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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.
In Halacha and Spinoza by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Whenever I think of the huge demonstration of Chareidi yeshiva students at the beginning of this month, I think of Gateshead Yeshiva in England where I spent many years studying Talmud.
In the first two parts of this essay, we have seen that no objectivity is possible in Halacha. This enables us to understand not only why there are many opposing opinions in the Talmud, such as those of Beit Hillel and Beit Shamai, but also that the weltanschauung (world view) and ideologies of the halachic authorities play an enormous role in the way they decide halachic issues.
Once the human being has recognized that ultimately there is no way to know why God created the world and mankind, he can make his way back to reason and meaning. Once he leaves this “divine absurdity” behind as an unsolvable problem, his intelligence is able to guide him through the labyrinth of human existence.
Much has been written about the meaning and purpose of Halacha, based on philosophy, metaphysics and psychology. Scholars have suggested that Halacha is the art of living in the presence of God.
Few prayers are more perplexing than the one called “Ein Keloh-einu.” This famous song is chanted at the end of the morning prayers. But it makes little sense. In fact, it seems more than just odd. We first sing “Ein Keloh-einu” (There is nobody like our God), and then we ask “Mi-Keloh-einu” (Who is like […]
Wanted: Rabbinical Courage
In Heschel and Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Orthodox leaders must remember is that we owe much of our knowledge not to those who agreed with us, but to those who differed and therefore challenged us to sharpen our minds.
Limmud and the Orthodox Fiasco
In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
Courage is the word that comes to mind when we think of Britain’s new Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis’ decision to come to Limmud, the largest Jewish conference in the world, which will take place in England at the end of the year. It is a sad commentary on the state of contemporary Orthodox leadership when a chief rabbi is called courageous because he accepts the invitation to teach Torah at such a remarkable Jewish event. What could be more obvious? But the truth is that courage has indeed become a rare commodity in large segments of Orthodoxy.
Are we Worthy
In Rav Kook and Yom Kippur by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
This awesome thought is the focal point of Yom Kippur. Am I worthy to have a claim on life? Or, have I been born but lost my right to live? This is by far the most important question for man to ask. The trembling of the earlier generations on Erev Yom Kippur was indeed that of great pachad (fear) – not fear of punishment or death, but of not rising to the challenge of living in God’s presence and fulfilling one’s destiny!
In Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo
To be given the opportunity to do teshuvah is an enormous privilege. It is a joy to be able to say I am sorry. In fact, it is one of the great gifts that Judaism has given mankind: the knowledge that we can change.
A Parable based on a fairy tale by Dutch author Godfried Bomans.
Nicolaes Maes’ "Old Woman at Prayer" is a profound reminder of what we should strive for on Rosh Hashana.
Let it be said. Jonathan Sacks has been a rebellious chief rabbi. Now that he is stepping down, we had better keep an eye on him and hope he will become even more of an insurgent.