How do we support Israel when we object to the actions of its government? Rabbi Cosgrove enjoins us that our support is, if anything, more essential now than ever. We must uphold and assist ventures that work toward establishing an Israel that reflects our values.
January 14, 2023
Heschel
Occasion(s) / Sh’mot
How does the legacy of Heschel speak to us today? On the 50th yahrtzeit of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Rabbi Cosgrove calls upon us to honor his values and to do our share to redeem the world.
December 17, 2022
Kahane Lives
Occasion(s) / Va-yeishev
How will we react to the seismic rightward shift in the Israeli government following last month’s election? Rabbi Cosgrove enjoins us that while our love and support of Israel must not waver, we must openly discuss our concerns for sake of the future unity of the Jewish people.
November 19, 2022
Intermarriage Rising
Occasion(s) / Hayyei Sarah
Given the fact of interfaith marriages, what is the role and responsibility of the rabbi and the synagogue? Rabbi Cosgrove enjoins interfaith couples to learn about Judaism together and to take responsibility for their Jewish future.
November 05, 2022
Kanye and Kyrie
Occasion(s) / Lekh L’kha
Why should we care about the antisemitic tweets from Kanye, Kyrie, and others? Rabbi Cosgrove explains that hate-filled rhetoric always leads to violence and calls on us to fight antisemitism by every means we have available.
October 29, 2022
Would've, Could've, Should've
Occasion(s) / Noah
Is it good to regret? The Hebrew word naham can mean to regret, to repent, and also to comfort. Rabbi Cosgrove explains how the relationship between these apparently contradictory meanings allows us to learn and to benefit from our mistakes.
October 17, 2022
The Last Letter
Occasion(s) / Shemini Atzeret, Yizkor
The Soviet author Vasily Grossman imagined a final letter from his mother before her death in the Berdichev Ghetto; he also continued writing to her after her death. Rabbi Cosgrove invites us to imagine the letters our loved ones might have written to us and what we would write ourselves.
October 08, 2022
Kissinger on Moses
Occasion(s) / Ha·azinu
Drawing parallels between Moses and successful modern leaders, Rabbi Cosgrove finds that Moses exemplifies all the qualities of a great leader, especially the ultimate measure of success: that one’s values endure far beyond one’s own lifetime.
October 05, 2022
Postcards
Occasion(s) / Yom Kippur, Yizkor
The moment of Yizkor makes us aware of the finite and indefinite length of our lives. Rabbi Cosgrove encourages us not only to remember our debts to those who have gone before but also to recognize our responsibility to those who will follow us and will, in time, remember us.
October 04, 2022
To Honor and Revere
Occasion(s) / Yom Kippur
While we hope for long life, we fear the inevitable losses of old age; most of all, we fear becoming irrelevant. Rabbi Cosgrove charges us with revering our elders, not only by caring for their physical and social needs, but above all, by maintaining their values in our own lives.