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

Chanukah Menora

Chanukah: To Pretend to Be Religious?

One of the great problems any religious person should struggle with is whether it is actually possible to be religious. In fact, what is the essence of genuine religiosity? The concept at the root of all religions is the awareness that it is extremely difficult to live up to the awe of the moment. The famous dispute regarding the order of lighting the Chanukah lights illuminates a practical approach to this issue.

“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 13 – Prayer, and Authentic and Unauthentic Sexuality

The beauty of the human body in the eyes of another human is beyond comprehension just as God’s “splendor” is. However, when the beauty of the body is used for the wrong reasons it becomes vulgar, and the inner Divine beauty is exposed and violated.

More Faith & Defiance Essays

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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.

Find out more! about DCA Think Tank

Essays by Think Tank Members

More Think Thank Reflections

Think Tank Reflections

More Think Tank Reflections

Documentary: Lonely but not Alone