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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 with God and responsibility.
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 9
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
It’s important to realize that nobody can inherit religion, not even from oneself. It has to be an ongoing discovery. I converted when I was 16, but over the years I’ve come to realize that to convert only once is almost meaningless.
Israel’s very existence is the manifestation of divine intervention in history to which it must attest.
In Eliezer Berkovits, Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Passover by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
It is a great joy to study Faith and Freedom: Passover Haggadah, With Commentary from the Writings of Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits. In this Haggadah, not only do we find very interesting insights by Rabbi Berkovits on themes that relate to Pesach, but we also get somewhat of an introduction to his philosophy and unique halachic approach in general.
Some appropriately irreverent thoughts to...well, no, not to ponder on the occasion of Purim.
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 8
In Education, Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Rav Kook by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
I strongly believe that new ideas, ideologies and movements are God-given and have great religious meaning. This means that we are religiously obligated to incorporate them into Judaism—sometimes by just accepting them and other times by reworking them.
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 7
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
I am often attacked for my views, and I understand that. To question our views, with the implication that we may need to change our ways, is not always pleasant. But if we want to make sure that Judaism has a future, we have no option but to take that road.
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 6
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
The Talmud is the ongoing discussion of what God wants from us while, for the most part, not giving us a final answer and leaving us in limbo. Why is this? Because it is only through discussion and disagreement that a tradition can stay alive and be relevant. Once it is finalized, it will die. This is the reason that I object so strongly to the codification of Jewish law.
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 5
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy, Spinoza and The Kotzker Rebbe by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
I've always wondered what would have happened if Spinoza had met the Kotzker. Both were obsessed with truth, but each approached it from a different point of view. In Spinoza's pantheism, there is a strong Kabbalistic element but, simultaneously, a denial of a personal (biblical) God. However much some Spinoza scholars want to claim that all of his philosophy was based on pure reason, it is very clear that there are elements in his philosophy that reveal aspects of mysticism. Both were searching for God and knew no compromise.
In Halacha, Parashat Acharei Mot and Shabbat by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
However much money Israel may make from hosting Eurovision, it is absolutely wrong and shameful that Israel’s leadership will allow violation of Shabbat on this occasion. It is self-evident that this has nothing to do with pikuach nefesh. Israel should cancel the Eurovision Song Contest if its organizers are not prepared to find a solution so that Israel can keep its head high and show the world what it means to stand for one’s principles.
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 4
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
What is holiness? It has something to do with the constant awareness that God is to be discovered in all that one does, speaks, thinks, and feels. But that’s nearly unattainable. How does one live up to this?
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 3
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Faith is like music. It is true because of its beauty, not because of its intellectual certainty. It stems from impossible paradoxes, as well as a great deal of imagination that surpasses rationality and scientific or historical facts.
Ten Questions for Rabbi Cardozo - Question 2
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
For me, praying is the admission that we need His help and that we are not God! I have to make myself aware that I need to praise Him because I am not His equal; not because He needs me for anything. But sometimes, as after a tragedy, I want to turn my prayer into a protest against God.