Park Avenue Synagogue Podcast

Sermon – Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky: Laws, Lincoln, and Lessons Learned – February13, 2021

“Laws are the love language of the Torah.” Rabbi Witkovsky explores Parashat Mishpatim and an 1838 speech given by Abraham Lincoln. He shows the importance of laws in Jewish and American tradition and of ensuring that our laws reflect our values and are followed. No one is above the law, but the law must also be molded for equity and justice.

For more information available at www.pasyn.org or follow us @parkavesyn or https://www.facebook.com/parkavenuesyn.

Dialogue – Jennifer Stern Granowitz and Erin Beser: How We Talk About Purim – February 17, 2021

In this episode of How We Talk About, Jen Stern Granowitz and Erin Beser speak with Purim Spiel Director Cantor Rachel Brook about the adult themes of the Book of Esther, a biblical text that involves forced sex, substance abuse, genocide, and mass murder. And yet, year after year, we turn this story into endearing entertainment for all ages. Listen to Cantor Brook share her advice on how to talk about Purim and discuss the importance of the merriment and laughter of this holiday!

Sermon – Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: We're No Angels – In Memory of Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, z"l – February 6, 2021

In the face of sin and addictive behavior, how can Torah guide us to realize our best selves? The legacy of Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski, z”l, inspires us to take personal agency over our lives.

For more information about services and programs at Park Avenue Synagogue, visit our website at https://pasyn.org.

Dialogue – Jennifer Stern Granowitz and Erin Beser: How We Talk About Prayer – January 27, 2021

In this episode of How We Talk About, Jen Stern Granowitz and Erin Beser speak with Josh Rosenberg, Cantorial Fellow at Park Avenue Synagogue, about the challenges of praying and learning how to pray. Josh’s background as a classroom music teacher influences his perspective on how to effectively lead and teach a challenging topic. Listen for tips to create a prayer flow, manage transitions, and quiet a room full of rowdy fifth graders like a boss.

For more information about services and programs at Park Avenue Synagogue, visit our website at https://pasyn.org.

Sermon – Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: Exodus in America –January 23, 2021

What lessons does the Exodus offer to our country and to us? Rabbi Cosgrove proposes five principles that can guide us as we seek to emerge from today’s narrow places.

For more information about services and programs at Park Avenue Synagogue, visit our website at https://pasyn.org.

Sermon – Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: No Surprise–January 9, 2021

Calling the domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol no surprise, Rabbi Cosgrove argues that as with Pharaoh's Egypt, the degradation of our society occurs incrementally and with the complicity of many. Reversing it will require that we take a stand to denounce hatred and injustice.

For more information about services and programs at Park Avenue Synagogue, visit our website at https://pasyn.org.

Dialogue - Jennifer Stern Granowitz and Erin Beser: How We Talk About Children - January 6, 2020

In this episode, Jennifer and Erin speak to Pamela Schwartz, Penn Family Early Childhood Center Director, about using respectful language and empowering children to take leadership and responsibility in the classroom and at home. We asked Pamela why kids call out, opt out, or act out in school (particularly Hebrew school). If you're a parent or a teacher, tune in for specific language to help you stay mindful when kids are . . . well . . . being kids. 

For more information about services and programs at Park Avenue Synagogue, visit our website at https://pasyn.org.

Sermon – Rabbi Steven Philp: Sometimes We Need a Do-Over – January 2, 2021

Reflections, retrospectives, and resolutions . . . Didn’t we already do this at Rosh Hashanah? Our tradition teaches us that sometimes we need a do-over to help reorient us toward a more courageous, more hopeful future.

For more information available at www.pasyn.org or follow us @parkavesyn or https://www.facebook.com/parkavenuesyn.

Sermon – Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky: The Need for Restraint – December 26, 2020

We all need some strength as we work to keep everyone safe through a little self-restraint. To give us a boost, Rabbi Witkovsky discusses the Jewish values latent in the idea of restraint, including lessons from Joseph on when and how we can benefit ourselves and others through self-control.

For more information available at www.pasyn.org or follow us @parkavesyn or https://www.facebook.com/parkavenuesyn.

Sermon – Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove: Never Alone–December 19, 2020

Rabbi Cosgrove reminds us that since Joseph in Egypt, Jews have found the strength to form imagined community and make spiritual connections even when we are physically separated. We must reach out to others, reminding them and ourselves that we are never alone.

For more information about services and programs at Park Avenue Synagogue, visit our website at https://pasyn.org.