Inspiring focused difference-making in the new year and beyond
As Rosh Hashanah begins, a conversation with Rabbi Michael Knopf on tuning out the noise, finding inspiration and living life with purpose.
As Jewish people around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) this weekend, I wanted to take a moment to put the focus on faith during this reflective time.
I recently spoke with Rabbi Michael Knopf, the senior rabbi of Temple Beth El in Stamford, Connecticut.
Knopf is not only (as The Forward declared) one of "America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis," but he is also a prominent voice in the Conservative Judaism movement on pop culture, politics, relationships and navigating faith in this modern world.
He’s also a friend who, before I even knew him, knew of him due to people confusing us for each other in the late 1990s and early 2000s. (Don’t worry, we will get into that when I release the full podcast.)
During our conversation, Knopf spoke about the calling to become a rabbi, leading his flock near and far amid a turbulent time, and the idea of focusing on what inspires him.
"I'm living and walking in that world too, and I need inspiration myself," Knopf said.
He added that the Jewish tradition inspires him and guides him to provide that to others. He hopes to get others "to be able to say: 'Here is what gives me energy, what gives me the capacity and desire to live life not only to its fullest, but to fulfill what I think is the purpose. Whatever purpose or meaning in life that I can find.'"
Have faith: Being able to connect by tuning out the noise
What really makes Knopf special — aside from his magnetic communication skills and handsome looks (we do look alike) — is his ability to be compassionate, ignoring the distractions of the moment to be there for someone in need.
"I have the tools and resources to be able to offer it to other people in ways that might connect to what they're struggling with, that might help them find their calling and their way of making a difference in the world."
That’s some inspiration if you’re Jewish or not.
I hope that this newsletter of mine is helping make a little positive dent in the world — that by focusing on distraction, I’m giving you a path to a focused calling.
That’s my sweet wish for this new year.
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