ReFaith’s MVPs are global thought leaders in the faith space. Each answers a short questionnaire articulating their views on faith. If you have a thought leader to nominate, please email us at refaithdotorg@gmail.com.
How do you define God?
God is undefinable. But, we do look to our texts and scriptural passages which describe God’s attributes. For instance, Exodus 34:6 which states that God is compassionate, merciful, slow to anger and quick to forgive.
It is sort of like trying to define wind. We can’t see wind, but we can see the wind’s effects on things. Defining God is similar – we cannot define God, but we do see evidence of God’s handiwork in the world.
What’s the one question you’d like God to answer?
Why is there suffering in the world?
If someone asked you “How do I develop my spiritual life” what would you suggest?
First, one must keep an open mind. Nothing stops the development of one’s spiritual life as closed mindedness.
I’d suggest someone read a lot – from as many sacred scriptures as possible. We have much in common, and the same spiritual principles underlie all major world religions.
We have much in common, and the same spiritual principles underlie all major world religions.
Finally, I’d encourage the person to ask the spirit of the universe to engage in a spiritual experience. Knowledge is good, but experience is even more powerful. It is like knowing how electricity works, vs sticking your finger in a socket and seeing how powerful that experience could be.
What 3 historical, religious figures would you like to host for dinner?
The Baal Shem Tov, Mordechai Kaplan and Mother Theresa
What is your favorite verse, passage, sacred writing, or quote?
The world stands on three things: Torah, service to God and acts of loving kindness. (Pirkei Avot 2:1)
If you had a single statement to make to the entire world, what would you say?
Be kind to others. You never know what kind of pain they are carrying around that day.
What frustrates God?
When we take back our own will and run our lives in accordance with our own ego instead of what God would have us be.
What delights God?
When we take care of one another and align our will with God’s.
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Rabbi Andrea Cosnowsky is a teacher, professional speaker, musician and author. Born and raised in Ardsley, New York, Rabbi Cosnowsky earned her BA in English Literature at SUNY Empire State College, a Masters Degree in Education from Xavier University and a Master of Hebrew Letters from Hebrew Union College – Institute of Religion.
Before becoming a rabbi, she enjoyed a career as a professional singer-songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. For the past 4 years, she has been the Associate Rabbi at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, Illinois.