TBE Richmond Podcast
Stagione 3
di Rabbi Michael Knopf
In his Passover message for this year, Rabbi Knopf explains how the customary conclusion of the Seder, "Next Year in the Built Jerusalem!” is actually a commandment, calling upon us to make heaven on earth.
In her Dvar Torah for the 2nd day of Passover (April 7, 2023), TBE member Alane Ford explains that the biblical book of Leviticus can be a toolbox or instruction manual for drawing meaning from ancient stories of freedom.
In his Dvar Torah for the 1st day of Passover (April 6, 2023), TBE Executive Director Damien Timms looks at the events of the 10th plague from the point of view of the moral quandary God was placed in.
In his Shabbat message for Parashat Ki Tissa (March 11, 2023), Rabbi Knopf celebrates the completion of Temple Beth-El’s sanctuary renovation with a call to honor its purpose through perpetual participation.
In her Dvar Torah for Parshat Zachor (March 4, 2023), TBE member Brittany Usiak teaches us what our tradition has to say about how we remember or push away challenging experiences and the legacies and responsibilities we inherit as Jewish people.
TBE member and past-president Bob Siegel explains that Parashat Yitro (February 11, 2023) helps us understand that spirituality is not limited to quiet moments of introspective reflection; rather, it often includes concrete physical action and engagement with others. When we tirelessly work to pursue justice, we may find that it leads us to even greater moments of spiritual fulfillment.
Inspired by the Autistic Rebbetzin’s idea of Moses being Autistic, TBE member Jamie Weinstein tells the story of Parashat Beshallah (February 4, 2023) with an autistic hero through the eyes of an autistic mom. The hero here isn’t just Moses but his inner tribe who supports him, teaching us about unity and community support around disabled folks.
In his Dvar Torah for Refugee Shabbat (January 28. 2023), TBE member Sam Revenson shares how the war in Ukraine relates to the Exodus story, and what our community is doing for Ukrainians, including those we have helped resettle in Richmond. How can you help? Listen and learn!
In one of the most famous stories in the Torah, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened during the plagues and his choice is taken away. In his Dvar Torah for Parashat Va-era (January 21, 2023), TBE member Brandon Metheny explores how we can uphold the importance of free will while also accepting the lack of it in that moment.
In this Dvar Torah for Parashat Va-Yehi (January 7, 2023), TBE member Alane Ford discusses the patriarch Jacob's preparations for his own death and asks, what does it mean to face one's own death? And how can we do this well?