Podcasts about hashavua

Obsessed With Israel

Leader and Nation Intertwined

In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into the acclaimed HBO series Hacks. Beneath the sharp jokes and show-business drama lies a surprisingly rich story about reinvention, aging, ambition, and the complicated relationships that shape us. Through the evolving partnership between Deborah and Ava, Hacks asks what we owe one another, whether people can truly change, and how […]

Israel Atones for the Nations

This week, in a super very special Amen Corner, our guest is Rabbi Stephanie Ruskay. Stephanie is not only the wife of our producer Darone, but she’s running for New York State Assembly. She took time to speak with us about the issues that are important to her, her reasons for running, and why her […]

Seeing and Hearing

Star Wars is back on the big screen, and in this episode of PopTorah, we discuss The Mandalorian and Grogu alongside a broader conversation about the state of Star Wars and franchise storytelling in the age of streaming. What is the difference between fan service and meaningful storytelling? What happens when institutions focus more on keeping insiders happy […]

After a couple of weeks off, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about Brad’s trip to Israel, the renaming (and un-naming?) of the Kennedy Center, confederate flags, and of course, the ascendence of the New York Knicks to the NBA Finals. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner […]

Becoming Chosen

Combining Heaven and Earth

Activating Hashem's Kindness

In this very special episode of PopTorah, recorded LIVE at Temple Beth El in Stamford, CT in front of a packed sanctuary, we dive into Michael, the long-awaited and deeply complicated biopic about Michael Jackson — an artist whose music reshaped popular culture even as his life and legacy remain fiercely contested. Join us as we […]

Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about David Lee Roth with and without Van Halen, Graham Platner and Jon Stewart, Bruce Springsteen and music that is the “soundtrack to your life. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, […]

Activating Hashem's Kindness

Speaking With the Dead

In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Project Hail Mary, a sci-fi space adventure starring Ryan Gosling. What begins as a desperate mission to save humanity becomes something far more intimate — a story about unlikely friendship and courageous faith. Join us as we discuss what Project Hail Mary has to say about bridging difference, […]

Bad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about tea, loyalty and fandom, Steven’s interaction with a guy wearing a shirt with the flag of Iran on it, the Hulk Hogan documentary and how to properly pronounce the name, “The Iron Sheik,” and Graham Platner’s senatoral candidacy. Have a listen! You can listen […]

Making the Right Investment

Brad and Steven are back at it this week, wondering if the Strait of Hormuz is opened or closed and thinking about how some people are making lots of money off of oil futures these days. they also talk about Viktor Orban’s defeat in Hungary, JD Vance taking on the Pope, how the midterms could […]

Source of Growth

Going for the Right Goal

In this episode of PopTorah, we break down Hulu's Paradise — a gripping, twist-filled series about a so-called perfect society that quickly reveals its cracks. With full spoilers, we explore how Paradise wrestles with power, control, and the moral cost of creating order out of chaos. Drawing on Jewish tradition, we unpack the dangers of manufactured perfection […]

This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about chocolate bunnies and chocolate matzoh, Seders on the subway, the rapper Kosha Dillz, eating in Montreal, and our unhinged president. Have a listen and have a Joyous Easter, Happy Passover and  good whatever else you want to celebrate! You can listen to The Amen […]

Approaching the Final Redemption

Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the beginning of the baseball season and the NCAA tournament, the war/not war in Iran, and ICE at the airport. They also ask the timeless question: if you had to choose, would you pick the Olive Garden or sex?  Have a listen and enjoy! […]

Moshiach and Peace

In this special Oscars episode of PopTorah, we dive into two of the most talked-about films of the year: Sinners and One Battle After Another. Both films wrestle with big questions about morality, power, violence, and the stories people tell to justify their actions. What does it mean to be called a “sinner”? Are we trapped in cycles of […]

Israel's Foes Already Fell

Winds of Moshiach Blowing

In this episode of PopTorah, we dive into Marvel's newest Disney+ series, “Wonder Man.” This isn't just another superhero origin story. The show explores the tension between public image and inner truth, the seduction of fame, discovering your purpose and finding your people, and the difficulty of balancing safety and freedom. It's a meta Hollywood […]

Brad and Steven are back this week, talking about, what else, the war/non-war with Iran. The guys talk about the various justifications that the administration has given for the “special military action,” and wonder what “imminent” really means. They also talk about Kristi Noem’s firing, Stephen Miller’s incorruptibility, and Brad’s solo weekend. Have a listen! […]

Battle of a Stubborn People

Praying at Moshiach's Door

This week, Brad and Steven talk about their preparations for Snowmageddon 2026, even though it’s going to hit New York City much harder than it will suburban Maryland. The guys also talk about the life of dogs, shoveling snow, and the US Olympic hockey win and the “Miracle on Ice” (again). Have a listen and enjoy! You […]

Making Space for Hashem

In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky talk about Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, the HBO Max documentary celebrating Mel Brooks and a lifetime of unapologetic comedy. From The Producers to Blazing Saddles, Brooks never hid what he was doing or why — using laughter to mock power, puncture tyranny, and refuse the demand for Jewish silence or […]

Embracing Natural Balances

Brad and Steven are back at it this week, trying to recall all of the different news cycles they missed since the last episode. This week, they talk about the racist meme that the president posted about Former President Barack and Michelle Obama as well as the ongoing Epstein files saga — is everyone a […]

Hashem Speaks So We Can Hear

What happens when a miracle involves a murder — and who benefits when the truth stays buried? In this spoiler-filled episode of PopTorah, we dive into Wake Up Dead Man, the darkest and most theologically charged entry in Rian Johnson's whodunit series. Set inside a fractured church community obsessed with power, purity, and control, the […]

Hearing Hashem's Voice

At Moshiach's Door

Getting Godly Powers

Finding Moshiach Peace Now

Accessing Hashem's Guidance

Cycles of Growth

God Leads the Circle Dance of Life

Unity Amid Disparity

Blessings and Peace

Accessing Revelation