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Read Rabbi Knopf’s Recent Posts
- Shabbat for Shabbat’s Sake: Parashat Sh’lakh Lekha 5782 June 25, 2022
- Embrace the Wilderness: Parashat Beha’alotekha 5782 June 21, 2022
- Message to the Class of 2022 June 20, 2022
- Punk’s Not Dead, It’s Jewish: Shavuot 5782 June 7, 2022
- ‘Earn This’: Last Day of Passover 5782 April 24, 2022
Category Archives: Public Statements
Message to the Class of 2022
Delivered at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Baccalaureate Ceremony, June 16, 2022 Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for having been invited here this evening. It is such an honor to be with you to celebrate this milestone with … Continue reading
Posted in Public Statements, Reflections, Sermons
Tagged justice, religion, social justice, society, wisdom
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What Oneness Demands of Us
The following remarks were delivered at Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond, Virginia on Monday, January 31, 2022. Good morning, Trinity. It’s such an honor to be with you today, and I’m deeply grateful for the invitation and opportunity to speak … Continue reading
Posted in Public Statements, Sermons
Tagged interfaith, Judaism, justice, Martin Luther King, religion, social justice, society, Torah
1 Comment
Introducing ‘No Time for Neutrality’
I am excited to announce the publication of my latest book, No Time for Neutrality: American Rabbinic Voices from an Era of Upheaval! It is available for purchase on Amazon. The book is a compilation of the best rabbinic writings from the … Continue reading
Posted in Public Statements
Tagged american jews, American Judaism, human dignity, human-rights, Judaism, justice, peace, politics, righteous indignation, social justice, society, Torah, Trump, truth, wisdom
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Help Elect me to J Street Board!
The past four years have been extremely difficult for those of us who cherish democracy and human rights: injustice has spread and authoritarianism has risen at home and abroad. This dark period also saw too many in the American Jewish … Continue reading
A Prayer for Election Day Eve: November 2, 2020
Adon olam, sovereign of space and time, look with favor upon all who serve our country, along with all who pursue justice and peace in Your world.We go to the polls in a time of unprecedented upheaval, with a plague … Continue reading
Posted in Prayers, Public Statements, Reflections
Tagged Democracy, politics, Religion and Politics, social justice
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Statement of Moral Outrage at Police Violence and Systemic Racism
On June 30, 2020, a group of about 60 Richmond-area clergy representing many faiths, now known as Clergy Action RVA, gathered at Marcus David Peters Circle (formerly known as the Robert E. Lee Monument) to demand an end to police … Continue reading
Posted in Public Statements
Tagged current-events, faith, justice, politics, race, racism, religion, Religion and Politics, social justice, society
1 Comment
Justice Demands RISC
On June 15, 2020, I was asked to give closing remarks at the (virtual) annual gathering for RISC — Richmonders Involved to Strengthen Our Communities — an organization of congregations from throughout the Richmond region working to solve critical community … Continue reading
Posted in Public Statements, Sermons
Tagged culture, current-events, ending poverty, Gun Control, Guns, homelessness, justice, politics, race, racism, religion, social justice, society
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Message to the Class of 2020
I was asked to record a message for the seniors graduating from Maggie Walker Governor’s School, but I think it is applicable to students everywhere — and, indeed, all of us. Hope you find it meaningful. Feel free to share … Continue reading
Posted in Public Statements, Reflections, Sermons
Tagged current-events, faith, history, personal, politics, religion, responsibility, social justice, society
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A Statement on George Floyd’s Murder and Systemic Racial Injustice
Like many of you, I have been heartbroken and angry since George Floyd’s murder on May 25. Central to Jewish tradition is the notion that every human being is created in God’s image, that we are all equal in value … Continue reading
Posted in Public Statements, Reflections
Tagged culture, current-events, faith, justice, politics, race, racism, religion, social justice, society
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‘We can be so much more when we live in love’: Two area faith leaders share thoughts of hope, help during COVID pandemic
The following are thoughts that David Dwight, Lead Pastor of Hope Church in Richmond, and I shared with the Richmond Times-Dispatch on helping people through the difficulties of life in COVID-19. (The questions and responses have been edited for length … Continue reading
Posted in Articles and Op-Eds, Public Statements, Reflections
Tagged coronavirus, covid-19, culture, current-events, faith, health, healthcare, interfaith, personal, religion, society, spirituality
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Rabbi Michael Rose Knopf 