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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