Tag Archives: social justice

Antisemitism bills shouldn’t stifle free speech

Posted on February 13, 2023 by mjknopf

Antisemitism is a serious and growing problem in the United States. Attacks on American Jews and Jewish communal institutions are at an all-time high, and a new survey finds that “classical fascist” antisemitic views, pernicious conspiracy theories about Jews as a powerful conspiratorial … Continue reading →

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With Israel’s Democracy In Danger, We Must Not Silence Critics

Posted on January 23, 2023 by mjknopf

As a new far-right government takes power in Israel, a debate among Jewish Americans has erupted about what it means to be “pro-Israel.” This is not new. Even before the First Zionist Congress convened over 120 years ago, there were … Continue reading →

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Saving Democracy is a Jewish Obligation

Posted on November 1, 2022 by mjknopf

Saying that democracy itself is on the ballot has become a cliche for a reason. Experts widely agree that threats to democracy in the U.S. and around the world are rising, including the specter of political violence and election subversion … Continue reading →

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The World Was Created for You — Parashat Ha-Azinu 5783

Posted on October 8, 2022 by mjknopf

The 19th century hasidic master Reb Simcha Bunim of Peshischa famously taught that a person should always carry a note in each of their pockets. On one should be written the biblical verse, “anokhi afar va-efer / I am dust … Continue reading →

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Why Are You Here? — Rosh Hashanah 5783

Posted on September 28, 2022 by mjknopf

As a people that is well over three thousand years old, Jews have collectively lived through many eras of upheaval. We have endured revolutions and conquests; crusades, inquisitions and expulsions; the rise and fall of empires; civil wars and world … Continue reading →

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Message to the Class of 2022

Posted on June 20, 2022 by mjknopf

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 →

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Punk’s Not Dead, It’s Jewish: Shavuot 5782

Posted on June 7, 2022 by mjknopf

I couldn’t be more excited for the new FX/Hulu miniseries Pistol, which promises to tell the true story of one of my favorite bands, The Sex Pistols. I first discovered The Pistols as a teen, when my natural disposition toward … Continue reading →

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Having a Heart: Parashat Teztaveh 5782

Posted on February 13, 2022 by mjknopf

As far as I can tell, it was contemporary author Elizabeth Stone who first said that having a child is to forever “have your heart go walking around outside your body.” It’s since become something of a cliche, a quote … Continue reading →

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What Oneness Demands of Us

Posted on January 31, 2022 by mjknopf

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 →

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And Out Come the Wolves: Parashat Va-Yehi 5782

Posted on December 18, 2021 by mjknopf

**Trigger warning: sexual assault and violence** It’s altogether fitting that we read Parashat Va-Yehi, the last portion in the Book of Genesis, this Shabbat, as we approach the end of the secular year. Endings are always meaningful opportunities to reflect … Continue reading →

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