Knobel

At an adult study class offered after the Saturday morning service for Yom Kippur, Rabbi Knobel gave a lecture to nearly one hundred congregants on the roots of Reform.

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

Rabbi Knobel—a short, self-assured man wearing glasses, a close-cropped beard, and a white robe with a gold-embroidered stole—then takes his place at the podium.

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

“Reform is the largest denomination in America, but the affiliation rate is down,” explains Peter Knobel, senior rabbi at Beth Emet since 1980.

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

“We are highly programmed at Beth Emet,” Knobel says, “which is true of most congregations our size or larger.”

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

“One of the reasons you throw programming at people is that you hope something sticks,” Rabbi Knobel explains.

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

Going on to invoke nearly every hot-button issue of the day including abortion, immigration, and “xenophobia,” Rabbi Knobel leaves his congregants with the injunction to “consider how this great superpower will use its resources to help bring about a safer, more just and compassionate world.”

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

Lay leadership is generally drawn from the core ten percent of members who attend regularly, and whom Rabbi Knobel refers to as “the usual suspects.”

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

However, the “constantly increasing” level of activity at the synagogue brings with it several drawbacks, including “a lack of focus” and what Knobel calls “a consumer mentality.”

American Grace Robert D. Putnam 2010

Beth Knobel is co-author with her CBS News colleague Mike Wallace of Heat and Light: Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists, a guidebook for aspiring reporters.

Beth Knobel: Prof to Freshmen: Advice for Starting College Beth Knobel 2011

Beth Knobel is co-author with her CBS News colleague Mike Wallace of Heat and Light: Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists, a guidebook for aspiring reporters.

Beth Knobel: Prof to Freshmen: Advice for Starting College Beth Knobel 2011