David Cardozo Academy

Machon Ohr Aaron and Betsy Spijer

Revitalizing Judaism

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

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Inspiration for the Shabbat table!

This collection of essays looks at the weekly Torah portion through the eyes of philosophy, contemporary controversies, and personal struggles. Written in Rabbi Cardozo’s characteristic style, this collection offers something for many different types of readers: laymen and clergy, full-time students and intellectually curious practitioners, Jews and non-Jews alike.

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Latest Essay

sun over valley

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

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.”

“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

 

About Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

About Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

A sought-after lecturer on the international stage for both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences, Rabbi Cardozo is the author of 14 books and numerous articles in both English and Hebrew. Rabbi Cardozo heads a Think Tank focused on finding new Halachic and philosophical approaches to the issues facing the Jewish people. Hailing from the Netherlands, Rabbi Cardozo is known for his original and often fearlessly controversial insights into Judaism.

Read more about About Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo

Latest Zoom Lecture

The Jewish State is something unique amidst human history – an ancient nation returned to its land after 2,000 years of exile. This historical event holds tremendous religious value over and above the national value we all appreciate, but the State also challenges Judaism and Jewish Law. How is Judaism to adjust to these new circumstances?

Rabbi Cardozo discusses this and, basing himself on some of the great halachic authorities argues that the Nation of Israel’s return to the Land of Israel should be a direct return to the ideal world of Judaism, where, under these singular conditions, Jewish Law once again can become organic and dynamic, and awaken from its, albeit essential, stagnation during the long exile.

Faith & Defiance

Chapter 17 – We are Naught: The Real Meaning of Religion

We are Naught (cont.): The Real Meaning of Religion In memory of my dear friend Leo Meyers z.l., Amsterdam   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 […]

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More Thoughts to Ponder

The DCA Think Tank

The DCA’s Jerusalem Think Tank, a forum of Jewish thinkers, educators and leaders, explores a wide range of Jewish topics--matters they struggle with every day--with the hope that exploring uncharted realms of Judaism in these challenging sessions will further invigorate authentic religious living.

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Essays by Think Tank Members

More Think Thank Reflections

Think Tank Reflections

More Think Tank Reflections

Documentary: Lonely but not Alone