Park Avenue Synagogue Podcast

Living in Truth

Freedom is born not only through God’s miracles, but through human agency. Drawing on the Torah reading, Václav Havel, and contemporary politics, Rabbi Cosgrove challenges us to stop “living within the lie,” reclaim our moral voice, and take agency in a consequential time.

ICE in Minnesota

Rabbi Pink, a Minnesota native, discusses the unrest in his home state, and shares how a teaching from this week’s Torah portion can help us understand what is happening and how to respond.

The Wrong Reason to Malign

On the Shabbat before MLK Day, Rabbi Zauzmer reminded us that while we can criticize the policies of our elected officials, we should celebrate religious diversity in leadership.

Why Moses?

Why Moses? A close reading of three brief scenes before the burning bush reveals the leadership qualities that shaped Israel’s greatest prophet. Rabbi Cosgrove explores moral courage, responsibility, and the art of standing in the breach – lessons Moses lived by, and lessons our fractured moment urgently needs.

The Jewish Blueprint for Combatting Loneliness

Cantor Cast: Why Does Nobody Want This?

Cantors Davis and Reisner discuss everything from what drew them to the cantorate, Jewish spiritual leadership today, how their work intersects with other parts of their lives, and the hit show "Nobody Wants This."

The War Within

Hanukkah is not simply a story of light over darkness, but a cautionary tale of Jew against Jew. In an age of division, Rabbi Cosgrove calls for rededication to one another – reminding us that the true miracle is unity without uniformity, and the courage to keep kindling shared light.

Between Fury and Restraint

Israel’s war is being fought on two fronts, on the battlefield and in the battle for moral clarity. As the last hostage awaits return, Rabbi Cosgrove explores the tension between Jacob’s restraint and his sons’ fury – how far one may go, and must not go, to save a life.

Stephen R. Volk Inaugural Lecture: The Soul of America: Our Nation at 250

Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham joined Rabbi Cosgrove for a closer look at key moments in America’s history at this milestone anniversary at the Stephen R. Volk Inaugural Lecture: The Soul of America: Our Nation at 250. Reflecting on our nation’s triumphs, the darker hours, and the moments in between, this nuanced discussion brought our history to life and looked to the past for lessons on the way forward.

 

Jon Meacham, a Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, is one of America's most prominent public intellectuals. Meacham is the author of multiple bestselling books, including And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, and His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope. Named a “Global Leader for Tomorrow” by the World Economic Forum, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a fellow of the Society of American Historians. Meacham regularly appears on MSNBC, CNN, and other news outlets.

Jacob’s Other Dream

Twenty years after Jacob famously dreamed of a ladder ascending to heaven, he had another, less well-known vision. Rabbi Pink analyzes that story and shares what it can teach us about our lives.