Rabbi Cosgrove: Double V (June 1, 2024)

What is Double V? Recalling the campaign during WWII for victory against fascism on the battlefield and victory against racism on the homefront, Rabbi Cosgrove calls for a Double V campaign for Israel, for victory against Hamas and for the democratic values that are intrinsic to the state.

[@jonahsanderson9048]

This is a great sermon from one of Americas most prominent Jewish scholars.

[@danielgraham9336]

Conservative Judaism is fundamentally false and flawed for several critical reasons: No Historical or Traditional Basis: Conservative Judaism was created in the 19th century and lacks any historical or traditional foundation. It is a modern invention with no roots in the ancient practices and beliefs that have sustained Judaism for millennia. Orthodox Judaism, in contrast, has an unbroken chain of tradition that dates back to the divine revelation at Mount Sinai. The authenticity and legitimacy of Orthodox Judaism are grounded in this continuous historical lineage. Deviation from Divine Revelation: The Torah is the literal word of God, and its commandments are immutable. Conservative Judaism's approach to reinterpret and adapt the Torah to fit modern values is a direct deviation from this divine revelation. This approach is fundamentally flawed because it prioritizes human judgment and contemporary societal norms over the eternal and unchanging will of God. In doing so, Conservative Judaism undermines the very foundation of Jewish faith and law. Secular Influence Over Divine Command: Conservative Judaism emerged as a response to secular pressures and modern societal values, not from any divine inspiration or prophetic vision. This adaptation to secular values compromises the purity and integrity of Jewish practice. By incorporating non-Jewish values, Conservative Judaism essentially rejects the divine commandments in favor of human preferences, which is a grave misrepresentation of what Judaism is supposed to be. Erosion of Halachic Authority: In Orthodox Judaism, Halacha (Jewish law) is seen as a divine system that must be meticulously followed. Conservative Judaism’s flexible approach to Halacha erodes its authority and sanctity, allowing for reinterpretation and modification based on contemporary needs. This flexibility undermines the consistency and coherence of Jewish law, leading to a fragmented and inconsistent practice that lacks the rigor and discipline of true Halachic observance. Undermining the Concept of Divine Authority: Orthodox Judaism is based on the belief that Jewish law is derived from divine authority and must be adhered to without compromise. Conservative Judaism’s willingness to adapt and reinterpret the Torah based on modern values directly undermines this divine authority. By suggesting that human understanding can supersede God’s commandments, Conservative Judaism presents a fundamentally flawed and false version of Judaism. Inconsistency and Fragmentation: The inherent flexibility within Conservative Judaism leads to inconsistency and fragmentation among its adherents. Without a strict adherence to traditional practices and beliefs, the community becomes divided, with varying levels of observance and interpretation. This inconsistency weakens the collective identity and unity that are central to the Jewish faith, creating a diluted and unstable practice that cannot sustain the true essence of Judaism. Lack of Long-Term Viability: Orthodox Judaism’s strict adherence to tradition has ensured its survival and continuity through centuries of challenges. Conservative Judaism’s adaptability, while appealing to some, jeopardizes its long-term viability as it continually shifts to align with changing societal norms. This lack of stability and continuity undermines its credibility and effectiveness as a true representation of Judaism. In summary, Conservative Judaism is false because it lacks historical and traditional foundations, deviates from divine revelation, incorporates secular values over divine commandments, erodes the authority of Jewish law, undermines the concept of divine authority, leads to inconsistency and fragmentation, and lacks long-term viability. Orthodox Judaism, with its unwavering commitment to tradition, divine law, and historical continuity, represents the true and authentic path of the Jewish faith.

[@ronaldshiffman9171]

Very clear and articulate statement. I am continually amazed that about 75% of US Jews vote Democrat Party, even though the Democrat Party has an influential Left wing that is anti-Israel. Most of the pro-Hamas, anti-Israel demonstrators belonged to the Democrat Party or are communists and socialists. Non-Orthodox Jews seem to have forgotten Torah, forgotten G-d.

[@user-ln5il4un3x]

Lets not do this. I support all forms of Judaism and levels of observance. Let Hashem judge. Infighting and division will only take us farther from peace. That's what happened in Maccabees. Had Judas not killed his fellow Jew, Hashem would've granted them the defeat of the Greco-Roman Empire.

[@Mizrahbless]

SOY MIZRAHI LO FELICITO DE CORAZON OBSERVO LA LOGICA MORAL DE SU EXPRESION EN ESTE TEXTO SALUDOS CORDIALES DE UN NATIVO ORIENTE MEDIO VIVA LA MORAL Y LA RAZON Y LA VERDAD

[@moonpluto]

You defend an authoritarian and tragic form of religion in many ways. A self negating, arrogant, patriarchal, fozzilized version. A worship of all things conservative and risk averse. The consensus on the source texts for the Torah are clear on its multiple authorship and development over time. An objective reading makes that abundantly obvious. Your idea of a divine halacha is a tragic cult like robotic self negation that is a version of OCD accepted en masse. It was never meant to be a prison for people. It is only the communities and lay people who are flexible with halacha and understand what it means to balance realities of life and self development with its demands who are actually close to God and the hyper-halachic legalists who think God is found purely in legal rulings who are very, very lost to their own souls and the magic of life. To say some charedi version of Judaism are cults of conformity is an understatement.

[@danielgraham9336]

@@user-ln5il4un3x My critique stems from a deep love for the Jewish community and a desire for all Jews to follow God's true commandments. I have no issue with individuals who follow Conservative Judaism, recognizing many are unaware of these issues. My concern is with the movement and its founders, not its current rabbis or followers. Conservative Judaism lacks historical foundations, deviates from divine law, incorporates secular values, undermines Jewish legal authority, allows arbitrary reinterpretation of commandments, and practices inconsistency. Orthodox Judaism, with its unwavering commitment to tradition and divine commandments, is the true and authentic path of the Jewish faith.

[@shainanash8518]

brilliant sermon.