Today, more than ever, Judaism should be an anchor and an inspiration. But excessive emphasis on dogma and ritual has led many to view Judaism as irrelevant and oppressive. The David Cardozo Academy was established to imbue Judaism with a new spirit – in fact, revitalizing Judaism’s original spirit as embodied by Abraham our Forefather – providing meaning and relevance to Judaism today.
Established in memory of Rabbi David Lopes Cardozo (1800-1888) of the Portuguese-Spanish Synagogue in Amsterdam, the David Cardozo Academy offers a host of programs, which include: the Cardozo-Kagan Jewish Leadership Program at the IDC in Herzliya; a Think Tank forum of Jewish thinkers, educators and leaders exploring and presenting on Jewish issues they struggle with to further invigorate authentic religious living; the Jerusalem Lecture Series featuring acclaimed professors and educators addressing topics rarely discussed publicly in observant Jewish circles; and other programs. The Academy also strives to spread its mission through ongoing articles and publications, serving as a virtual community and acting as a catalyst for discussion, debate and innovative thinking.
“Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo has emerged as one of the most thoughtful voices in contemporary Orthodoxy. 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 Professor Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United
Hebrew Congregations of Britain and the Commonwealth
“Your approach is indeed highly refreshing and I derived much benefit from your keen insights.”
Rabbi Cyril Harris, z.l.
Former Chief Rabbi of South Africa