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

by Nathan T. Lopes Cardozo

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.

189 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002