Episode Summary: Elliot Cosgrove, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today

Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove
Release Date: June 21, 2025

Introduction to the Guest

In this insightful episode, Zibby Owens welcomes Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, a distinguished voice in American Jewry and the Senior Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City. With an impressive background that includes ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, a doctorate from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and numerous leadership roles within Jewish organizations, Rabbi Cosgrove brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation. He is the author of For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today, among other significant works.

Genesis of the Book

Rabbi Cosgrove begins by recounting the origins of his book, which was catalyzed by the tragic events of October 7th. He explains how longstanding themes such as the tensions between Diaspora Jewry and Israel, hyphenated identities, and the nature of antisemitism were intensifying, prompting him to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse. Faced with the urgent need to publish timely reflections, Rabbi Cosgrove collaborated with HarperCollins to produce the manuscript within a demanding timeframe, ultimately releasing the book to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the events.

Rabbi Cosgrove [04:47]: "Truth is, a book agent who I had been working with for some time said, let's get a proposal and let's see how it can happen... It was crazy to write at that pace."

Themes Explored in the Book

Community and Solidarity

A central theme Rabbi Cosgrove addresses is the renewed sense of community and solidarity that emerged post-October 7th. He describes a "tribal awakening" where feelings of vulnerability were interwoven with a strengthened kinship among Jewish communities.

Zibby Owens [08:00]: "Deep loneliness. But we have also experienced something beautiful and uniting, a tribal awakening."

Genesis vs. Exodus Jews

Rabbi Cosgrove introduces the concepts of "Genesis Jews" and "Exodus Jews" to delineate positive and negative identities within Judaism. Genesis Jews embody the proactive, blessing-oriented identity from Abraham's call, while Exodus Jews represent a defensive stance against oppression and hatred, likened to the biblical Exodus narrative.

Rabbi Cosgrove [12:37]: "Genesis Jews being the sort of go forth the call to Abraham to be a people, to be a blessing... Exodus Jews... had to play defense as well as offense."

Fighting Antisemitism

Addressing the multifaceted nature of antisemitism, Rabbi Cosgrove distinguishes between overt, violent antisemitism and more subtle, institutionalized forms that marginalize Jewish voices in various sectors. He emphasizes the necessity of combating both through active advocacy and community engagement.

Rabbi Cosgrove [25:15]: "There are people, folk who have worked on combating antisemitism... you have to fight antisemitism on the streets, and you also need a hearts and mind campaign."

Intergenerational Dialogue

One of the poignant discussions revolves around fostering meaningful conversations between generations, particularly addressing the evolving perspectives of younger Jews. Rabbi Cosgrove shares a hypothetical yet deeply personal dialogue with a young woman named Maya, illustrating the challenges and approaches to bridging differing views on Jewish identity and Israeli policies.

Rabbi Cosgrove [19:53]: "Maya is not fictitious... her Jewish identity is not aligned with the decision making of the Israeli government."

Personal Reflections and Shifts

Rabbi Cosgrove reflects on how the events of October 7th have fundamentally shifted his approach and responsibilities as a rabbi. Previously focused on fostering positive Jewish life, he now finds himself also addressing the defensive needs of the community against rising antisemitism.

Rabbi Cosgrove [12:37]: "On October 8, we all woke up and realized that we had to play defense as well as offense."

Hope and Future Directions

Despite acknowledging the grim realities and ongoing challenges, Rabbi Cosgrove expresses a resilient sense of hope rooted in Jewish tradition and the enduring aspiration for a peaceful future. He references the historical perseverance of the Jewish people and underscores the importance of maintaining hope as a fundamental aspect of Jewish identity.

Rabbi Cosgrove [28:24]: "For me, it's kind of... I'll continue to hold [a two-state solution] as my North Star ideal. Absolutely, yes. So I can't live any other way."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Rabbi Cosgrove reiterating the significance of intentional listening, empathy, and constructive dialogue within and beyond the Jewish community. He advocates for a balanced approach that honors tradition while adapting to contemporary challenges, ensuring the resilience and unity of Jewish identity in uncertain times.

Rabbi Cosgrove [19:55]: "Intergenerational conversations, Zibby, is so, so important with the Mayas, the Gen Zers of the world."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rabbi Cosgrove [04:47]: "It was crazy to write at that pace."
• Zibby Owens [08:00]: "Deep loneliness. But we have also experienced something beautiful and uniting, a tribal awakening."
• Rabbi Cosgrove [12:37]: "Genesis Jews being the sort of go forth the call to Abraham to be a people, to be a blessing... Exodus Jews... had to play defense as well as offense."
• Rabbi Cosgrove [25:15]: "You have to fight antisemitism on the streets, and you also need a hearts and mind campaign."
• Rabbi Cosgrove [19:55]: "Intergenerational conversations... is so, so important with the Mayas, the Gen Zers of the world."
• Rabbi Cosgrove [28:24]: "I can't live any other way."

Final Thoughts

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove's For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today offers a profound exploration of Jewish identity, community resilience, and the ongoing struggle against antisemitism. Through his personal narratives and scholarly insights, he provides listeners with a thoughtful roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern Jewish life, emphasizing the importance of hope, solidarity, and active engagement in shaping a just and peaceful future.