What model of leadership serves our people best? Absolute adherence to principle or willingness to compromise? The book of Esther prompts Rabbi Cosgrove to examine both approaches, share his own answer, and advise that we must be tolerant of those who choose differently than we do.

Where do we find holiness? Rabbi Cosgrove teaches that while a beautiful sanctuary may inspire us, holiness is to be found in the connections between people, between ourselves and others. He urges us to pursue holiness by practicing respectful dialogue with those with whom we disagree.

Citing examples from the Torah, other Jewish texts, and today's world, Rabbi Zauzmer argues that we cannot lose sight of protecting reproductive rights, even as so many other issues dominate Jews' minds at this time.

Rabbinic Intern Pink shares three midrashim with different takes about what happened at Mount Sinai and what lessons those teachings hold for us today.

Following last week’s election, you may feel crushed and afraid or you may feel relieved and grateful. Rabbi Cosgrove counsels that whatever our reaction, each of us must move forward, working to realize our ideals with respect for those whose reactions differ from our own.

In this week’s Torah portion, negative filtering - framing the truth in a way that ignores the world's positives - led the Israelite spies astray. Rabbinic Intern Pink explains how the story teaches us the importance of hope, even in challenging times.

Join Rabbi Koffman in a discussion of complicated and confusing texts, sibling rivalry, and the consequences of what happens when we talk about others.

Birkat Kohanim, the blessing that parents give their children on Shabbat, has its origins in this week’s Torah portion. What does this blessing tell us about the values we want to impart to the next generation? Rabbinic Intern Aiden Pink leads a discussion on the history of the blessing and its i...

How does a connection to the land of Israel play out in your life? In sharing his own personal experience, Rabbi Cosgrove reminds us how the dream and the reality of a sovereign Jewish state in the land of Israel has sustained the Jewish people.

Rabbi Zuckerman draws parallels between the Israelites wandering in the desert and the current state of worldwide Jewry, reflecting the deeper meaning behind the census of every Israelite as requested by God, and how we can count ourselves in this same story of our ancient history.

What is Double V? Recalling the campaign during WWII for victory against fascism on the battlefield and victory against racism on the homefront, Rabbi Cosgrove calls for a Double V campaign for Israel, for victory against Hamas and for the democratic values that are intrinsic to the state.

What is your response to the anti-Israel protests on college campuses? Explaining that these demonstrations not only express distress at Israel’s response to Hamas, but reflect a surge of antisemitism, Rabbi Cosgrove urges all Jews to step up to combat Jew-hatred politically, legally, and philant...

How do we move forward after a grievous loss? Recognizing that we have passed sh’loshim, thirty days since the horrendous attacks of October 7, Rabbi Cosgrove turns to our founding father Abraham’s family for a model of how even deeply estranged siblings can work toward a common future.

Antisemitism? Here? Now? Rabbi Cosgrove teaches that the aftermath of October 7 has revealed not only verbal and physical attacks, but a “higher antisemitism” – a societal attitude that Jewish lives don’t matter.

During this time of heightened antisemitism and anti-Zionism, Rabbi Zauzmer shares her frustration toward what's going on at college campuses, especially her alma mater, UPenn. She discusses what the young people at PAS are doing to speak up, and implores everyone to follow their example.

Is there any justification for murder? Rabbi Cosgrove teaches that wanton killing and torture are pure evil. He calls for us to support the ADL, to condemn the acts of Hamas as terrorism and to insist that the thought leaders in our communities do the same.

Following the terrorist rampage in Israel last week, the eyes of history are upon us. Rabbi Cosgrove calls on us to support Israel with dollars to meet the urgent needs of the moment and for the sake of pikuach nefesh, saving lives, to make donations even on Shabbat.

Is teshuvah, repentance, about return or renewal? Reflecting on his new “empty nester” status, Rabbi Cosgrove explains how renewal and return are both part of finding our best selves.

Some think artificial intelligence will drastically improve our world, and some think it will destroy us, but it's up to us to figure out how to live in a world with AI. Rabbi Zauzmer explores Jewish perspectives on AI and encourages us to strengthen the muscles which make us human, not machine –...

What did the late Rabbi Harold Kushner mean when he said, “We’re more complete if we’re incomplete”? Rabbi Cosgrove explores how we may understand loss and imperfections in our lives.

From Biblical times to Maimonides and Theodor Herzl, the Jewish people have always been called on to "wake up" and take action. In anticipation of the High Holidays and Days of Awe, Rabbi Zuckerman calls on us to reflect on our individual choices, so that we may effect change in the world around ...

The power and responsibility of free will is the subject of the recent Torah portion, D'varim - and of the new Mission: Impossible movie. Rabbinic Intern Aiden Pink ties them together in his first sermon at Park Avenue Synagogue.

When is it appropriate to complain? Exploring the Torah portion, Pirkei Avot, and other commentaries, Rabbi Zazumer leads a spirited discussion regarding the Jewish perspective on complaining.

What do the Israelites, who feared exploring the Promised Land, and Bruce Springsteen have in common? Rabbi Zuckerman elaborates on this surprising, yet legitimate, connection is his latest sermon.