Park Avenue Synagogue Podcast

For L'dor V'dor—the Teen Oral History project—teens met with seniors to form connections, build bridges, and learn Jewish history through personal testimony. 

Rabbi Pink marks the 4th of July with a sermon about the American and Jewish histories of engaging in civic life through forming organizations and contributing your most valuable resource: your time. 

For L'dor V'dor—the Teen Oral History project—teens met with seniors to form connections, build bridges across intergenerational divides, and learn about Jewish history through personal testimony. 

Rabbi Zuckerman reminds us that even though there have been many times throughout history when the Jewish people had to stand in isolation, there is a profound difference between being willing to stand alone and believing that we are destined to be alone. 

For L'dor V'dor—the Teen Oral History project—our teens met with seniors in our community to form connections, build bridges across intergenerational divides, and learn about Jewish history through personal testimony. Produced by congregant Rya Backer, these stories are a time capsule of New York and PAS Jewry.

A trip to Israel reminded Rabbi Zuckerman of one of the great themes of Jewish history: to nurture life and hope long before we see the conditions that seem to warrant them. 

What happens when our youth lack role models who reflect their identities? On Pride Shabbat, Rabbinic Intern Claire Davidson Bruder shared her story as a lesbian rabbi-in-training and the importance of role models, including the teacher who inspired her to live her authentic life.

Rabbi Zauzmer implores us to vote and increase our local civic engagement, inspired by the courage of two of the twelve scouts in this week's Torah portion.

For L'dor V'dor—the Teen Oral History project—our teens met with seniors in our community to form connections, build bridges across intergenerational divides, and learn about Jewish history through personal testimony. Produced by congregant Rya Backer, these stories are a time capsule of New York and PAS Jewry.

Rabbi Pink connects the New York Knicks' success to a lesson in this week's Torah portion about the menorah that stood in the Mishkan. Whether building a team, a menorah, or a Jewish community, every single piece matters.

What happens when the desire to belong becomes more important than remaining true to who we are? Drawing on the tragic story of Samson, Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on Jewish pride, political responsibility, and the dangers of seeking validation from those who ask us to leave parts of ourselves behind.

How does one remain in relationship with an imperfect world, imperfect people, and the memories of imperfect loved ones who dwell in our hearts? Drawing on the themes of Shavuot, Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on the spiritual challenge of relinquishing perfection while still choosing forgiveness, memory, and relationship.

Rabbi Zauzmer discusses why Naomi is the real main character in the Book of Ruth, and how we can learn from her journey back to joy and wholeness after unimaginable tragedy.

As debates over Zionism grow increasingly fraught within American Jewry, Rabbi Cosgrove explores how the meaning of Zionism itself has shifted across generations. Drawing on the wilderness narratives of the Book of Numbers, he argues for a Judaism rooted in memory, responsibility, and engaged Jewish self-determination.

From commencements to demonstrations outside synagogues, we are struggling to answer the same urgent question: When does protest deepen democracy, and when does it fray the ties that bind? Rabbi Cosgrove argues for a Judaism that honors dissent while insisting upon dignity, restraint, and covenantal responsibility.

Rabbi Zuckerman explores Albert Einstein’s relationship to Zionism and the dangers of reducing complex history to sound bites and half-truths.  

We welcomed JTS Chancellor Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz to share remarks during Shabbat dinner, and honor her extraordinary service and leadership, which have left a lasting imprint on our community.

Blame is easy; self-reflection is hard. Rabbi Cosgrove explores the instinct to deflect responsibility onto others and calls, in the spirit of Aharei Mot-K’doshim, for a turn inward, where critique begins with humility, responsibility, and the courage to examine oneself.

How do the Jewish people remember tragedy? In this time of memorial and celebration, Rabbi Zuckerman turns to a lesson from the rabbis in the aftermath of the destruction of the temple: to not mourn a devastating loss is impossible, but to mourn too much is also not permitted. Life continues. 

What holds the Jewish people together across difference and distance? Rabbi Cosgrove explores the triad of time, text, and territory, beginning with Jewish time as the rhythm that shapes how we live and belong.

Rabbi Zuckerman delivers a poignant message on the final day of Passover: Jewish life is found not only in its grand expressions, but in its quieter ones as well.

Rabbi Pink explains how the Passover Seder demonstrates the importance of asking questions and learning from everyone around us.

What does it really mean to be free? On the Shabbat of Passover, Rabbi Zauzmer encourages us to ask this question and suggests that if we can never put our phones down, we are not truly free.

Touching on one rabbi's response to a pro-Palestine campus display and the Passover Seder, Rabbi Zuckerman reminds us that to be a Jew is to tell a story that begins in pain, but does not end there; rather, it's to insist that there is a path from suffering to hope.

Do you tell the Passover story as a tale of “us” versus “them”? Rabbi Cosgrove teaches that binary distinctions between good and bad do not tell the whole story, not in the past, and not now. He encourages us to acknowledge and thank non-Jews who have supported our people.