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Thoughts to Ponder

Thoughts to Ponder is a weekly invitation to think dangerously and question passionately. Drawing on the Torah portion, classical Jewish sources, philosophy, and the crises of contemporary life, Rabbi Cardozo challenges religious complacency and spiritual comfort. These essays are written for readers who seek a Judaism that disturbs, questions, and ultimately deepens the human encounter with God and responsibility.

  • Sukkot

    The Paradox of Sukkot

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and The Jewish Year

    Nothing is more crucial for the religious personality than the question as to whether there is a God we can trust and rely on. Often, even one who believes that God exists may still wonder whether he can have faith in Him.

  • Binder folders

    The Future of a Marriage – The Good News File

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Miscellaneous

    Experiencing low points in life is par for the course. Contending with these and the accompanying negative emotions and moods can be challenging and difficult. The correct perspective of what we have, our reality, and the true power we hold to alter and improve the direction of our lives is a sure tool in facing life.

  • White paper with black dot

    The Future of a Marriage: The Problem of the Black Dot

    The Future of a Marriage – Part 3: The Problem of the Black Dot Words spoken at the festive meal (“Sheva Berachot”) on the occasion of the marriage of our grandson and his bride, Lakewood, USA, 24th of June.   Here is a piece of advice that may help you in your future lives. It […]

  • Western Wall

    Tisha B’Av and Victimhood

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and The Jewish Year

    Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, is often misunderstood—for Tisha B’Av is frequently perceived as a day of victimization, the date both Temples were destroyed and the Jewish People was transformed into a nation of eternal victims. If this was true, there would be no purpose to Tisha B’Av. If […]

  • couple studying together

    The Future of a Marriage – The Blessing of Marital Dialogue

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy

    The Future of a Marriage – Part 2: The Blessing of Marital Dialogue * In memory of my dear friend Rabbi Dr. Sholom Gold z”l of Yerushalayim Words spoken at the festive meal (“Sheva Berachot”) on the occasion of the marriage of our grandson and his bride, Lakewood, USA, 24th of June.   As I wrote […]

  • newly weds hold hands

    The Future of a Marriage – The Art of Speaking

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy

    Words spoken at the festive meal (“Sheva Berachot”) on the occasion of the marriage of our grandson and his bride, Lakewood, USA, 24th of June.   My dear grandchildren, Chatan (groom) and Kalla (bride), Yaacov Shlomo and Chava, Mazal tov! Oma and I were 20 and 21 years old when we married. This was only […]

  • Man thinking about meaning

    The Meaning of Life, Depression and The Red Heifer

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Parashat HaShavua

    Parashat Chukat Depression is one of the worst conditions a human being may suffer. There are several reasons for the occurrence of depression. One that is very common results from feeling that life is meaningless. Combined with the fact that nobody can escape death, some people experience life as very painful. They do not suffer […]

  • Hebrew Bible pages words

    The Holiness of Words

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy and Miscellaneous

    Man alone was endowed with the gift of words and the ability to connect thereby with his Creator. Language can comprise grandeur, while it can also be emptied of its value and essence. How we choose to live our lives affects how we express ourselves and the language we use. The debasing of language today stems from and represents unfortunate moral and ethical decay.

  • Musical notes

    Hallelujah: Do You Live The Divine Song?

    In The Jewish Year

    Shavuot 5783/2023 Hallelujah: Do You Live The Divine Song? (Inspired by Leonard Cohen) Now I have heard of a secret chord That Moshe learned and it pleased the Lord, And he brought it down in human words, But its essence stayed up in the Heavenly Court. Above it is fire, Below it are letters, The […]

  • Image: newborn holding parent's hand

    Contemplating Childbirth and Divine Revelation

    In Jewish Thought and Philosophy

    Contemplating Childbirth and Divine Revelation: Have you ever thought about these? When a child is born, the first question that should come to mind is: When he or she grows up, what should we tell them about the importance of their birth and the purpose of their life? After all, what right do we have […]

  • Kotel and Israel's flag

    Yom HaAtzma’ut: The Blessing and the Danger – Lest We forget

    In Contemporary Issues and The Jewish Year

    There is no logic to the State of Israel and it is no foundation for commonplace, Nor is it habit, or routine. Israel is a marvel and unique - we must never forget its Jewish and religious basis.