What do we owe the past — and each other? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack ‘A Real Pain’, the poignant new film that follows two cousins on a journey through Poland, confronting history, family, and their own complicated relationship. Through the lens of Jewish tradition, we explore how grief, memory, and humor intertwine. Join us as we reflect on the power of confronting history, the pain of remembrance, and the many miracles that shape and impact our lives.

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!

This week, Brad and Steven are back at, trying to wade through (and remember!) the week’s major developments. They talk about Trump’s proposal for the US to take control of Gaza and empty it of its inhabitants and the positive response that this received from many on the “pro-Israel” side of the equation. They also talk about the gutting of USAID and the other havoc being wreaked on the federal government; finally they turn their attention to the upcoming SuperBowl. Have a listen!

You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the looming trade war with Canada and Mexico, the unempathetic president, the death of DEI and what that may mean for Jewish Heritage Month. Have a listen!

You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

Who is Bob Dylan, really? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are joined by friend-of-the-pod Henry Bernstein to explore ‘A Complete Unknown’, the new biopic that takes us behind the enigmatic persona of one of music’s most influential figures. As we unpack Dylan’s journey of self-discovery and reinvention, we examine how his quest for identity mirrors some of the profound themes in Jewish tradition. From the Torah’s stories of transformation to the Talmud’s wisdom on authenticity, we explore what it means to be both true to yourself and constantly evolving. Tune in for a reflection on the tension between fame, self-expression, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.

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!

Brad and Steven are back, talking about the first week of the new Trump administration — it’s hard to believe that we’re only five days in and the guys have already forgotten the number of truly awful things that are happening, The guys also talk about their recent dinner in freezing New York City, the curious hand gesture of Elon Musk and the strange reaction by the head of the ADL, and the importance of the number 15. Have a listen!

You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

Brad and Steven are back and talking about the incoming Trump administration, what their algorithms are serving them on social media, potential sponsors for the podcast, why they won’t go to see a Rolling Stones concert and Snoop Dogg playing at the inauguration. Have a listen and stay warm this week!

You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

What can an undercover spy in a retirement home teach us about aging, purpose, and truly living? In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss ‘A Man on the Inside,’ the new Netflix comedy from show runner Michael Schur and star Ted Danson that finds meaning — and some mischief — in life’s later years. Through the lens of Jewish tradition, we explore how aging brings new opportunities for growth, and what it means to embrace every stage of life with curiosity and courage.

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!

Brad and Steven are back for their first podcast of 2025. It may be a new year, but things seem to have picked up right where they left off in 2024. The guys discuss the car ramming attack in New Orleans and the Tesla blowing up in Las Vegas. They also talk about the documentary film “The Bibi Files,” which leads to an extensive discussion about the war in Israel/Gaza. It’s very Middle East heavy this week — please have a listen!

You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.

In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into ‘Moana 2’, Disney’s follow-up to the beloved original. How does the sequel build on Moana’s journey of self-discovery and leadership? What new lessons does it offer about courage, identity, and the interconnectedness of generations? And how does this chapter deepen the story’s resonance with timeless values and challenges? Join us as we explore the beauty, depth, and waves of inspiration in ‘Moana 2’!

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!

It’s the last Amen Corner of 2025 and Brad and Steven are back from (another) week’s hiatus. This week, the guys are talking about the emerging rift in Trumpworld between MAGA and DOGE, old-school Italian restaurants, Florida, and plum torts. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Festivus, and Happy New Year!

You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or your favorite RSS aggregator.