‘You’re Cordially Invited’ … But Should You Go?

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21:04

Step into the mysterious and visually stunning world of The Electric State as host Francesca Amiker takes you behind the scenes with the creative masterminds who brought Simon Stålenhag’s dystopian vision to life. In this premiere episode, directors Joe and Anthony Russo, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and producers Angela Russo-Otstot and Chris Castaldi reveal how they transformed a haunting graphic novel into an epic cinematic experience. Watch The Electric State coming to Netflix on March 14th. Check out more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

circa un anno fa 32:37

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!

500 episodi

#Jewish #Religion #Torah #JCast Network #Society #Conversations #Podcasting Education #Cinema #JCast #Network #Jews #Judaism #Film #Interviews #Thoughts #Talmud #Parsha #Parshat #Hashavua

‘You’re Cordially Invited’ … But Should You Go?

The JCast Network Total Feed

published circa un anno fa

MP3•Pagina principale dell'episodio

How do you listen to PopTorah? You have a lot of options you know? iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, RSS, it’s your choice!

500 episodi

#Jewish #Religion #Torah #JCast Network #Society #Conversations #Podcasting Education #Cinema #JCast #Network #Jews #Judaism #Film #Interviews #Thoughts #Talmud #Parsha #Parshat #Hashavua

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1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 23 33:53

7 giorni fa33:53

33:53

It’s the Easter/Passover is Over episode, and this week, Brad and Steven talk about how seemingly everyone ends Passover by eating pizza, wonder if it’s more accurate to compare the US today to Turkey or North Korea, and comment on RFK Jr’s recent frightening comments on autism. They also remind their listeners about the Signal Chat scandal and how it has completely fallen off of the radar screen with no punishment being meted out whatsoever. Happy listening and Happy Easter and end of Passover! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

1
Searching for God at ‘The White Lotus’ 55:10

10 giorni fa55:10

55:10

Season 3 of ‘The White Lotus’ trades Sicilian scandal for Thai transcendence, following guests who journey to Thailand seeking serenity, connection, and maybe even enlightenment. What they find, however, is far more complicated. In this soul-searching episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky unpack the show’s exploration of wealth, power, relationships, and the search for meaning. Is it possible to buy enlightenment? Can spiritual awakening be authentic in a world of luxury and illusion? And what does Jewish wisdom have to say about the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage? Tune in as we wander the sacred and superficial in Mike White’s tropical house of mirrors. 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!…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 22 34:56

14 giorni fa34:56

34:56

This week, Brad and Steven are back with a special Passover episode. In honor of the holiday, the guys talk about gefilte fish and keeping carp in the bathtub back in the day. They also discuss the tariff craziness of the last week and the uncertainty that they brought to global markets. They also talk about Global entry, the one positive thing about living in a surveillance state. Happy listening and Happy Passover! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 21 31:13

28 giorni fa31:13

31:13

This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about, what else? Signalgate. Hard to believe that this story broke less than a week ago and how quickly it unfolded. The guys talk about the lying before Congress, the hypocrisy, and the disdain for the rule of law on display. They also talk about the Yankees and their magic bats. 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 .…

1
Pop-pourri — Comfort Watches for Tumultuous Times 39:49

4 weeks fa39:49

39:49

When the world seems to be going off the rails, what movies and shows do we turn to for comfort, and why? Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are binge-watching at the edge of the abyss. Join us as we catch up on everything Jewish about our favorite pop culture offerings of this Winter of our Discontent. Join us as we discuss the third season of The White Lotus , the second season of Severance , the fourth season of The Righteous Gemstones , and the new series Paradise , among other shows and movies. 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!…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 20 34:06

5 weeks fa34:06

34:06

This week, Brad and Steven are back at it, talking about the ominous turn that the country is taking. They discuss Paul Weiss’ capitulation to Trump and debate what they would have done had they been forced to make a similar decision. They also talk about the risk of being stopped in an airport and the Democrats’ response (or lack thereof) to the authoritarian moment that we’re in. They try to figure out if flawed responders like AOC and Bernie Sanders are better than no responders at all. 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 .…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 19 35:59

6 weeks fa35:59

35:59

Brad and Steven are back at it this week, talking about the steady creep toward authoritarianism, film A Real Pain, what’s happening at Columbia University, and Chicago deep dish pizza and the semantic debate over what is defined as pizza, 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 .…

1
‘You’re Cordially Invited’ … But Should You Go? 32:37

6 weeks fa32:37

32:37

Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—but what happens when everything goes off the rails? In this celebratory episode of PopTorah, we RSVP to You’re Cordially Invited, the new comedy that turns a dream destination wedding into a hilarious disaster. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they unpack the film’s themes of love, family, and unexpected chaos, exploring what it really means to celebrate life’s biggest milestones. Grab a glass, break some glass, and listen in! 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!…

1
The Poppys: PopTorah 2025 Oscars Special! 36:50

8 weeks fa36:50

36:50

The 97th Academy Awards are here, and Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky are here to talk about the Torah of this year’s nominees. In this special episode, we discuss Emilia Perez , A Complete Unknown , Conclave , Wicked , Ano ra , The Apprentice , and more! Who will win, who should win, who stirred controversy, and who got the coveted “PopTorah Bump”? And, most importantly, which movie has the deepest Torah? Join us and find out! 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!…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 18 31:22

9 weeks fa31:22

31:22

Brad and Steven are back at it this week after a week’s hiatus due to Covid. Thankfully, everyone is ok and happy to be podcasting again. The guys talk about Covid (obviously), the joys of air travel, more Nazi salutes, DOGE and justifying your job, and the German elections. There’s a lot to catch up, so 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 .…

1
No ‘Pain’, No Gain 42:20

10 weeks fa42:20

42:20

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!…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 17 32:34

11 weeks fa32:34

32:34

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 .…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 16 33:11

12 weeks fa33:11

33:11

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 .…

1
Knowing the ‘Complete Unknown’ 1:02:55

12 weeks fa1:02:55

1:02:55

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!…

1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 15 36:09

13 weeks fa36:09

36:09

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 .…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 14 36:30

14 weeks fa36:30

36:30

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 .…

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1
Over the Hill and Undercover: Being ‘A Man on the Inside’ and Out 36:51

14 weeks fa36:51

36:51

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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 13 34:28

16 weeks fa34:28

34:28

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 .…

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1
Charting New Waters with ‘Moana 2’ 43:46

16 weeks fa43:46

43:46

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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 12 32:37

17 weeks fa32:37

32:37

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 .…

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1
The Good, The Bad, and The ‘Wicked’ 1:00:06

18 weeks fa1:00:06

1:00:06

What does it mean to be good? And who gets to decide? In this magical episode of PopTorah, we dive into the world of Wicked, the spellbinding prequel to The Wizard of Oz that flips the script on the nature of good and evil. Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they explore how the tale of Elphaba and Glinda challenges our assumptions about morality, power, and friendship, all through the lens of Jewish wisdom. From Talmudic debates on justice to the Torah’s portrayal of misunderstood heroes, we uncover how Wicked invites us to question the stories we tell and the labels we assign. Listen now and embrace the complexities of life’s green-tinted shades of gray! 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!…

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1
Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 11 32:26

19 weeks fa32:26

32:26

Unexpectedly, Brad and Steven are back this week due to a faulty airplane. The guys are talking the drones over New Jersey, Chris Christie, Chanukkah, and once again, about how old they are. Spoiler alert: right now, Steven is considerably older than his father-in-law was when Steven got married(!). Happy listening! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 10 33:24

20 weeks fa33:24

33:24

This week, Brad and Steven are back at it and they’re talking about rage rooms, the potential fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Christmas songs, Van Halen t-shirts, and Trump memorabilia. Happy listening! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

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Trying ‘Shrinking’ On for Size…Again 39:49

20 weeks fa39:49

39:49

In this episode, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky discuss season 2 of the AppleTV+ hit, ‘ Shrinking ‘! After our first deep dive into the series, we couldn’t help but return to explore even more of the lessons it has to offer about therapy, grief, and the messiness of human connection. As we revisit the characters and their journeys, we ask: what’s changed? What’s still resonating? And how does this show continue to capture the complexity of life in a way that feels both funny and painfully real? Once more, with feeling — join us as we try Shrinking on for size… again! 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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 9 32:55

21 weeks fa32:55

32:55

It’s the post-Thanksgiving episode and Brad and Steven are recapping their respective holidays. In addition to talking about how turkey (the food, not the country) is overrated, they also delve into Matt Gaetz, Madonna, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the need to prepare for the long battle ahead. Happy listening and happy holiday season! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 8 34:27

22 weeks fa34:27

34:27

This week, Brad and Steven are back after another travel related hiatus. They survey how not much has changed over the past couple of weeks — it’s the calm before the storm. They take advantage of the relative quiet to talk about food choices in Saudi Arabia and Miami, the Yankees (and even the NY Giants), and of course, how they’re looking forward to Thanksgiving. Happy listening and Happy Thanksgiving to all of our listeners! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

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“Yellowstone” and the Battle for the Soul of America 42:36

22 weeks fa42:36

42:36

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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 7 33:08

24 weeks fa33:08

33:08

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 .…

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Right, Wrong, and ‘Agatha All Along’ 41:18

24 weeks fa41:18

41:18

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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 6 34:38

25 weeks fa34:38

34:38

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 .…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 5 33:27

26 weeks fa33:27

33:27

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 .…

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Who Wants ‘Nobody Wants This’? 55:15

28 weeks fa55:15

55:15

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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 4 33:18

28 weeks fa33:18

33:18

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 .…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 3 34:55

29 weeks fa34:55

34:55

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 .…

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Grieving and Loving ‘Between the Temples’ 39:55

30 weeks fa39:55

39:55

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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 2 34:20

31 weeks fa34:20

34:20

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 .…

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How We Spent Our PopTorah Summer Vacation 36:20

31 weeks fa36:20

36:20

The rabbis are back from break and ready to talk Torah! The summer of 2024 delivered epic superhero showdowns, headline-grabbing streaming series, and some family-friendly fare. As the summer heat fades, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky dive into the season’s biggest pop culture moments, exploring their deeper meanings and connecting the dots to Jewish values and stories. Tune in for a fun and thoughtful roundup of the movies and shows that had us talking all summer long! 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!…

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Amen Corner Season 9, Episode 1 37:39

33 weeks fa37:39

37:39

Brad and Steven are back for the ninth season of the Amen Corner! In the first episode, they recap the momentous events of the past summer — President Biden’s disastrous debate, the attempted assassination of the former president, Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, and the Yankees decision to remove Clay Holmes as their closer. Have a listen and welcome to the new season! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

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We’re All In on ‘Inside Out 2’ 40:38

41 weeks fa40:38

40:38

‘ Inside Out 2 ’ is the sequel to the critically acclaimed and widely beloved 2015 Disney/Pixar animated film ‘Inside Out,” and is proving to be just as successful. By depicting the inner life of an adolescent girl, these films explore how our emotions shape us, for good and for ill. The sequel adds to this by examining the dynamic relationship between our feelings, especially anxiety, and our core beliefs and identities. Does Jewish tradition view our inner lives similarly or differently? Also, the story is intriguingly set when its protagonist, Riley, would become a Bat Mitzvah (if she were Jewish; the movie doesn’t say). What insights does Judaism have about the process and experience of coming of age from an emotional standpoint? Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky as they get into ‘Inside Out’! 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!…

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Dune: Part 2: More Power Dynamics, Less Platform Disruption 55:46

44 weeks fa55:46

55:46

Dune: Part 2 , now streaming on Max, continues the sprawling epic adapted from Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi series. Featuring an all-powerful psychotropic mineral, a race of space witches, personal force fields, giant sandworms, Dune explores themes such as power, greed, the nature of heroism, and intersectional liberation — topics about which Judaism also has a lot to say. Also: is riding sandworms akin to Bnai Mitzvah? Let’s find out, as Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky go back to Arrakis on another interstellar episode of PopTorah! 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!…

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X-Mensches 43:42

47 weeks fa43:42

43:42

Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97 , now streaming on Disney+, is a reboot/sequel to the X-Men animated series that was beloved by older Millennials who grew up in the ‘90s. The sequel is smoother and shinier, but still possesses the same spirit that made the original series so popular: mutant melodrama and pulse-pounding action set-pieces, combined with thinly-veiled political commentary that surfaced complicated ethical issues — and an amazing theme song (which Rabbi Knopf tried, but failed, to incorporate into the episode). What did Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky think of the show? What would the Jewish tradition have to say about the X-Men? And what insights and issues do Professor Xavier’s gifted students and their antagonists raise that are worthy of Jewish consideration? Targets identified, Bub. Here come the X-Mensches! 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!…

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Amen Corner Season 8, Episode 28 36:53

48 weeks fa36:53

36:53

This week, Brad and Steven were actually together and recorded the final podcast of the season directly from the Amen Corner studios in NYC. To celebrate the end of the season, the guys first went to the happiest place on earth — Barney Greengrass — due to a torrential downpour, they found themselves unable to leave and decided that it was the best possible place for them to be stuck in. Happy listening and have a great summer! You can listen to The Amen Corner in lots of ways. On iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , Google Play , or your favorite RSS aggregator .…

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Amen Corner Season 8, Episode 27 36:13

49 weeks fa36:13

36:13

This week, in what is the penultimate episode of the season, Brad and Steven continue to discuss the campus wars. They also talk about the Washington Post and a recent disturbing article about Jewish power and perceived control over the mayor and police in NYC, bad coffee in the DC area, and what happens when conservatives make good points. 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 .…

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Are the Rabbis STILL Cray-Cray for Tay-Tay? 41:22

49 weeks fa41:22

41:22

The third installment in PopTorah’s ongoing conversation about Taylor Swift, our resident rabbinic Swifties discuss her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Spoiler alert: the reviews were decidedly mixed, and prompted some spirited conversation. We suspect many of you have strong feelings as well. Was it poetry? Or was it torture? (Don’t say we didn’t, say we didn’t warn ya). Or perhaps somewhere in between? And what might Jewish tradition have to say about it all? Join Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky for hot takes, and even hotter Torah! 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!…

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Amen Corner Season 8, Episode 26 32:14

50 weeks fa32:14