In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and journalist Jon Frankel step into rarely charted territory—the intersection of faith and politics. Following a sermon that went viral, Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on why he felt compelled to speak out during New York City’s mayoral race, addressing what he calls a “moment of moral urgency” for the Jewish people with concerns about the anti-Zionist rhetoric of candidate Zohran Mamdani and its implications for the Jewish community. The discussion delves into personal stories, community connections, and the importance of voting, all while exploring the complexities of Jewish identity in a rapidly changing world.

Together, the rabbi and Jon unpack the sermon’s impact, the response it ignited, and the complex balance between spiritual leadership and civic engagement. They explore how faith communities navigate political tensions, the blurry line between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, and why love—for Israel, for community, for humanity—sometimes demands difficult choices.

It’s an episode that challenges, provokes, and ultimately asks: when does faith require us to raise our voices, even when it’s uncomfortable?

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

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In a historic week for Israel and the Jewish people, Common Faith hosts Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Emmy Award–winning journalist Jon Frankel pause their planned programming to reflect on the emotional return of hostages and what this moment means for Jewish identity, faith, and unity.

With compassion and candor, they explore the deep mix of relief, grief, and moral reckoning that defines this chapter of Jewish life—asking how a people can celebrate freedom while confronting loss.. At the heart of their conversation is a profound truth: two things can be true at once. Love of Israel can coexist with critique; pride can live alongside pain; faith can hold both resilience and doubt.

Rabbi Cosgrove shares his Yom Kippur sermon, Of Silver Platters and Mirrors, a stirring meditation on love for Israel, moral conscience, and the enduring call to hold empathy and self-defense in the same heart. Together, he and Jon offer a deeply human conversation on resilience, responsibility, and what it means to remain connected—to Israel, to community, and to common faith—in a divided world.

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

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In this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and journalist John Frankel dive into the meaning of Simchat Torah—the joyful festival that celebrates completing the annual Torah reading cycle. Together, they explore how rereading sacred texts each year reveals new layers of meaning and shapes Jewish identity and community.

They are joined by Reverend A.R. Bernard, founder of the Christian Cultural Center and one of New York’s most influential faith leaders. Reverend Bernard shares his remarkable spiritual journey—from banking to ministry, Catholicism to Protestantism, even a period in the Nation of Islam—and reflects on the power of scripture, curiosity, and bridge-building across faith traditions. The conversation ranges from the shared scriptural roots of Judaism and Christianity to the challenges of identity in modern society, the impact of technology on community, and what it means to live with dignity, purpose, and faith in a divided world.

Reverend A.R. Bernard

https://arbernardnews.com/

Christian Cultural Center
https://www.cccinfo.org/

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

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