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Rabbi Cardozo

Thoughts to Ponder

Thoughts to Ponder is a weekly invitation to think dangerously and question passionately. Drawing on the Torah portion, classical Jewish sources, philosophy, and the crises of contemporary life, Rabbi Cardozo challenges religious complacency and spiritual comfort. These essays are written for readers who seek a Judaism that disturbs, questions, and ultimately deepens the human encounter […]

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Writers’ Guild

The Cardozo Academy Think Tank opens its doors to voices that probe, question, and illuminate. These essays reflect rigorous thought, spirited debate, and deep engagement with Torah and lived experience. Readers will find essays that challenge preconceptions, explore timeless themes, and make meaning out of the complexity of faith and culture.

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Faith & Defiance

In Faith & Defiance, Rabbi Cardozo opens a window into his soul to illuminate the twists and turns of his spiritual path. These essays blend existential reflection with candid self-inquiry, taking the reader through moments of defiance, conversion, re-conversion, and unending search for meaning in a life lived at the intersection of tradition and transformation.

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Parashat Shemot Parashat Va'era Parashat Bo Parashat Beshalach Parashat Yitro Parashat Mishpatim Parashat Terumah Parashat Tetzaveh Parashat Ki Tisa Parashat Vayakhel Parashat Pekudei

Parashat Vayikra Parashat Tzav Parashat Shemini Parashat Tazria Parashat Metzora Parashat Acharei Mot Parashat Kedoshim Parashat Emor Parashat Behar Parashat Bechukotai

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Cardozo On The Parashah Book Series

Cardozo on the Parashah: Volume 1

The Book of Genesis

by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Cardozo on the Parashah: Volume 2

The Book of Exodus

by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Cardozo on the Parashah: Volume 3

The Book of Leviticus

by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Cardozo on the Parashah: Volume 4

The Book of Numbers

by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Cardozo on the Parashah: Volume 5

Book of Deuteronomy

by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Next Holiday

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement

10 Tishrei 5787

Begins Sundown Sep 20, 2026

Ends at Nightfall on Sep 21, 2026

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Rosh Hashanah 2026

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

Rosh Hashana and Teshuva

A Matter of Seduction

In Rosh Hashanah by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

What does the haftarah of Shabbat Shuvah mean when it suggests that we should use words of seduction at the time of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur to aid in the process of teshuva? Why should we utter words that are not entirely truthful?
June 3, 2004