In a tradition built on questions rather than conclusions, Jewish education becomes an encounter—between generations, between texts, and between the human being and the Divine.
We often ask whether the Jews constitute a race; a people; a religion; a cultural entity; a historic group; or a linguistic unit. But we do not ask what we are spiritually; who we are morally; what we owe the world and what our mission is.
Young people are developing a fresh approach to what Judaism is really all about. They are keenly aware that one cannot inherit Judaism but only discover it on one’s own.
On the Completion of the Daf Yomi Cycle
Carefully studying the Talmud reveals a diversity of ideas and philosophies, often compared to the sea. There are storms and waves, silences and noise, rebellions and deep faith, colors in every combination, music in every setting. It is a work which cannot be characterized, eluding all definitions.
In Education and Parashat Vayechi by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Our nearly 4,000 year history has constantly reminded us of the danger of our children losing interest and commitment to our common heritage. We can overcome this problem by creating a psychological language that delves deeper than the general cultural and sociological environment in which children find themselves.
In Education and Parashat Tetzaveh by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Through the words, we can grasp the perpetual, holy murmurs from a world beyond, but nothing more. What lies deeper can be accessed only with repair work to open the channels of the heart
Introductory Remarks
In Education, Jewish Thought and Philosophy and The Kotzker Rebbe by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Thoughts based on Rabbi Cardozo’s introductory remarks before a lecture by Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks at the Cardozo Academy, 25 May 2003
While we cannot expect to solve all our differences, this does not obviate the need for dialogue to take place between Orthodoxy and these other movements.
It is not for the lack of answers that people leave Judaism, but for the absence of questions!
An Unconventional Discussion about Judaism, Jews and the State of Israel
In Education, Halacha and Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Arguing that science and anti-religious philosophy are not responsible for the decline of Judaism, Rabbi Cardozo says it is those who teach it that make Judaism appear irrelevant to the needs and problems of modern man. Jewish law and custom are taught as a dogmatic creed and no longer contains the exciting spontaneity of worship, while remaining formalistic, replacing love with habit. Instead, the author believes that Judaism must reflect deep compassion to recapture the flowing fountain of a glorious tradition-if not, all becomes meaningless. The author is dean of the David Cardozo School for Jewish Studies and Human Dignity.