The Cardozo Academy seeks to restore the relevance of Judaism as a force of authentic, non-dogmatic religiosity, capturing a lifetime of exploration, contemplation, and dialogue by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo.
With the generous support of the Aron and Betsy Spijer Foundation.
Thoughts on Tisha B'Av
In Tisha B’Av by Yael Shahar
Jerusalem has been rebuilt. Jewish sovereignty has been restored. So why do we still mourn on Tisha b’Av?
Perhaps because the day is not only about what others did to us, but about what we did to ourselves—and what we might still do again. Tisha b’Av confronts us with the dangers of division, mistrust, and unequal responsibility, while asking whether we can preserve our sense of shared destiny even when no external enemy forces us to unite.
In Moses and Parashat Korach by Yael Shahar
Korach's rebellion was about more than challenging Moshe and Aharon. Beneath the drama lies a profound question: How can a society create authority without allowing power to become absolute?
After this war is won, the next great challenge facing the State of Israel will be the possibility that its soldiers will one day refuse to serve and defend this country. How long will we be able to rely on the Israeli army if its combatants do not realize what it is they are fighting for? It is important that they know that they are defending an idea and a holy mission which far surpasses the defense of a piece of land!
The art of creative abstinence
In Parashat Emor and Shabbat by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
When the light of the setting sun announces the entrance of Shabbat, a miracle happens: the light assumes the quality of light in a Rembrandt painting. The light slows down. It strolls! There is no way to see the strolling of the light unless one actually opens the door to let it in. One cannot talk about mystery. One must be grasped by it. And that is only possible when insight and creative inaction become one.
The Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a protest against indifference. On this day we are summoned to recognize that our lives are utterly undeserved and fragile, yet unbearably precious. The shofar’s cry shakes us from apathy and calls us to live with astonishment and gratitude, to acknowledge that our lives convey upon us the heavy responsibility of managing its gifts with care, with wonder, and with moral urgency.
1 Tishrei 5787 – 2 Tishrei 5787
Begins at Sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026
Ends at Nightfall on Sunday, September 13, 2026
The David Cardozo Academy seeks to restore the relevance of Judaism as a force of authentic, non-dogmatic religiosity.
The David Cardozo Academy fosters a Judaism that is intellectually rigorous, spiritually alive, and courageously non-dogmatic. Founded by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo, we convene scholars, seekers, and communities to explore Torah and Halacha that are alive and shape contemporary life. Through essays, lectures, study circles, and creative partnerships, we nurture bold thought, honest struggle, and moral purpose—so Jews can live their tradition with depth, curiosity, and joy.
Modernity and the rebirth of Jewish sovereignty confront us with questions our ancestors did not face. Our manifesto calls for a renewed Judaism—faithful to its sources yet unafraid of complexity. We champion dissent and creativity as engines of Torah; Halacha as a dynamic framework, not rote habit; education that prizes inquiry over conformity. This is a call to think big, wrestle truthfully, and rekindle Judaism’s mission for Israel and for humanity.
Let’s build this future together. Connect with the David Cardozo Academy to host a lecture or explore partnership opportunities. Join our mailing list to get Thoughts to Ponder by Rabbi Cardozo and Cardozo Academy scholars delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re a learner, leader, donor, or curious skeptic, we welcome your voice and your questions. Reach out—and help us renew a living, relevant Judaism for the next generation.
Rabbi Sacks Testimonial
“Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo has emerged as one of the most thoughtful voices in contemporary Judaism. He is a man of deep faith and wide intellectual horizons, unafraid to confront the challenges of the age with the quiet confidence of one who is attuned to the music of eternity.”
Rethinking Judaism in an Age of Doubt
Published: 1995
Free Download
In Between Silence and Speech, Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo confronts the questions that thoughtful readers often hesitate to ask. Rather than defending tradition with easy answers, Rabbi Cardozo challenges both religious complacency and secular certainty, revealing Judaism as a living intellectual and spiritual adventure.