Revitalizing Judaism

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

Sign up for our mailing list!

Latest Essay

Dina

The rape of Jacob’s daughter, the war of Israel’s sons

Since October 7, all of the parshiot have had multiple meanings for our current situation. This week’s parshah, Vayishlach, in particular, is one that I’ve been dreading. It speaks directly to one excruciating element of our national pain from that day, and asks how we should respond to that pain.

“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

 

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 […]

More Faith & Defiance Essays

New to this series?

Start here!

Documentary: Lonely but not Alone