Park Avenue Synagogue Podcast

A trip to Israel reminded Rabbi Zuckerman of one of the great themes of Jewish history: to nurture life and hope long before we see the conditions that seem to warrant them. 

What happens when our youth lack role models who reflect their identities? On Pride Shabbat, Rabbinic Intern Claire Davidson Bruder shared her story as a lesbian rabbi-in-training and the importance of role models, including the teacher who inspired her to live her authentic life.

Rabbi Zauzmer implores us to vote and increase our local civic engagement, inspired by the courage of two of the twelve scouts in this week's Torah portion.

For L'dor V'dor—the Teen Oral History project—our teens met with seniors in our community to form connections, build bridges across intergenerational divides, and learn about Jewish history through personal testimony. Produced by congregant Rya Backer, these stories are a time capsule of New York and PAS Jewry.

Rabbi Pink connects the New York Knicks' success to a lesson in this week's Torah portion about the menorah that stood in the Mishkan. Whether building a team, a menorah, or a Jewish community, every single piece matters.

What happens when the desire to belong becomes more important than remaining true to who we are? Drawing on the tragic story of Samson, Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on Jewish pride, political responsibility, and the dangers of seeking validation from those who ask us to leave parts of ourselves behind.

How does one remain in relationship with an imperfect world, imperfect people, and the memories of imperfect loved ones who dwell in our hearts? Drawing on the themes of Shavuot, Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on the spiritual challenge of relinquishing perfection while still choosing forgiveness, memory, and relationship.

Rabbi Zauzmer discusses why Naomi is the real main character in the Book of Ruth, and how we can learn from her journey back to joy and wholeness after unimaginable tragedy.

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.