Publishers Weekly
07/08/2024
Rabbi Cosgrove (coeditor of Jewish Theology in Our Time) grapples in this rigorous outing with the implications of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel for the American Jewish community. He recounts how his Sabbath was interrupted by a call from his sister-in-law in Israel who reported the then-ongoing assault, the confusion that followed, and how he began fund-raising for Israeli communities during that day’s services. Broadening his discussion, Cosgrove draws on a theory from Rabbi David Hartman to delineate a shift that he feels has occurred after October 7. Prior to the assault, he writes, American Jews were “Genesis Jews,” whose religious identity derived from “positive Jewish identification.” But the shock of October 7 and the subsequent spike in antisemitic incidents transformed many American Jews into “Exodus Jews,” whose Jewish identity is “defined by others, by those who ignore our pain, exclude us, hate us... and in some cases kill us.” The challenge, Cosgrove explains, is to integrate these identities. While the larger implications of the Israel-Hamas war are sometimes glossed over, Cosgrove expertly navigates salient questions about Jewish faith and identity against a backdrop of rising antisemitism, while stressing throughout that “this thing we are fighting for, Jews and Judaism... is a joy, a privilege, and a blessing to... all people.” This is an eye-opener. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
In For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today, Rabbi Cosgrove puts the October 7 attacks — and the alarming rise in antisemitism that’s 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, including Israel-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
“A thoughtful guide for those grappling with the complexities of modern Jewish life, encouraging readers to embrace their heritage, confront challenges with resilience, and find joy and hope in their Jewish identity.” — San Diego Jewish World
"Thoughtful and analytic as well as personal and emotional... For Such a Time as This is an important book that highlights the challenges facing liberal Judaism today." — Jewish Book Council
"Rabbi Cosgrove has inspired and guided our congregation with great distinction for the past 16 years. With For Such a Time as This, he answers questions and resolves — or, in some cases, reinforces — doubts, helping to chart a course for American Jews far beyond his Park Avenue Synagogue community." — Menachem Z. Rosensaft, Jewish Insider
Kirkus Reviews
2024-06-21
A distinguished New York City rabbi reflects on being Jewish during a time of renewed hostility between Palestinians and Jews.
The Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel turned Cosgrove’s life and the lives of his fellow clergy “upside-down.” Furthermore, “in the week that followed (and before any Israeli counterattacks), over 150 anti-Israel rallies were held across the United States.” Cosgrove was suddenly confronted with difficult questions about the nature of “diaspora Jewry’s obligations to Israel” in a post-Shoah world. Jews living outside of Israel often live in a state of cultural tension characterized by “the disorienting struggle to integrate…multiple selves” and multiple ways of expressing affiliation with Judaism. Complicating the situation is the conflicted political situation in Israel, which has manifested in assassinations—like that of Yitzhak Rabin, who championed a framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—and, in more contemporary times, a hard turn toward militant authoritarianism. The author notes that many among the younger generations of diaspora Jews feel that “the Israel they love does not love them back, or even care that [they] exist.” At the same time, anyone attempting to speak about Jewish issues in the U.S., even nonpolitical ones, may find themselves shut down—as Cosgrove was at a university lecture after the Hamas attack in 2023. Part of what makes this book so compelling is the author’s willingness to criticize Israel for being antidemocratic in its hardline Zionism while also expressing his deep and abiding love for it. In a world where diatribe trumps civil discourse, Cosgrove’s moderate, carefully reasoned approach, grounded in both history and biblical scholarship, is a welcome balm. “God knows, we are all in need of a place to start,” he writes. “Wholeness and brokenness, every step of the way, on our journey toward the Promised Land.”
Searching, soulful reading for exceedingly difficult times.
