Thoughts to Ponder No. 2: Daring Observations About the Jewish Tradition - Tapa dura

Judaism defies definition. While some of us regret this and thus try to straightjacket our religion, I believe that autonomous thought is fundamental to appreciating Judaism properly, and that philosophical non-conformity is not only the right of every Jewish teacher, but his/her obligation. Students must understand that one can only comprehend the relevance of Judaism through ongoing existential personal discovery and struggle, and this can only be taught by example.We must make sure that Judaism, while remaining true to its essential teachings, encourages utter originality in every generation. Judaism must provide an antidote to the poisons of indolence, routine, callousness, and drifting with the current. It must dare and defy and be experienced as a perpetually new and ongoing event.

About The Author Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo is a world renowned thinker, lecturer and ambassador for Judaism and the Jewish people. He is known for his original insights into how authentic Judaism is able to show new ways in which it will be able to respond to the spiritual and intellectual challenges of modernity. A prolific author Rabbi Lopes Cardozo's books and essays are read by laymen, Rabbis and academicians throughout the Jewish and non-Jewish world. He is a sought-after lecturer on Judaism and Israel at numerous institutions of higher academic learning, including Jewish Study programs at leading Universities, Religious Academies and Rabbinical Colleges. He is the founder and Dean of the David Cardozo Academy in Jerusalem which is dedicated to educating a new generation of Rabbis, teachers, and Jewish thinkers based on his captivating philosophy. Author resides in Jerusalem.