What does Independence Day mean in this unique era? And how do we make a difference when the challenges we confront feel so big? In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El’s virtual Shabbat morning gathering on July 4, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Billy Planer (Founder & Director of Etgar 36, an independent, pluralistic, nonpartisan and nonprofit Jewish educational venture that empowers Jews of all ages and backgrounds to create change in the world), discuss the connections between the weekly Torah portion (Hukkat-Balak), what’s going on in our country and our world in this moment, the meaning of Independence Day in our time, and what it means to “give a damn” today. 

“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is recorded during virtual gatherings of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, Virginia, and is produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Our theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. Our cover art was designed by Judith Rushin, using a photograph by Miriam Aniel. These teachings, presentations, and conversations reflect the dynamism, warmth, passion, and kindness of Temple Beth-El in Richmond, VA.