Podcasts about hashavua

Finding Hashem in the Pause

Waking At Midnight

Finding Hashem Inside

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 […]

The Mission 50 and Rus' Return

Blessings From A to Z

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 […]

Expanding Into Giving

When the Good Suffer

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 […]

Burning Off Impurity

Moshe's Admission

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 […]

Lessons of the Song of the Sea

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 […]

Miraculous Impact

Can We Bless Hashem?

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 […]

Accessing Hashem's Guidance

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’ […]

Names Essence and Oil

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 […]

Explosive Redemption

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 Holy Ripple Effect

Building With What I've Got

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, […]

Why We Serve Hashem

Who Was Here First

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 […]

Forcing Redemption

Conversation with Moshiach

Seeings Sings of Redemption

Seeds of Moshiach

Gathering in the End of Days

Moshiach ben Yosef in Jail

Will Moshiach Really Come?

600,000 Angels of Protection

600,000 Angels of Protection

Moshiach Unfolds Quickly

Moshiach Comes Early

Moshiach's Secret Clothing

The Big Picture

Cataclysmic World Events