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In this episode, we dive into the rugged and ruthless world of “Yellowstone,” where questions of legacy, land, and loyalty play out against a stunning yet unforgiving backdrop. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore the show’s themes of justice, tradition, and the pursuit of power, asking what it means to protect — and even “make great”— a place or a way of life. How does “Yellowstone” reflect broader struggles over identity and belonging in America today, especially in light of the 2024 presidential election, which took place the day before this episode was recorded? Join us for an exploration of this modern Western’s deep moral undertones and cultural resonance.

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 talk about, what else? The absolute drubbing that Kamala Harris suffered in the election. What more needs to be said, you might think, and you might be right, but the guys will walk you through their thoughts on this monumental election. They talk about their biggest fears from the new administration and the foreign policy changes that could have huge impacts on the world order. 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, we explore the spellbinding new Marvel TV series “Agatha All Along” (streaming on Disney+), where the lines between power, control, and deception blur in thrilling ways. Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive deep into the show’s themes, unpacking its clever take on leadership, hidden motives, change and the lengths people go to maintain control. What can we learn from Agatha’s manipulations, and how do they reflect larger questions about identity, community, and vulnerability? Join us as we break down the magic, mystery, and meaning behind “Agatha All Along.”

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 one last time before the election to talk about, what else? The Yankees and Van Halen. Seriously, while the guys do talk about the World series fiasco and Alex Van Halen’s new memoir, they spend most of the episode talking about the last days of the campaign, how unhinged Trump is getting, and their fears of potential violence. They also finally settled on their grift and this episode will be brought to you by Ivermectin. Have a listen and get out and vote!

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

This week, Brad and Steven talk about the Yankees making it to the World Series and about the meaning of fandom (not to mention how much tickets are going for!). They also discuss the decision by the owner of the Washington Post not to endorse a candidate for president as well as the ultimate “bridge and tunnel” event — Trump’s fascist rally that will be held at Madison Square Garden. 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, we dive into the thought-provoking Netflix series “Nobody Wants This,” exploring its funny and sometimes cringey take on identity, community, and the challenges of belonging. Joined by special guest Rabbi Talia Kaplan of Congregation Beth Shalom in Overland Park, Kansas (whose hot take on the show recently went viral), Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss the show’s rich Jewish themes, including the search for love and meaning, the impact of communal expectations, and clergy ethics. Together, we’ll unravel why this series resonates deeply in our contemporary world and why you might just find yourself actually wanting whatever ‘This’ is!

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, for the second week in a row, Brad and Steven are back! It’s the post-Yom Kippur episode and the guys discuss whether we’re living in a simulation, flooding in Florida, green salsa in New Mexico, and how everything in the US has become supersized, except for the size of airline seats. Have a listen 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.

After (another) week away, Brad and Steven are back and are talking about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish High Holidays and the length of time that services last. They also talk about the Trump bible, the Yankees in the playoffs, what to eat when you’re in the southwest, and the best Egyptian seafood restaurant in Queens. Happy listening 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.

In this episode, we dive into ‘Between the Temples‘, a quirky new indie comedy about a cantor grappling with a crisis of faith. Starring Jason Schwartzman as Ben, a grief-stricken cantor whose life takes an unexpected turn when his former grade school music teacher (Carol Kane) re-enters his life as an unlikely Bat Mitzvah student, this film blends humor, heartbreak, and Jewish identity in unique ways. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they explore the film’s portrayal of faith, loss, and the chaotic beauty of rediscovering purpose.

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 this week for the second episode of the new season, and they’re talking about accountability (or the lack thereof). They start by looking at the state of the Yankees and go from there to accountability in public life and of course, among our elected officials. They also recap a bit of what has happened since the last podcast and wonder how it will all end. 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.