In a time in which we are reckoning with racial oppression, how do we grapple with the problematic aspects of our own faith traditions? How do we honestly confront our texts, untangle the good from the bad, elevate that which is liberating, and jettison that which is oppressive? In this episode (recorded at Temple Beth-El’s virtual Shavuot morning gathering on May 29, 2020), Rabbi Knopf and special guest Rev. Dr. Corey D. B. Walker (Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities at Wake Forest University) discuss these and other issues. Note: in this episode, Rabbi Knopf mistakenly refers to George Floyd as “George Taylor.” We deeply regret the error, which could not be fixed in post-production.

“Socially Distant, Spiritually Close” is hosted and recorded by Rabbi Michael Knopf and produced by Dr. Gillian Frank. Theme music is composed and produced by Stephen Frost. 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.