Park Avenue Synagogue Podcast

Rabbi Pink explains the hidden meaning behind the ancient sacrifices on Sukkot, and what we can learn from them about how we interact with people outside our community.

How do we carry on after the spiritual high of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Rabbi Cosgrove teaches that living Jewishly is a year-round, weekly, and daily commitment. If we want the peak moments, we must practice regularly.

As long as there have been Jews, there have been complaints. But some disagreements are holier than others. Rabbi Pink analyzes when Jews are called, and in some cases required, to protest.

If you've ever played card or board games - and especially if you've argued over their rules - you've already picked up a hidden lesson that applies to Jewish learning. Rabbi Pink explains how this experience should inspire everyone to learn more about Judaism in the coming year.

From this week's parashah about Abraham, the anniversary of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, and the upcoming mayoral election in NYC, Rabbi Zuckerman finds a common lesson: sometimes we have to go down to climb even higher and what seems like misfortune and betrayal can actually be providence in disguise.

As the early voting period begins, Rabbi Zauzmer reminds us of our Jewish obligation both to vote and to choose the best available candidate.

On the two-year Hebrew anniversary of October 7, Rabbi Zauzmer invites us to consider the trauma that prompts us to create our world anew.

With a hostage deal coming to fruition, a time of joy mixed with sorrow, Rabbi Zuckerman reflects on the miracle of Jewish survival and endurance.

With the New York mayoral election in less than three weeks, Rabbi Cosgrove explains why Zohran Mamdani poses a danger to the security of New York Jewish community. He urges us to work to convince undecided voters and to vote ourselves.

From screen time to free throws, Rabbi Zuckerman explores why we resist positive change, even when we know it would serve us, and how Yom Kippur can inspire us to choose the path of courage and growth.

With the rapid rise of a new kind of antisemitism, we are not the first generation of Jews who have navigated this challenge. Rabbi Zauzmer compares our time to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's, imploring us to follow his example with three steps we can take in the fight against antisemitism.

What is the gift of Yizkor? Rabbi Cosgrove teaches that as we recall those who are no longer with us, we can pledge to create a memorial for them by the way we live. By taking full advantage of each day, we guarantee that we will enjoy length of days.

Can we support Israel’s legitimate self-defense and also have empathy for the suffering of Gaza? Rabbi Cosgrove teaches that the tension between concern for self and concern for the other defines Jewish identity and that self-examination together with critique of the other is the essence of Yom Kippur.

Remembering Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on her fifth yahrzeit, Rabbi Zauzmer urges us to disagree better and to see the humanity in everyone.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Rabbi Cosgrove turns to the legacy of Jonas Phillips for guidance and inspiration. His story — immigrant, patriot, proud Jew — challenges us to claim our freedoms boldly, live our Judaism publicly, and secure a vibrant Jewish future.

In an age of viral shame, Rabbi Cosgrove tells us that the High Holidays teach  otherwise. God does not seek our destruction but our return. We stand before God as our worst — and best — selves, called to forgiveness, renewal, and life.

Two hundred years ago, Mordecai Manuel Noah dreamed of Ararat, a Jewish refuge on the Niagara River. His vision failed, but the question endures: how to live fully in the world without losing ourselves to it. Rabbi Cosgrove calls on us to take up that challenge anew.

A new episode of our teens’ project on the family history of senior members of our community is now available. These conversations offered the teens a new perspective on Jewish American life and gave the adults the chance to reflect and connect with Gen Z.