The Cardozo Academy

The Cardozo Academy seeks to restore the relevance of Judaism as a force of authentic, non-dogmatic religiosity, capturing a lifetime of exploration, contemplation, and dialogue by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo.

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With the generous support of the Aron and Betsy Spijer Foundation.

Thought to Ponder

The Torah’s Eternity and Amalek’s Wickedness

Freedom and Divine Providence

In Jewish Thought and Philosophy, Spinoza and Parashat Ki Teitzei by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

If the Torah is eternal, how can it contain stories shaped by human choice? What if Amalek had never attacked Israel? What if Yosef’s brothers had never sold him, or Moshe had spoken to the rock instead of striking it?

The Torah insists that human beings are morally responsible for their actions—yet Jewish tradition also speaks of a Torah that existed before creation. Can freedom and Divine providence both be true? Perhaps the answer lies in an unexpected place: in the very form of the Torah scroll itself.

Popular Essays

  • As I turn 80, I hope my life is and continues to be a journey that inspires others

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo featured in Jerusalem Post Magazine

    On the occasion of his 80th birthday, Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo writes not about accomplishments or memories, but about wonder, failure, gratitude, and the lifelong struggle to remain astonished by existence. This deeply personal letter to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is both a reflection on eight decades of life and an invitation to rediscover the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.

  • The Torah’s Case Against Absolute Power

    In Moses and Parashat Korach by Yael Shahar

    Korach's rebellion was about more than challenging Moshe and Aharon. Beneath the drama lies a profound question: How can a society create authority without allowing power to become absolute?

  • Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai and the Portable Homeland

    By Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

    After this war is won, the next great challenge facing the State of Israel will be the possibility that its soldiers will one day refuse to serve and defend this country. How long will we be able to rely on the Israeli army if its combatants do not realize what it is they are fighting for? It is important that they know that they are defending an idea and a holy mission which far surpasses the defense of a piece of land!

The Jewish Year

Rosh Hashanah

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

Watch the Video: “Where are the Jews? The future of the State of Israel.”

About The Cardozo Academy

The David Cardozo Academy seeks to restore the relevance of Judaism as a force of authentic, non-dogmatic religiosity.

Who we are

The David Cardozo Academy fosters a Judaism that is intellectually rigorous, spiritually alive, and courageously non-dogmatic. Founded by Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo, we convene scholars, seekers, and communities to explore Torah and Halacha that are alive and shape contemporary life. Through essays, lectures, study circles, and creative partnerships, we nurture bold thought, honest struggle, and moral purpose—so Jews can live their tradition with depth, curiosity, and joy.

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Our Manifesto

Modernity and the rebirth of Jewish sovereignty confront us with questions our ancestors did not face. Our manifesto calls for a renewed Judaism—faithful to its sources yet unafraid of complexity. We champion dissent and creativity as engines of Torah; Halacha as a dynamic framework, not rote habit; education that prizes inquiry over conformity. This is a call to think big, wrestle truthfully, and rekindle Judaism’s mission for Israel and for humanity.

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Get in Touch

Let’s build this future together. Connect with the David Cardozo Academy to host a lecture or explore partnership opportunities. Join our mailing list to get Thoughts to Ponder by Rabbi Cardozo and Cardozo Academy scholars delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re a learner, leader, donor, or curious skeptic, we welcome your voice and your questions. Reach out—and help us renew a living, relevant Judaism for the next generation.

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Rabbi Sacks Testimonial

“Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo has emerged as one of the most thoughtful voices in contemporary Judaism. He is a man of deep faith and wide intellectual horizons, unafraid to confront the challenges of the age with the quiet confidence of one who is attuned to the music of eternity.”

— Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, z.l., former Chief Rabbi of the UK
Between Silence and Speech book cover

Featured Book

Between Silence and Speech

Rethinking Judaism in an Age of Doubt

By Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Published: 1995

Free Download

In Between Silence and Speech, Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo confronts the questions that thoughtful readers often hesitate to ask. Rather than defending tradition with easy answers, Rabbi Cardozo challenges both religious complacency and secular certainty, revealing Judaism as a living intellectual and spiritual adventure.

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