For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today

(Hardback)

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A poignant exploration of what it means to be Jewish today, from a leading voice in modern Judaism, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue

For Jews today, the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7a vicious assault that killed more Jews in one day than any time since the Holocausthas drawn a clear and irreversible demarcation in time. The Jewish community woke up to an unrecognizable new reality on that day, witnessing first the sheer horror of the atrocities in Israel, followed immediately by the stark rise in antisemitism, the worlds oldest hatred, in its wake.

But even in this dark hour, the Jewish community is experiencing something profound and beautiful: a deep, abiding connection to community, culture, and faith. Drawing on the rich trove of Jewish history and tradition, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, one of todays most influential thought leaders and spiritual guides, helps readers make sense of this fraught time. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Cosgrove explores the challenging questions embedded in the soul of contemporary Jewry. Where did all this antisemitism come from, and was it always there How have Israel and Zionism shaped American Judaism, and what ties us and divides us today How do we practice Judaism and understand our place in a world that has, without fail, in every century, turned against us

Knitting together storytelling with ancient teachings, Rabbi Cosgrove helps navigate and understand the landscape of this new reality, turning over questions that have no clear or easy answer in the way only a very good rabbi can.

For thousands of years, the Jewish people have wrestled with what it means to be Jewish. In this often divisive era, Rabbi Cosgrove reminds of how we can come together despiteand even because ofour differences. For Such a Time as This is a guide for a new generation that is reconciling the past with the present and facing the unknown future with courage, spirit, and unwavering hope.

Reviews

InFor Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today, Rabbi Cosgrove puts the October 7 attacks and the alarming rise in antisemitism thats occurring in its wake into historical context. He reminds us that Jews have always persevered and we will do so again. During such a difficult, frightening moment for Jews around the world, this compelling book will bring you hope. Sheryl Sandberg, Founder, Lean In "Weaving together illuminating stories and Talmudic wisdom, For Such a Time as This is a beautiful exploration of Judaism and Jewish faith in these challenging times. This insightful book is a balm for difficult days at once a reminder of where we come from, and a vision for a more peaceful, united future. Debra Messing "Drawing on his experience as a prominent congregational rabbi, Rabbi Cosgrove, a friend and colleague, reflects on what it means to be Jewish in contemporary America and in global society.With admirable sensitivity to the plight of innocent Palestinians, he rightly probes the gut-wrenching rise in antisemitism in the wake of the horrific October 7th attacks, and he calls on all people of conscience to take action against such hatred.Rabbi Cosgrove, with his characteristic lucidity, shows himself to be a religious leader 'for such a time as this.' Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York "Elliot Cosgrove's rabbinic voice is a source of strength and clarity for so many, especially as we navigate this time of rupture and moral confusion. His words are wise, thoughtful, and critically important." Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder of IKAR and author of The Amen Effect Elliot Cosgrove, a rabbi (teacher) in every sense, has written a modern-day guide for the perplexed, imbued with insight, humanity, and wisdom to help Jews and non-Jews alike navigate these confusing, difficult times. You owe it to yourself to read this. Dr. Richard Haass, President Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations With clarity and unique insights, Rabbi Cosgrove distills the complex realities of modern Jewish identity, includingIsrael-Diaspora relations, the relationship between Zionism and Judaism, contemporary antisemitism, and the role of Jewish practice. Adam Lehman, President and CEO, Hillel International "Cosgrove expertly navigates salient questions about Jewish faith and identity against a backdrop of rising antisemitism. This is an eye opener." Publishers Weekly "Searching, soulful reading for exceedingly difficult times." Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Elliot Cosgrove is a leading voice of American Jewry and a preeminent spiritual guide and thought leader. The rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue since 2008, he was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1999 and earned his PhD at the University of Chicago Divinity School. He sits on the Chancellors Cabinet of Jewish Theological Seminary and on the editorial board of Masorti: The New Journal of Conservative Judaism. An officer of the New York Board of Rabbis, he serves on the boards of UJA-Federation of New York, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and the Hillel of University of Michigan and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Rabbi Cosgrove was honored to represent the Jewish community at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum during the visit of Pope Francis to New York. A frequent contributor to Jewish journals and periodicals, he is the author of fifteen volumes of sermons and the editor of Jewish Theology in Our Time.