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.
April 20, 2024
A Seder of Vigilance and Empathy
Occasion(s) / M’tzora, Shabbat HaGadol
Six months after October 7, are you expecting seder guests with conflicted and conflicting views?
March 30, 2024
Let's Dialogue
Occasion(s) / Tzav
Can we talk? After a recent experience on campus, Rabbi Cosgrove regrets that honest dialogue between people of differing views is prevented by antagonists who would rather play “gotcha” than take part in challenging and vulnerable conversation.
March 09, 2024
For Such a Time as This
Occasion(s) / Va-yak·hel, Shabbat Shekalim
Is the story of Esther just a comedic fantasy or is it a parable for our own times? Rabbi Cosgrove finds a lesson in the Megillah for how we can understand our place in society and our responsibility to live joyfully as proud, committed Jews.
March 02, 2024
The Day After
Occasion(s) / Ki Tissa
Although Israel remains traumatized by the terror of October 7, the hostages, and the ongoing war, there is talk of “the day after.” Rabbi Cosgrove examines the arguments for and against a two-state solution and offers his vision for a hopeful path forward.
February 10, 2024
Breathe . . . and Breathe Again
Occasion(s) / Mishpatim
As the Gaza war continues, how do you respond to people whose views on what should happen next in the conflict differ from your own? Rabbi Cosgrove counsels that it is essential to assume positive intent on the part of others and to ask thought-provoking questions to promote understanding.
January 13, 2024
WWMLKS?
Occasion(s) / Va-era
What would MLK say? We cannot know, but based on his writings, Rabbi Cosgrove projects what MLK might say about October 7, about the Israel-Hamas conflict, about Black-Jewish relations, and more.
January 06, 2024
Go Blue!!!
Occasion(s) / Sh’mot
How is being Jewish akin to being a Michigan Wolverine? Rabbi Cosgrove points to the pull of pride in belonging and the push of outside hostility that unite a group. As we confront the hostility unleashed on October 7, we must also retain our joy in living a Jewish life.
December 16, 2023
Rabbi Dr. David Ellenson, z"l
Occasion(s) / Mi-ketz
How should a Jewish majority apply Jewish law and its principles in a sovereign Jewish state in the modern world? Rabbi Cosgrove honors the memory of his friend and teacher Rabbi David Ellenson, z”l, by introducing three of his articles that address this critical question.
December 09, 2023
Rattled, Raw, and Resilient
Occasion(s) / Va-yeishev, Hanukkah
What are you doing now to support Israel? Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on last week’s PAS mission to Israel, emphasizing the overwhelming solidarity of Israelis in caring for survivors of the October 7th attacks, advocating for the hostages, and supporting the soldiers.