The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about theholiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief messagedrawn from the wisdom of PRead more...
The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about theholiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief messagedrawn from the wisdom of PRead more...
The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about theholiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief messagedrawn from the wisdom of PRead more...
The Talmud teaches that 30 days before Passover, we should start learning about theholiday and its meaning. In that spirit, I humbly offer "30 Days of Liberation." For each of the next 30 days, I will offer a brief messagedrawn from the wisdom of PRead more...
Dear friends, Iinvite you to participate in a unique project help us develop a new Friday evening worship experience. Background Tom Driver, Emeritus Professor of Theology and Culture at Union Theological Seminary, taught that rituals are performRead more...
Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each of the holiday's eight nights, Rabbi Knopfand several congregants offer a reflection.We hope you'll use t Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each Read more...
Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each of the holiday's eight nights, Rabbi Knopfand several congregants offer a reflection.We hope you'll use t Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each Read more...
Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each of the holiday's eight nights, Rabbi Knopfand several congregants offer a reflection.We hope you'll use t Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each Read more...
Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each of the holiday's eight nights, Rabbi Knopfand several congregants offer a reflection.We hope you'll use t Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each Read more...
Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each of the holiday's eight nights, Rabbi Knopfand several congregants offer a reflection.We hope you'll use t Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each Read more...
The latest bulletin is now online!Click here. The latest bulletin is now online! Click here. Illumin8! Reflections The word "Hanukkah" means "dedication," which is about devoting someone or something for a particular purpose. For each of the holiday's eight nights, Rabbi Knopf and several congregants offer a reflection. We hope you'll use these ideas when lighRead more...
The first night of Hanukkah. One candle is lit. Underwhelming? A mere prelude to the holiday’s subsequent nights, during which we steadily, persistently build upon that first light? Does that solitary first candle simply serve to flame our anticipation for our entire menorah to be illuminated, our homes filled with its radiance? Or is there something inherently, uniquely special about that...Read more...
Dear friends, Earlier today, President Trump announced that the U.S. will formally recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and begin the process of moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. As the news broke today, some of you reached ou Temple Beth-El Dear friends,Earlier today, President Trump announced that the U.S. will formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital anRead more...
I am heartbroken over the news of Sunday's mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. 26 people, ranging from toddlers to retirees, including eight members of a single family, were murdered in cold blood.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, the First Baptist congregation, the community of Sutherland Springs, and the State of Texas. I pray for comfort, healing, and...Read more...
In the waning hours of the year, I find myself reflecting on the journey I have been on with my congregation over the past year, and over the past 3 years since I came to Richmond. I usually do a kind of "state of the shul" address on the 1st Day of Rosh Hashanah, but world affairs are calling me away from that tradition this year. There are other things that are demanding to be addressed.
Nevertheless, I can't help myself from...Read more...
A month ago, hundreds of white supremacists marched on Charlottesville. Dozens were injured. Three were killed. Now, those same forces of darkness are threatening to descend upon our Richmond community. (Click here for more information)
We at Temple Beth-El have been following these developments closely, and have been involved in many community conversations (with partners across the...Read more...
Dear friends, While we won't get to see a total eclipse here in Richmond tomorrow, many of us will nevertheless be taking some time to witness the "Great American Eclipse." Some will even be travelling to places where they will be able to view the wRead more...
Dear friends, I know many of us are still reeling from what happened in Charlottesville, and continue to be on edge about the ascendance of virulent, emboldenedwhite supremacy in our country. In moments like these, in the face of hatred, bigotry,Read more...
Dear Friends, After enjoying a beautiful Shabbat with our Temple Beth-El family, I was devastated to learn the news about what took place yesterdayin Charlottesville, a community that is close to us both physically and emotionally. You can read somRead more...
Dear friends, I am writing to share some exciting news with you This fall, I will begin LeadershipMetro Richmond LMR's Leadership Quest! It you are unfamiliar withLMR, it is a prestigious and selective leadership development organization that cRead more...
Dear friends, Just a friendly reminder that tonight is the deadline to sign up for Rabbi Knopf's Hebrew Class that starts next Monday, July 24! Click here for details and to sign up.Read more...
usto join them for their First Annual Ramadan Community Potluck Dinner Iftar on Sunday, June 11thfrom745 pm to 93
Dear friends, I wanted to share with you an invitation I received from our friends in the Muslim community. They have invited usto join them for their First Annual Ramadan Community Potluck Dinner Iftar on Sunday, June 11thfrom745 pm to 93
A few weeks ago, I completed my sixth year as a rabbi. As I look ahead to the next stage of my professional life, I find myself reflecting on the wisdom I’ve gained on my journey so far. Much like I did when I finished my third year as a rabbi, I’ve taken the opportunity to write down some of things that I have learned during this time of my life. I hope you will find some of these reflections meaningful, and...Read more...
Dear friends, I wanted to share with you an invitation I received from our friends in the Muslim community. They have invited usto join them for their First Annual Ramadan Community Potluck Dinner Iftar on Sunday, June 11thfrom745 pm to 93Read more...
Along with a diverse group of rabbis, I recently completed the Clergy Leadership Incubator (CLI), a two-year fellowship program which...Read more... 
