Tag Archives: faith

A New Prayer for the United States of America

Posted on July 15, 2020 by mjknopf

Our God and God of our ancestors, bless and protect the United States of America and secure, strengthen, and advance the ideals and institutions that are its pride and its glory. Guide our leaders and officials to see Your image … Continue reading →

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Statement of Moral Outrage at Police Violence and Systemic Racism

Posted on July 9, 2020 by mjknopf

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 →

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Message to the Class of 2020

Posted on June 14, 2020 by mjknopf

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 →

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Richmond’s Wailing Wall

Posted on June 12, 2020 by mjknopf

The recent wave of anti-racism protests have produced at least one tangible outcome: Sometime soon, Richmond’s Confederate monuments will be removed. As I have argued before, this move is both welcome and long overdue.  However, as plans are drawn for … Continue reading →

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A History Lesson

Posted on June 11, 2020 by mjknopf

During the first weekend of demonstrations, Richmonders joined in the nationwide protests over police brutality towards African Americans, launched in response to the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by a white Minneapolis police officer. The mostly peaceful … Continue reading →

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A Statement on George Floyd’s Murder and Systemic Racial Injustice

Posted on June 2, 2020 by mjknopf

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 →

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Shavuot and Collective Responsibility

Posted on May 26, 2020 by mjknopf

It is telling that when Jewish faith is born, it is born in community. The revelation at Sinai, which we commemorate on the festival Shavuot (which begins this Thursday evening), is a national encounter with the Divine, a collective experience. … Continue reading →

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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

Posted on May 25, 2020 by mjknopf

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 →

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Wearing a face mask? You’re doing a mitzvah. Make a brachah!

Posted on April 14, 2020 by mjknopf

Among the Jewish tradition’s most cherished values is the sanctity of human life. With a few notable exceptions, one must not endanger their life in order to fulfill a religious obligation. And one must violate even the most significant commandments … Continue reading →

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What God Needs Now: A Brief Pandemic Passover Reflection

Posted on April 12, 2020 by mjknopf

“Once, Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai was traveling out of Jerusalem. Rabbi Yehoshua was walking behind him and saw the Temple in ruins. He said, ‘Alas for us, for this place which lies in ruins was where the people Israel atoned … Continue reading →

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