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Undercover on Campus: ‘A Man on the Inside’ Season 2 and the Purpose of Learning

What does it mean to learn, to teach, to remain faithful to ideals in a changing world? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss A Man on the Inside Season 2 — campus mysteries, human motives, and the deeper questions this witty Netflix comedy invites us to ask. Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture. How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 12

Brad and Steven are back at it this week, and what a week it’s been. Between the horrific shootings at Brown University, the despicable terrorist attack in Sydney, and the senseless murders of Rob and Michele Reiner, there has been a lot to process in a short amount of time. The guys talk about these events as well as the (partial) release of the (redacted) Epstein Files, and Representative Elise Stefanik’s decision to drop out of the race for governor of New York and not to run for congress again. It’s also Chanukah and Christmas is in a few days, so happy holidays to all, no matter what you celebrate or even if you don’t celebrate at all. You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 11

Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about President Trump’s winning of the first ever FIFA Peace Prize — yay Donald! They also talk about the recently released 2025 National Security Strategy and the shift away from the rules-based international system that was created (by the US) in the aftermath of WWII. They also talk about (and like) Forrest Gump. Have a listen and enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

Pluribus’ and the Paradox of Peoplehood

In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the haunting and thought-provoking world of AppleTV+’s Pluribus — a series in which nearly all of humanity becomes fused into a single hive mind, leaving only a handful of individuals to wrestle with what it means to remain distinct. Drawing on Jewish wisdom about individuality, community, agency, and the sacred dignity of difference, we consider how to hold the many and the one together without collapsing into conformity on the one hand or fragmentation on the other, as well as what Pluribus reveals about our own moment — when voices risk dissolving into echo chambers, tribal loyalties, or a numbing collective “join.” Rabbis Michael Knopf and Jesse Olitzky are lifelong friends, pop culture fanboys, and lovers of all things Jewish. Join them every other week for a conversation about what’s going on in pop culture from a Jewish perspective and about Judaism through the lens of pop culture. How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!

Amen Corner Season 10, Episode 10

This week, Brad and Steven are back with the very, very special, post-Thanksgiving episode. The guys talk turkey (and sides) and debrief over their respective holiday gatherings. They also talk about Pete Hegseth, the erosion of political norms, and discover that there are actually a decent number of kosher restaurants in Panama City (who knew?). Have a listen as you continue to digest your Thanksgiving food. Enjoy! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.