Recent years have witnessed far more violence and war; especially with technology feeding more and more hate within humans. These horrific narratives have had a major impact and an invisible separation at a global level. That is why David Kosak, former chef, terror survivor, and Rabbi stands at the forefront, advocating for meaningful connections, particularly in the Jewish community.
David Kosak
In recent years, the Jewish community has encountered alarming levels of antisemitism, largely due to geopolitical crises. America, previously a secure and inviting haven for Jews, now feels increasingly uncertain. David Kosak, leader of one of the oldest conservative Jewish congregations on the West Coast, is committed to fostering a more unified interfaith community. He makes use of his unconventional background and a rabbinic lineage stretching over 600 years to achieve this goal.
After transitioning from his roles as a chef and entrepreneur to a spiritual leader, David has evolved into a multifaceted individual—a poet, meditator, and Rabbi. He has committed himself to creating honest, inclusive spaces with his warmth and wisdom. While at a previous congregation in New York, David made connections with a diverse audience, using scripture and music to unite Jews and Christians in fellowship. Later, in Ohio, he regularly brought together Reform Jews, Conservative, and Orthodox for collaborative learning. His innovative educational programming is a highlight of his rabbinical career. Now, as the senior clergyman of Neveh Shalom in Portland, Oregon, he continues this impactful tradition.
As a founding member of the Open Table, David vocalizes about the misinformation. He states, “I help this group of faith leaders understand how to function as a society. This dialogue and shared connection contribute to them having a common ground despite the social, economic, or religious differences.”
David hopes to be the catalyst of this transformation and spark change at a greater level. “I’m using my position in the Jewish community to remind everyone that humans are multifaceted beings who cannot be divided into two categories: good and evil,” he explains. “By having hard conversations with honesty and compassion, I hope to create acceptance for all people, while remaining committed to applying critical thinking skills to determine whether an ideology should be normalized. To foster greater connections, society must allow people to communicate openly and without shame or fear.”
This Rabbi, who has an academic background in philosophy and intellectual history, sheds light on an increasingly contentious debate over societal divisions. How can someone tell when an ideology has become a tool for hatred, and how can they prevent the harm it may cause? David Kosak is collaborating with faith leaders to talk honestly about this issue and suggest real answers. His ultimate goal is to help establish diverse, inclusive worship groups that represent humanity’s multifaceted nature.
