The Rabbi Sacks Legacy

Retribution and Revenge (Rabbi Sacks on Masei, Covenant & Conversation)

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Elijah and the Still, Small Voice (Rabbi Sacks on Pinchas, Covenant & Conversation)

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Not Reckoned Among the Nations (Balak, Covenant & Conversation)

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. Chukat and Balak were a double parsha back in 2015 when Rabbi Sacks originally wrote...

Anger Management (Rabbi Sacks on Chukat, Covenant & Conversation)

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

When Truth is Sacrificed to Power (Korach, Covenant & Conversation)

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Assembling Reminders (Rabbi Sacks on Shelach Lecha, Covenant & Conversation)

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

From Pain to Humility (Rabbi Sacks on Beha'alotecha, Covenant & Conversation)

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Sages and Saints (Rabbi Sacks on Naso, Covenant & Conversation)

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Law as Love (Rabbi Sacks on Bamidbar, Covenant & Conversation)

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

The Politics of Responsibility (Rabbi Sacks on Bechukotai, Covenant & Conversation)

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

The Economics of Liberty (Rabbi Sacks on Behar, Covenant & Conversation)

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Sanctifying the Name (Rabbi Sacks on Emor, Covenant & Conversation)

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

From Priest to People (Rabbi Sacks on Kedoshim, Covenant & Conversation)

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

The Scapegoat (Rabbi Sacks on Acharei Mot, Covenant & Conversation)

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

The Power of Shame (Rabbi Sacks on Metzora, Covenant & Conversation)

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

The Circumcision of Desire (Rabbi Sacks on Tazria, Covenant & Conversation)

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Fire: Holy and Unholy - Rabbi Sacks on Shemini, Covenant & Conversation

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Violence and the Sacred(Rabbi Sacks on Tzav, Covenant & Conversation)

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examines the ethics we can derive from t...

Why Do We Sacrifice? (Rabbi Sacks on Vayikra, Covenant & Conversation)

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. This series of Covenant & Conversation essays examine the ethics we can derive from th...

Religion isnt Science

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Thought for the Day - 8th September 2010

Pesach: The Birth of the Jewish Nation

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a recording of a shiur Rabbi Sacks gave at the Yeshiva High School for Boys on 19th March 2014.

A Conversation with Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks at The Jewish Center

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The following shiur and Q&A with Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks were recorded at Yeshiva University on 16th March 2016.

A Guide for the Perplexed at the Seder Night: How Maimonides Can Help Us Understand the Exodus

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The following shiur was recorded at Yeshiva University on 26th March 2017.

Purim Inspiration: Even You Can Change The World

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This shiur was recorded at the Bnei Akiva School in Toronto on 16th March 2016.

Haman: The First Antisemite

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This shiur was originally delivered by Rabbi Sacks at Yeshiva University on 2nd February 2014.

Prayer: The Genius of the Sages

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a recording of a shiur delivered by Rabbi Sacks as part of Yeshiva University's Kollel Yom Rishon on 14th September 2014.

Kiddush Hashem in a Complicated World

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a recording of a shiur delivered by Rabbi Sacks at the Bet Knesset Feigenson in Beit Shemesh, Israel on 10th November 2013.

Free Will and Divine Foreknowledge

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is a recording of a shiur at Eretz HaTzvi by the Chief Rabbi Sacks on Free Will and Divine Foreknowledge including short Q&A. It was recorded on ...

Inspiring the Next Generation

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This recording is of the opening session of the Yom Iyun marking the centennial of Yeshiva University's High School for Boys on 18th December 2016 and...

Judaism's Unique Concept of Freedom

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Originally delivered at Yeshiva University on 17th April 2016.

Rabbinic Leadership in the 21st Century

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The following shiur was delivered by Rabbi Sacks at Yeshiva University on 19th March 2014.

Rabbi Sacks: Ruth B. Wildes Memorial Lecture 2012

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rabbi Sacks delivered the Ruth B. Wildes Memorial Lecture on 1st December 2012 at Yeshiva University.

True Path to Inner Happiness

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The following shiur was delivered at Yeshiva University on 28th January 2014.

The Importance of Faith

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Delivered to Mechina students at Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University on 6th February 2014.

The Dangers of Autonomy

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Originally recorded at Yeshiva University on 19th March 2014.

A Seder Night That Changed History

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Originally recorded on 21st March 2010 at Kollel Yom Rishon at Yeshiva University.

Leadership and Passionate Jewish Living

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"Leadership and Passionate Jewish Living" A Sicha with High School Juniors in New York on 17th March 2010.

The Synthesis of Torah and Chochma

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The following speech on 'The Synthesis of Torah and Chochma' was delivered on accepting the Lamm Prize from Yeshiva University on 16th March 2010.

Halachic & Philosophical Dimensions of Jewish Prayer

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Originally recorded on 21st May 2009 at Yeshiva University, this is a shiur by Rabbi Sacks on the halachic and philosophical dimensions of Jewish pray...

The Importance of Leadership

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Organized by the S. Daniel Abraham Israel program, given in conjunction with the OU Biennial convention in Jerusalem.

Introductory Plenary Address

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded on 14th October 2007. Introductory Plenary Address given by Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks at the MES Conference entitled Partners in Creatio...

Hesped for Rav Soloveitchik

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded on 3rd June 1993

The Future of Religion in a Secular Age | Prof. Charles Taylor and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Philosophy at McGill University, Charles Taylor and Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the ...

The Inaugural Sacks Conversation with The Rt Hon Tony Blair and Matthew D'Ancona

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach the first anniversary of Rabbi Sacks’ passing, The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust held the Inaugural Sacks Conversation featuring The Rt Ho...

Rabbi Sacks welcomes Pope Benedict XVI to Britain on behalf of the faith communities (2010)

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Staying at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, Pope Benedict joined the leaders of other religions in the Waldegrave Drawing Room. The Chief Rabbi at ...

Vayera 5781 - Answering the Call

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Covenant & Conversation is Rabbi Sacks' weekly commentary on the Torah portion. All his Covenant & Conversation pieces for 5781 are themed around the ...

Lech Lecha 5781 - The Courage not to Conform

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Covenant & Conversation is Rabbi Sacks' weekly commentary on the Torah portion. All his Covenant & Conversation pieces for 5781 are themed around the ...

Noach 5781- Righteousness Is Not Leadership

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Covenant & Conversation is Rabbi Sacks' weekly commentary on the Torah portion. All his Covenant & Conversation essays for 5781 are themed around the ...

Bereishit 5781 - Taking Responsibility (Covenant & Conversation)

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Covenant & Conversation is Rabbi Sacks' weekly commentary on the Torah portion. All his Covenant & Conversation essays for 5781 are themed around the ...

C&C 5781 - Haazinu - The Arc of the Moral Universe

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Ha'azinu 5781. You can download ...

"Building the Future" (Pt 3 of 3 | Elul 5780 Lecture Series)

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the third of three drashot (short talks)I have recorded as we prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the midst of the ongoing co...

"Rethinking Failure" (Pt 2 of 3 | Elul 5780 Lecture Series)

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the second of three drashot (short talks) I have recorded as we prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the midst of the ongoing ...

"Faith & Insecurity" (Pt 1 of 3 | Elul 5780 Lecture Series)

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the first of three drashot (short talks)I have recorded as we prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the midst of the ongoing co...

How to Renew a Nation (Nitzavim - Vayelech 5780)

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Nitzavim - Vayelech 5780. You ca...

Unorthodox podcast interview with Rabbi Sacks (3rd September 2020)

06 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With thanks to our friends at the Unorthodox podcast produced by Tablet Magazine, here is Rabbi Sacks' interview from last week show. This interview w...

Be Silent and Listen (Ki Tavo 5780)

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Ki Tavo 5780. You can download a...

Does Love Conquer All? (Ki Teitse 5780)

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Ki Teitse 5780. You can download...

A Sage is Greater than a Prophet (Shoftim 5780)

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Shoftim 5780. You can download a...

The Good Society (Re'eh 5780)

10 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Re'eh 5780. You can download a P...

The Covenant and the Love (Eikev 5780)

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's double Torah portion of Eikev 5780. You can downl...

The Infinite Game (Va'etchanan 5780)

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's double Torah portion of Va'etchanan 5780. You can...

Followership (Devarim 5780)

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's double Torah portion of Devarim 5780. You can dow...

My Teacher: In Memoriam (Matot-Masei 5780)

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's double Torah portion of Matot-Masei 5780. You can...

Moral vs. Political Decisions (Pinchas 5780)

08 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Pinchas 5780. You can download a...

The Hidden Meaning of the Bilam Story (Balak 5780)

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Balak 5780. (Please note: Israel...

Kohelet, Tolstoy and the Red Heifer (Chukat 5780)

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Chukat 5780. (Please note: Israe...

How Not to Argue (Korach 5780)

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Korach 5780. (Please note: Israe...

What Is Going On? (Shelach Lecha, Covenant & Conversation 5780)

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Shelach Lecha 5780. (Please note...

Loneliness & Faith (Beha'alotcha, Covenant & Conversation 5780)

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Beha'alotecha 5780. You can down...

The Ethic of Love (Naso, Covenant & Conversation 5780)

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Naso 5780. You can download a PD...

Lifting others, we ourselves are lifted (Thought for the Day)

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a transcript of the 'Thought for the Day' broadcast on BBC Radio 4 earlier today. This is Mental Health Awareness Week, and its theme this ye...

Egalitarian Society, Jewish-Style (Bamidbar 5780)

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Bamidbar 5780. You can download ...

We’ve been through too much simply to go back to where we were (Thought for the Day)

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a recording of Rabbi Sacks' 'Thought for the Day' broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on 15th May 2020. You can read a transcript below...

The Power of a Curse (Behar-Bechukotai 5780)

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Behar-Bechukotai 5780. You can d...

Radical Uncertainty (Emor 5780)

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on this week's Torah portion of Emor 5780. You can download a PD...

Made with Love(Acharei Mot - Kedoshim 5780)

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the double Torah portion of Acharei Mot - Kedoshim 5780. You ...

Made with Love (The Ethic Of Holiness: Acharei Mot – Kedoshim 5780)

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the double Torah portion of Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5780. You ca...

Words That Heal (Tazria-Metzora 5780)

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the double Torah portion of Tazria-Metzora 5780. You can down...

Limits (Shemini, Covenant & Conversation 5780)

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Shemini 5780. You can download a PDF of ...

Left- and Right-Brain Judaism (Tzav 5780)

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Tzav 5780. You can download a PDF of thi...

A D'var Torah by Rabbi Sacks on Vayikra and the Coronavirus Pandemic

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a short D'var Torah from Rabbi Sacks on what we can learn about the Coronavirus pandemic from this week's parsha of Vayikra. (As an explanatio...

The Prophetic View of Sacrifice (Vayikra 5780)

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vayikra 5780. You can download a PDF of ...

A D'var Torah by Rabbi Sacks on Vayakhel-Pekudei in the age of the coronavirus pandemic

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dear Friends, This Shabbat, many synagogues will be empty as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. In this D'var Torah, broadcast earlier today on F...

Communities and Crowds (Vayakhel Pekudei 5780)

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vayakhel-Pekudei 5780. You can download ...

Moses Annuls a Vow (Ki Tissa 5780)

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Ki Tissa 5780. You can download a PDF of...

Dressing to Impress (Tetzaveh 5780)

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Tetzaveh 5780. You can download a PDF of...

What Do We Receive When We Give? (Terumah 5780)

26 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Terumah 5780. You can download a PDF of ...

We will do and we will hear (Mishpatim 5780)

18 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Mishpatim 5780. You can download a PDF o...

"It’s love that guides our feet along the path to joy” (Thought for the Day)

14 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This is a recording of 'Thought for the Day', broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 14th February 2020. To read a transcript, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org.

The Universal and the Particular(Yitro 5780)

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Yitro 5780. You can download a PDF of th...

Crossing the Sea (Beshallach 5780)

05 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Beshallach 5780. You can download a PDF ...

Writing My Own Chapter (Bo 5780)

29 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Bo 5780. You can download a PDF of this ...

The Weighing of the Heart (Vaera 5780)

20 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vaera 5780. You can download a PDF of th...

Faith in the Future (Shemot 5780)

15 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Shemot 5780. You can download a PDF of t...

Family, Faith and Freedom (Vayechi 5780)

06 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vayechi 5780. You can download a PDF of ...

The Future of the Past (Vayigash 5780)

30 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vayigash 5780. You can download a PDF of...

Joseph and the Risks of Power (Mikketz 5780)

23 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Mikketz 5780. You can download a PDF of ...

The Angel who did not know he was an Angel (Vayeshev 5780)

17 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vayeshev 5780. You can download a PDF of...

No Longer Shall You Be Called Jacob (Vayishlach 5780)

09 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vayishlach 5780. You can download a PDF ...

Laban the Aramean (Vayetse 5780)

03 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the audio recording of Rabbi Sacks' Covenant & Conversation commentary essay on the Torah portion of Vayetse 5780. You can download a PDF of ...