The Ethics of Protest

As debates over Zionism grow increasingly fraught within American Jewry, Rabbi Cosgrove explores how the meaning of Zionism itself has shifted across generations. Drawing on the wilderness narratives of the Book of Numbers, he argues for a Judaism rooted in memory, responsibility, and engaged Jewish self-determination.

From commencements to demonstrations outside synagogues, we are struggling to answer the same urgent question: When does protest deepen democracy, and when does it fray the ties that bind? Rabbi Cosgrove argues for a Judaism that honors dissent while insisting upon dignity, restraint, and covenantal responsibility.

Rabbi Zuckerman explores Albert Einstein’s relationship to Zionism and the dangers of reducing complex history to sound bites and half-truths.  

We welcomed JTS Chancellor Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz to share remarks during Shabbat dinner, and honor her extraordinary service and leadership, which have left a lasting imprint on our community.

Blame is easy; self-reflection is hard. Rabbi Cosgrove explores the instinct to deflect responsibility onto others and calls, in the spirit of Aharei Mot-K’doshim, for a turn inward, where critique begins with humility, responsibility, and the courage to examine oneself.

How do the Jewish people remember tragedy? In this time of memorial and celebration, Rabbi Zuckerman turns to a lesson from the rabbis in the aftermath of the destruction of the temple: to not mourn a devastating loss is impossible, but to mourn too much is also not permitted. Life continues. 

What holds the Jewish people together across difference and distance? Rabbi Cosgrove explores the triad of time, text, and territory, beginning with Jewish time as the rhythm that shapes how we live and belong.

Rabbi Zuckerman delivers a poignant message on the final day of Passover: Jewish life is found not only in its grand expressions, but in its quieter ones as well.

Rabbi Pink explains how the Passover Seder demonstrates the importance of asking questions and learning from everyone around us.

What does it really mean to be free? On the Shabbat of Passover, Rabbi Zauzmer encourages us to ask this question and suggests that if we can never put our phones down, we are not truly free.