? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore ‘The Studio’, the Apple TV+ comedy about the pressures of keeping a creative machine running — and what it reveals about the challenges of sustaining meaningful work in the shadow of institutional demands. From […]
In this week’s episode, Brad and Steven take a walk down memory lane talking about graduations and birthdays. Several youthful indiscretions are confessed to (mostly by Brad) and the guys can only hope that the statute of limitations has expired on them. They also revisit their discussion on Diet Coke and of course bring it […]
Long before Westeros crowned its kings, ancient Israel had its own saga of ambition, betrayal, prophecy, and power. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore House of David, the new Prime series that reimagines the life of Israel’s most iconic and enigmatic ruler. Who really was King David—and who gets to tell his story? […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back, talking about the measles vaccine (PSA: make sure you still have your immunity!), the ridiculous Lindsey Graham tweet following the death of the Pope, Mexican Coca-Cola, Sephora, and the firing of Mike Waltz. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of […]
It’s the Easter/Passover is Over episode, and this week, Brad and Steven talk about how seemingly everyone ends Passover by eating pizza, wonder if it’s more accurate to compare the US today to Turkey or North Korea, and comment on RFK Jr’s recent frightening comments on autism. They also remind their listeners about the Signal […]
Season 3 of ‘The White Lotus’ trades Sicilian scandal for Thai transcendence, following guests who journey to Thailand seeking serenity, connection, and maybe even enlightenment. What they find, however, is far more complicated. In this soul-searching episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the show’s exploration of wealth, power, relationships, and the search for […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back with a special Passover episode. In honor of the holiday, the guys talk about gefilte fish and keeping carp in the bathtub back in the day. They also discuss the tariff craziness of the last week and the uncertainty that they brought to global markets. They also talk […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about, what else? Signalgate. Hard to believe that this story broke less than a week ago and how quickly it unfolded. The guys talk about the lying before Congress, the hypocrisy, and the disdain for the rule of law on display. They also talk about the Yankees […]
When the world seems to be going off the rails, what movies and shows do we turn to for comfort, and why? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are binge-watching at the edge of the abyss. Join us as we catch up on everything Jewish about our favorite pop culture offerings of this Winter of our Discontent. […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about the ominous turn that the country is taking. They discuss Paul Weiss’ capitulation to Trump and debate what they would have done had they been forced to make a similar decision. They also talk about the risk of being stopped in an airport and the Democrats’ […]
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the steady creep toward authoritarianism, film A Real Pain, what’s happening at Columbia University, and Chicago deep dish pizza and the semantic debate over what is defined as pizza, Have a listen! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On […]
Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—but what happens when everything goes off the rails? In this celebratory episode of PopTorah, we RSVP to You’re Cordially Invited, the new comedy that turns a dream destination wedding into a hilarious disaster. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they unpack the film’s themes of love, family, and […]
The 97th Academy Awards are here, and Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are here to talk about the Torah of this year’s nominees. In this special episode, we discuss Emilia Perez, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Wicked, Anora, The Apprentice, and more! Who will win, who should win, who stirred controversy, and who got the coveted “PopTorah Bump”? And, most importantly, which movie […]
Brad and Steven are back at it this week after a week’s hiatus due to Covid. Thankfully, everyone is ok and happy to be podcasting again. The guys talk about Covid (obviously), the joys of air travel, more Nazi salutes, DOGE and justifying your job, and the German elections. There’s a lot to catch up, […]
What do we owe the past — and each other? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack ‘A Real Pain’, the poignant new film that follows two cousins on a journey through Poland, confronting history, family, and their own complicated relationship. Through the lens of Jewish tradition, we explore how grief, memory, […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back at, trying to wade through (and remember!) the week’s major developments. They talk about Trump’s proposal for the US to take control of Gaza and empty it of its inhabitants and the positive response that this received from many on the “pro-Israel” side of the equation. They also […]
Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the looming trade war with Canada and Mexico, the unempathetic president, the death of DEI and what that may mean for Jewish Heritage Month. Have a listen! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, […]
Who is Bob Dylan, really? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are joined by friend-of-the-pod Henry Bernstein to explore ‘A Complete Unknown’, the new biopic that takes us behind the enigmatic persona of one of music’s most influential figures. As we unpack Dylan’s journey of self-discovery and reinvention, we examine how his […]
Brad and Steven are back, talking about the first week of the new Trump administration — it’s hard to believe that we’re only five days in and the guys have already forgotten the number of truly awful things that are happening, The guys also talk about their recent dinner in freezing New York City, the […]
Brad and Steven are back and talking about the incoming Trump administration, what their algorithms are serving them on social media, potential sponsors for the podcast, why they won’t go to see a Rolling Stones concert and Snoop Dogg playing at the inauguration. Have a listen and stay warm this week! You can listen to […]
What can an undercover spy in a retirement home teach us about aging, purpose, and truly living? In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss ‘A Man on the Inside,’ the new Netflix comedy from show runner Michael Schur and star Ted Danson that finds meaning — and some mischief — in life’s later years. […]
Brad and Steven are back for their first podcast of 2025. It may be a new year, but things seem to have picked up right where they left off in 2024. The guys discuss the car ramming attack in New Orleans and the Tesla blowing up in Las Vegas. They also talk about the documentary […]
In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into ‘Moana 2’, Disney’s follow-up to the beloved original. How does the sequel build on Moana’s journey of self-discovery and leadership? What new lessons does it offer about courage, identity, and the interconnectedness of generations? And how does this chapter deepen the story’s resonance with timeless values […]
It’s the last Amen Corner of 2025 and Brad and Steven are back from (another) week’s hiatus. This week, the guys are talking about the emerging rift in Trumpworld between MAGA and DOGE, old-school Italian restaurants, Florida, and plum torts. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus, and Happy New Year! You can listen […]
What does it mean to be good? And who gets to decide? In this magical episode of PopTorah, we dive into the world of Wicked, the spellbinding prequel to The Wizard of Oz that flips the script on the nature of good and evil. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they explore how the tale […]
Unexpectedly, Brad and Steven are back this week due to a faulty airplane. The guys are talking the drones over New Jersey, Chris Christie, Chanukkah, and once again, about how old they are. Spoiler alert: right now, Steven is considerably older than his father-in-law was when Steven got married(!). Happy listening! You can listen to The […]
This week, Brad and Steven are back at it and they’re talking about rage rooms, the potential fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Christmas songs, Van Halen t-shirts, and Trump memorabilia. Happy listening! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.
In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss season 2 of the AppleTV+ hit, ‘Shrinking‘! After our first deep dive into the series, we couldn’t help but return to explore even more of the lessons it has to offer about therapy, grief, and the messiness of human connection. As we revisit the characters and their […]
It’s the post-Thanksgiving episode and Brad and Steven are recapping their respective holidays. In addition to talking about how turkey (the food, not the country) is overrated, they also delve into Matt Gaetz, Madonna, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the need to prepare for the long battle ahead. Happy listening and happy holiday season! You can […]
