Temple Beth El (TBE) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rabbi Michael Knopf as its next Senior Rabbi, effective July 15. Rabbi Knopf will succeed Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, who will transition to the position of Rabbi Emeritus.

Rabbi Knopf comes to TBE from Temple Beth-El Richmond, where he served for almost 10 years. The Forward named Rabbi Knopf one of “America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis” for his efforts in building an inclusive, supportive, and deeply intertwined community, where the enduring power and truths of the Jewish tradition come alive for people of all backgrounds, ages, and stages.

Among his many accomplishments, 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. Passionate about lifelong learning and interfaith understanding, he is currently a doctoral candidate at Union Presbyterian Seminary.

On the lighter side, Rabbi Knopf avidly follows pop culture (hosting the PopTorah podcast) and politics, goes for a run (almost) every day, and enjoys movies (especially Star Wars, traveling (especially Disney World), pizza and ice cream (especially Ben & Jerry’s The Tonight Dough).

“Rabbi Knopf’s visionary leadership, engagement with contemporary social issues, and his commitment to sharing a Judaism that is rich and meaningful are evident by his achievements throughout his rabbinic career” said TBE President Scott Krowitz. “He will serve TBE exceedingly well in a growingly complex and challenging Jewish world as he works to strengthen the ties that bind us together as a congregation and to the outside community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi Knopf, his wife Adira, and their three children, Lilah, Shemaya and Akiva, to TBE and the Stamford Jewish community.”

“For over a century, TBE Stamford has been committed to nurturing a welcoming and inclusive community that fosters dynamic Jewish life and is deeply engaged in the work of building a more loving and just society,” added Rabbi Knopf. “I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to partner with TBE’s incredible team of clergy, staff and lay leaders in helping write the congregation’s exciting next chapter.”