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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On this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and journalist John Frankel mark the festival of Sukkot — a time of joy, hospitality, and welcoming all to the table. They are joined by Father Enrique Salvo, Rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, who reflects on his own journey of faith, the role of the Cathedral in New York and beyond, and the importance of building bridges between traditions. Together, they explore how Sukkot’s themes of openness and connection resonate across faiths and the importance of welcoming others during the Jewish festival, reminding us that what unites us is often greater than what divides us.

St. Patrick's Cathedral
https://www.saintpatrickscathedral.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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On this episode of Common Faith, we’re joined by Rabbi Shira Stutman, a nationally recognized spiritual leader and teacher, for a thoughtful conversation about Yom Kippur—the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Together, we explore what it means to pause, reflect, and seek forgiveness in a world that rarely slows down.

Rabbi Stutman shares insights on the power of atonement, the beauty of community prayer, and how the lessons of Yom Kippur reach beyond Judaism to offer wisdom for anyone searching for renewal and reconnection. With warmth and depth, she helps us see how this sacred day is less about guilt and more about growth.

Whether you’re observing Yom Kippur or simply curious about its universal themes of honesty, healing, and hope, this conversation invites you to reflect on what it means to begin again.

Links:

Rabbi Shira Stutman
[Aspen Jewish Congregation](https://www.aspenjewish.org)

[Chutzpod Podcast](https://www.chutzpod.com)

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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This week on Common Faith, we welcome bestselling author and culinary innovator Jake Cohen to the table for a conversation as rich and flavorful as his recipes. With Rosh Hashanah just around the corner, Jake shares how food brings tradition, memory, and modern creativity together in celebrating the Jewish New Year. From brisket and gefilte fish to contemporary twists on holiday classics, we explore how meals can be more than sustenance—they can be rituals of connection, resilience, and joy.

Join us as we talk about Jake’s own journey of blending heritage with his cooking, what Rosh Hashanah means to him, and how food becomes a language of faith, family, and community. Whether you’re preparing your own holiday table or simply curious about the deeper meaning behind these traditions, this conversation will leave you inspired—and maybe a little hungry.

Links:

Jake Cohen
https://www.wakeandjake.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jakecohen

https://www.tiktok.com/@jakecohen

Dinner Party Animal
https://www.wakeandjake.com/dinner-party-animal

One Table
https://www.onetable.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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Connect now!

• https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove
• https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

And email us anytime! CommonFaith@SiriusXM.com

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