Deep work that
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Named one of “America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis” by The Forward, Rabbi Michael Knopf Knopf is widely recognized as a bold and visionary spiritual leader and social justice activist. He is the editor, most recently, of No Time for Neutrality: American Rabbinic Voices from an Era of Upheaval, a collection of morally courageous writings from a diverse group of rabbis. 

 

Helping individuals and organizations elevate their commitment to, and practice of, building an inclusive and just society has been the cornerstone of Rabbi Knopf's work. In January 2024, Rabbi Knopf was appointed Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth El in Stamford, Connecticut. Previously, he has served congregations in Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, and Georgia, cultivating diverse and inclusive communities, as well as galvanizing involvement in multi-faith campaigns to address issues such as gun violence, affordable housing, refugee and immigrant rights, systemic racism, and climate change. 

Rabbi Knopf holds degrees from Columbia University (History, Cum Laude), the Jewish Theological Seminary of America (Talmud and Rabbinics, Magna Cum Laude), and the American Jewish University (Master of Arts in Rabbinic Studies, Rabbinic Ordination), where he received the Eliezer Slomovic Award in Talmud. He is an American Jewish World Service Global Justice Fellow and an alumnus of both Rabbis Without Borders and the Clergy Leadership Incubator. And, passionate about lifelong learning and interfaith understanding, he is currently a doctoral candidate at Union Presbyterian Seminary.

 

He also avidly follows pop culture and politics, goes for a run (almost) every day, and enjoys movies (especially Star Wars), traveling (especially Disney World), ice cream (especially Ben & Jerry’s Tonight Dough), and pizza (all kinds).