What do a Hollywood studio and a synagogue have in common? In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore ‘The Studio’, the Apple TV+ comedy about the pressures of keeping a creative machine running — and what it reveals about the challenges of sustaining meaningful work in the shadow of institutional demands. From […]

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Long before Westeros crowned its kings, ancient Israel had its own saga of ambition, betrayal, prophecy, and power. In this episode of PopTorah, Rabbis Knopf and Olitzky explore House of David, the new Prime series that reimagines the life of Israel’s most iconic and enigmatic ruler. Who really was King David—and who gets to tell his story? […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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, Anora, 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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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