In this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and journalist John Frankel dive into the meaning of Simchat Torah—the joyful festival that celebrates completing the annual Torah reading cycle. Together, they explore how rereading sacred texts each year reveals new layers of meaning and shapes Jewish identity and community.

They are joined by Reverend A.R. Bernard, founder of the Christian Cultural Center and one of New York’s most influential faith leaders. Reverend Bernard shares his remarkable spiritual journey—from banking to ministry, Catholicism to Protestantism, even a period in the Nation of Islam—and reflects on the power of scripture, curiosity, and bridge-building across faith traditions. The conversation ranges from the shared scriptural roots of Judaism and Christianity to the challenges of identity in modern society, the impact of technology on community, and what it means to live with dignity, purpose, and faith in a divided world.

Reverend A.R. Bernard

https://arbernardnews.com/

Christian Cultural Center
https://www.cccinfo.org/

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

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On this episode of Common Faith, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and journalist John Frankel mark the festival of Sukkot — a time of joy, hospitality, and welcoming all to the table. They are joined by Father Enrique Salvo, Rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, who reflects on his own journey of faith, the role of the Cathedral in New York and beyond, and the importance of building bridges between traditions. Together, they explore how Sukkot’s themes of openness and connection resonate across faiths and the importance of welcoming others during the Jewish festival, reminding us that what unites us is often greater than what divides us.

St. Patrick's Cathedral
https://www.saintpatrickscathedral.org/

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

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On this episode of Common Faith, we’re joined by Rabbi Shira Stutman, a nationally recognized spiritual leader and teacher, for a thoughtful conversation about Yom Kippur—the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Together, we explore what it means to pause, reflect, and seek forgiveness in a world that rarely slows down.

Rabbi Stutman shares insights on the power of atonement, the beauty of community prayer, and how the lessons of Yom Kippur reach beyond Judaism to offer wisdom for anyone searching for renewal and reconnection. With warmth and depth, she helps us see how this sacred day is less about guilt and more about growth.

Whether you’re observing Yom Kippur or simply curious about its universal themes of honesty, healing, and hope, this conversation invites you to reflect on what it means to begin again.

Links:

Rabbi Shira Stutman
[Aspen Jewish Congregation](https://www.aspenjewish.org)

[Chutzpod Podcast](https://www.chutzpod.com)

Park Avenue Synagogue
https://www.pasyn.org

https://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:

https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrove

https://x.com/RabbiCosgrove

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