Socially Distant, Spiritually Close

We're closing out this feed in order to make way for a new show called The TBE Richmond Podcast. Moving forward, that's where you'll be able to hear Rabbi Knopf's sermons, teachings, and conversations with special guests, in addition to other great content from Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia. You'll still be able to revisit episodes of “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” right here. Thanks for listening. We hope you've enjoyed this podcast, and that it has helped you find faith and hope, enrichment and uplift during this challenging time.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode, Rabbi Knopf offers some perspective on the deadly, presidentially-incited assault on the Capitol and American democracy (January 6, 2021). He argues that what happened Wednesday was in so many ways the inevitable culmination of the past four years, and that while some are doubtlessly guilty, all of us bear some responsibility. The biblical Exodus story teaches us that a different future is possible, but only when we who are part of the system decide to no longer be complicit or complacent.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded for Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat service on December 26, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and Rev. Jim Somerville, Senior Pastor of Richmond, Virginia's First Baptist Church, discuss what insights the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers offer us as we turn the page on 2020 and look ahead to 2021.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded for Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat service on December 19, 2020), Rabbi Knopf speaks about the meaning of the extraordinary events of the past week, in which the first wave of frontline healthcare workers in the US began receiving coronavirus vaccines, and about how it's not enough to make bold statements. Rather, our actions tell the world who we truly are.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded for Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat service on December 12, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), discuss the connections between Hanukkah and working on behalf of oppressed and persecuted communities worldwide.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded for Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat service on December 5, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and his mother-in-law, poet, author, and master educator Carol Rose, discuss one of the Bible's most disturbing stories -- the rape of Jacob and Leah's daughter, Dinah -- and what that terrible tale has to teach us today.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded for Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat service on November 28, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and Josh Jeffreys, Jewish Chaplain & Director of Religious Life at Univ. of Richmond, discuss the connections between the biblical story of Jacob's Ladder, the college experience, leaving home, and discovering God in unlikely places.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded for Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat service on October 23, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and Rabbi Dr. Aryeh Cohen, professor Rabbinic Literature and Social Justice at the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, explore the connections between Genesis' flood narrative and gun violence in America today.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded for Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat service on October 16, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson, Vice President of American Jewish University and Dean of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, discuss Genesis, Creation, and Climate Justice.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Yom Kippur service on September 28, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and Rev. Melanie Mullen, Director of Reconciliation, Justice & Creation Care, The Episcopal Church, discuss what Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, can teach us about living during a time of pandemic, recession, widespread social unrest, and environmental disaster.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Kol Nidrei/Yom Kippur service on September 27, 2020), Rabbi Knopf discusses how to live in a world that increasingly seems to have gone mad -- by being committed to truth and justice.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Rosh Hashanah service on September 20, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest and Rabbi Jack Moline, President of Interfaith Alliance, discuss the meaning of Rosh Hashanah during this challenging and extraordinary season, using the biblical story of the binding of Isaac as a starting point.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Rosh Hashanah service on September 20, 2020), Rabbi Knopf explains that the pandemic revealed our lives and the world as they actually are -- fragile and vulnerable -- and offers some guidance about how to make it through, using the Netflix game show The Floor is Lava as a model.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Rosh Hashanah service on September 19, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest and Rev. David Dwight, Senior Pastor of Hope Church in Goochland, Virginia, discuss the meaning of Rosh Hashanah during a challenging and extraordinary season, using the biblical story of the birth of Ishmael as a starting point.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Rosh Hashanah service on September 19, 2020), Rabbi Knopf discusses how we remain spiritually close, even when we may be socially distant.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

IIn this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Rosh Hashanah service on September 18, 2020), Rabbi Knopf sets the stage for a truly extraordinary High Holy Day season, focusing on a story about Adam and Eve, the first humans in the Bible.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on September 5, 2020), Rabbi Knopf discusses how to discover blessings in any situation, no matter how challenging.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on August 15, 2020), Rabbi Knopf explains how even though we can't always choose our circumstances, we do have the power to choose how we view those circumstances. And if we choose to see the right way, if we look closely and clearly and intentionally enough, we can transform just about any circumstance and experience, no matter how mundane or difficult, into a blessing.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

The pandemic, along with widespread racial justice protests, has exposed the many inequities of our society. In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on July 11, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Dr. Judith Rosenbaum discuss the biblical story of the Daughters of Zelophehad (along with various other protests recounted in the Book of Numbers), the Broadway sensation Hamilton, and the contemporary fight for equality for all, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

What does Independence Day mean in this unique era? And how do we make a difference when the challenges we confront feel so big? In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on July 4, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Billy Planer (Founder & Director of Etgar 36, an independent, pluralistic, nonpartisan and nonprofit Jewish educational venture that empowers Jews of all ages and backgrounds to create change in the world), discuss the connections between the weekly Torah portion (Hukkat-Balak), what's going on in our country and our world in this moment, the meaning of Independence Day in our time, and what it means to “give a damn” today. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, America is reckoning with racial oppression in its past and present. What wisdom does Jewish tradition have to offer in this moment? In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on June 13, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Sherrina Gibson (a Temple Beth-El congregant who is also African-American) discuss the reignited movement for racial justice in America, and the experience of African-American Jews and other Jews of Color.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

One of the most exciting developments of this difficult time is the emergence of youth-led movements for social change. In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on June 20, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Claudia Sachs (a rising high school senior at Temple Beth-El and a budding youth activist) discuss the biblical story of the spies and consider the challenge of taking risks to do what is right and the role of youth in social justice activism.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

This time of plague and social unrest is both incredibly challenging and also brimming with possibility. In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat evening gathering on June 12, 2020), Rabbi Knopf discusses how we can encounter this moment in such a way that we see the opportunities and experience the challenges as the places from which learning and growth can emerge. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on June 6, 2020), students and staff of Givat Haviva International School in Israel talk about their extraordinary school, the only high school in the world that focuses on leadership and conflict resolution from the heart of a diverse conflict zone. Half of the student body at GHIS comes from Israel (with an equal number of Jewish and Arab students), and the other half - International students from around the world (including refugees and students from conflict zones). The school is committed to seeding the world with a new and innovative cohort of global leaders, committed to creating a peaceful future in the Middle East and in the world.Rabbi Knopf and the guests from GHIS discuss what it means to be a young leader in these tumultuous and uncertain times. Plus, a special blessing for high school graduates.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In a time in which we are reckoning with racial oppression, how do we grapple with the problematic aspects of our own faith traditions? How do we honestly confront our texts, untangle the good from the bad, elevate that which is liberating, and jettison that which is oppressive? In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shavuot morning gathering on May 29, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Rev. Dr. Corey D. B. Walker (Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities at Wake Forest University) discuss these and other issues. Note: in this episode, Rabbi Knopf mistakenly refers to George Floyd as “George Taylor.” We deeply regret the error, which could not be fixed in post-production.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

The biblical Book of Numbers recounts the trials and tribulations of the Israelites as they wander the wilderness and begins, intriguingly, with a census. It raises questions like “who counts?” and “what do you do when the path forward is difficult and uncertain?” In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on May 23, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Jason Kamras (superintendent of Richmond Public Schools) tackle these and other issues, like inclusion and equity in Richmond public schools and serving the intellectual, spiritual, and physical needs of students and families during a crippling pandemic.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

In the Book of Leviticus, the Torah articulates a bold vision for building a just society, featuring the sabbatical and Jubilee years. These radical innovations are in the service of ensuring that “there will be no needy among you.” What do these passages have to teach us today, in this time of inequity and a plague that disproportionately impacts the poor and people of color? In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual Shabbat morning gathering on May 16, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Pastor Ralph Steven Hodge (Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church of South Richmond) discuss Leviticus' vision for a just society and their work together advancing justice in the Richmond region.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

What does it mean to be a priest, and how has the priesthood evolved from ancient times to today? How has the pandemic amplified and transformed priestly work? In this episode (originally recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual shabbat morning gathering on May 9, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Rev. Charles T. Dupree (Rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond) explore the connections between the description of the priesthood in the Book of Leviticus and our current moment, compare and contrast the role and function of priests in the Episcopal church with the priesthood as described in the Bible, and discuss how their ministries have changed/evolved during this pandemic.“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

What does it mean to “be holy” and build sacred community in our time? In this episode (originally recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual shabbat morning gathering on May 2, 2020) Rabbi Knopf and special guest Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates) explore these questions, and discuss the Speaker's work, both related to the pandemic and beyond. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

Typically, moderns struggle with the Torah portions in Leviticus detailing various diseases and their respective treatments. But this year, they have taken on a strange familiarity and urgency. What can these ancient texts teach about disease and treatment, faith and community in our time? In this episode (originally recorded at Temple Beth-El's virtual shabbat morning gathering on April 17, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Dr. Gary Goldberg (a leading physiatrist in Richmond and a lifelong Torah scholar) explore these questions. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel.These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.

Passover is sometimes called the “Festival of Freedom.” What does liberation mean today, in this time of pandemic, creeping authoritarianism, and social injustice? In this episode (recorded during Passover in April 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Rep. Abigail Spanberger (U.S. Congresswoman from Virginia's 7th District) explore these and other questions. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel.

How do we hold on to faith and find hope in this time of pandemic, when there is so much chaos, devastation, and reason to despair? In this episode (recorded during Passover in April 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Rev. Hollie Woodruff (Pastor of Richmond's Seventh Street Christian Church) explore these questions, discuss how they're approaching Passover and Easter this year, and offer thoughts about navigating — and maybe even growing from — this moment of crisis, using Ezekiel's prophecy of the “dry bones” (37:1-14) as a jumping-off point. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel.

What is the connection between Passover and social justice, and what unique insight do the texts and traditions of the holiday have to offer for this time, when we confront a pandemic that disproportionately impacts communities of color and the poor? In this episode (recorded during Passover in April 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Kristin Gorin (chair of Temple Beth-El's Social Action committee) explore these and other questions. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel.

In this time of pandemic, how do we build lives of meaning? How do we hold on to faith and find hope when there is so much chaos, devastation, and reason to despair? In this episode (recorded on the eve of Passover in April 2020), Rabbi Knopf explores these and other questions, using an ancient teaching from Pirkei Avot (Wisdom of the Sages) as a starting point. “Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel.