The Cardozo Academy’s Jerusalem Think Tank, a forum of Jewish thinkers, educators and leaders, explores a wide range of Jewish topics. Think Tank Fellows present issues from their own lives – 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.
The first session of the year 5774 at the David Cardozo Academy Think Tank took place just a few weeks ago, and it had the usual mix of intriguing activities, discussions, and food for thought regarding how we relate to halacha and where and how the individual comes into the picture.
The second session of the year 5774 at the David Cardozo Academy Think Tank began with the question, “What is one halakhah that you have never doubted or questioned or struggled with for a moment?”
One of the main subjects of the previous session was “authenticity” and its place within Jewish values and in the observance of halacha. While members acknowledged the importance of questions about authenticity and Judaism, they were above all troubled by the term’s lack of clear definition. Everyone seemed to relate to it differently.
The fourth session of the year 5774 at the David Cardozo Academy Think Tank began with a fill-in-the-blank statement, “I think God is happy when….”
First Sneak Preview of Rabbi Cardozo’s Upcoming Book
For the second half of 5775, the DCA Think Tank, consisting of fourteen men and women, of various ages and backgrounds but all committed to inquiring deeply into traditional Judaism, will be reading excerpts of the manuscript of Rabbi Cardozo’s forthcoming autobiography Lonely But Not Alone.
The first discussion of this meeting opened around Rabbi Cardozo’s use of the metaphor of the mikveh. Rabbi Cardozo converted at age sixteen, but came to realize that to “convert” only once is nearly meaningless. Immersing in a mikveh symbolizes an inner transformation, resembling emerging afresh from the womb; and he deeply desires to emerge transformed from each and every visit to the mikveh, as he did upon his conversion many years ago.
This year, the Think Tank is reading excerpts of the manuscript of Rabbi Cardozo’s forthcoming spiritual autobiography Lonely But Not Alone. Though the book is still very much in process, these summaries of the TT meetings will give readers a preview into what the book will contain.
The think tank discusses whether the founding of the State of Israel has changed how we approach Halacha and its mode of development, as well as what kind of changes can be made to the halachic system.
Last night, the DCA Think Tank members discussed the concept of “Yirat Shamayim”: what it means to them, what role it plays in their religious lives, and whether critical thinking and academic analysis affects it negatively. Tell us in the comments how you would answer these questions.
In his book, Lonely but not Alone, Rabbi Cardozo speculates that anti-Semitism is rooted in Christianity, but not for the reasons we might have thought: The world hates us not because we supposedly killed Jesus but because we gave them Jesus! On reading this excerpt, a lively discussion ensued. Read on to see excerpts of the conversation, and feel free to join in via the comment section.
The DCA Think Tank gathered last night to mark Yom Hazikaron together, sharing stories of fallen soldiers and victims of terror with whom they had a personal connection, and talking about the day and what it brings up for them.
We're delighted to share with you a full-color bulletin with photos detailing what the David Cardozo Academy Think Tank has been up to this year - our regular activities plus an Open Think Tank for the public in March. There are also questions for you to ponder - it wouldn't be the DCA Think Tank without them!