Jewish Thought and Philosophy

To think Jewishly is to stand at the edge of certainty and still choose to believe, question, and seek. Jewish thought lives in the tension between faith and doubt, law and freedom, eternity and change.

  • Haarlem, Holland

    The Blessing of the Religious Atheist in Haarlem

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    At the age of 15 when I first experienced observant Judaism, I encountered the anomaly of the observant non-believer. After approaching this person to discuss his views, his perspective enlightened me and accompanies me to this day. Non-belief does not dictate complete severance from everything that is Jewish and religious - in fact the non-believer has much to gain from Judaism, even as a non-believer!

  • sun over valley

    Theism and Atheism: the Twofold of Real Faith Which is One

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    Approaching the question of the "existence" of God is almost impossible. Western thought and science has successfully analyzed and understood a myriad of aspects of our universe. However, applying these disciplines and proof by empirical evidence when attempting to "prove" anything about the divine proves futile. Were God to be a "thing," this would not be the case; God is not a "thing."

  • Shavuot and the Encounter with Mystery

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Shavuot by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    Religious experiences can be few and far between. It is essential to translate religious experiences into a significant and lasting realities. All religions are born out of the intense feelings, often panic-filled astonishment, that follow such an experience. Jewish Law is a successful "recipe" for maintaining and incorporating religious experiences into our lives.

  • Brain Understanding

    God for Atheists (2) – Belief in God and the Human Brain

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    Belief in the divine and religiosity most certainly have biological bases, however this does not mean that the biology of the human mind cause belief. The root of religiosity lies outside science and biology, while biology enables us to "tune in" and experience faith.

  • praying hands

    God for Atheists

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    Atheists and agnostics often feel a certain void in their lives, a certain lack of meaning or awareness of something higher, or a different dimension. This is awareness is part of the human condition and is something that offers an opening into the search for meaning. On beginning the investigation of the "God" concept, one must accept that God cannot be fully grasped: doubt is not merely a "hazard" but an integral and fundamental part of basic belief!

  • Man against night sky

    The Real Meaning of Religion

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    As I mentioned in the previous chapter, it became clear to me at a later stage of my life that most of those surrounding me did not properly understand the nature of science and its limitations, and that religion belongs to an altogether different realm. The primary difference between science and religion is that science […]

  • empty room

    We Are Naught

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    In Amsterdam of my youth there were many - Jews and non-Jews alike - who were in a similar situation to me: we did not perceive ourselves as belonging to any religion. Furthermore, we perceived those who were involved in religious practices as primitive and of inferior intellect. And yet, my family's social and cultural settings had quite a Jewish (without Judaism) flavor.

  • running man on bridge

    It is Not the Events We Suffer But Our Judgment Thereof

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and The Kotzker Rebbe by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    Our lives are filled with multiple events that impact us deeply. Some of these events are negative and have the potential of crushing our hopes and extinguishing the inner flame burning within us that motivates and drives us. And among these events there are circumstances we can change, and others we cannot. The correct perspective regarding the circumstances of our lives is not only the key to surviving but even holds within it the potential for our own growth and touching the lives of others.

  • Debating

    How to Conduct a Dialogue, Discussion or Debate

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    Dialogue and debate are essential parts of the sea of ideas that can enrich each and everyone of us. Unfortunately, serious debate on highly significant topics all too often moves from the topic at hand to unruly behavior (whether in an informal discussion between two parties, or in a public, formal setting). Guidelines for maintaining dignity are essential - both so that we are able to conduct the debate properly and so that we maintain our and our opponent's dignity. If we are truly dedicated to the true and free exchange of ideas, then even when we vehemently disagree with our opponent we will remain civil and learn something about his arguments and even ours.

  • Beer mug

    Kiddush in a German Beer Cellar

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    Traditions - and all their miniscule details - can be extremely important for a society, a city and a country. Traditions exist in all forms, many of these do not elevate man (and unfortunately there are those that denigrate him), while others have the power to transform one's existence and raise one to a different plane. Judaism is a religion of ideas, but more so a religion that is involved in the practical, day-to-day activities of man. Indeed, "God is in the details" - our law and traditions, right down to their finest details - define us.

  • Chimpanzee

    Shemita: How not to be a Chimpanzee

    In Halacha, Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Parashat Behar by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    What defines us? Is it what we do, or rather, who we are? If a human being is nothing more than the tasks he performs on a daily basis, then a mere chimpanzee can take his place and possible perform these tasks as well and even better. However, if we understand that the tasks themselves do not define us, but rather can act as a means to an end, as the means that allows us to realize our dreams, then only we can perform the tasks successfully over time. The Sabbatical year, Shemita, that we mark during the current year teaches us this important lesson; all that is left for us to do is to open ourselves to the Torah's teachings in this sphere.

  • An Open Letter to Rabbi Serfaty, The Portuguese-Spanish Synagogue, Amsterdam

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Spinoza by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    As an orthodox Rabbi who studied in the ultra-Orthodox Gateshead Yeshiva in England for many years and who has read all of Spinoza’s works, I am of the opinion that Spinoza sometimes deliberately misrepresents Judaism. I am also aware that Spinoza wrote remarkable, noble observations about human beings, nature and society which have helped all of us. I strongly object to deeming anyone who studies, researches and teaches Spinoza a “persona non grata.”

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