The Rabbi Sacks Legacy
Episodes
"When Weakness Becomes Strength"| Shemini, Covenant & Conversation 5778
29 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
"Giving Thanks" | Tzav, Covenant & Conversation 5778
21 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
A New Concept of Freedom: A Shiur for Pesach
20 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to a pre-Pesach shiur by Rabbi Sacks with fresh insights into the concept of freedom. To download the accompanying source sheet, please click ...
"The Call" | Vayikra, Covenant & Conversation 5778
13 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
"Making Space" | Vayakhel & Pekudei, Covenant & Conversation 5778
05 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
"Anger: Its Uses and Abuses" | Ki Tissa, Covenant & Conversation 5778
28 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
C&C 5778 - Tetzaveh - Crushed for the Light
21 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
C&C 5778 - Terumah - Why We Value What We Make
14 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
C&C 5778 - Mishpatim - The Power of Empathy
07 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
C&C 5778 - Yitro - The Bond Of Loyalty And Love
31 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
"Strengthening ourselves, our children and the world"
25 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Here is a recording of an address at the Kohelet Yeshiva High School in Philadelphia where Rabbi Sacks spoke about the subject of 'anti-fragile' and t...
C&C 5778 - Beshalach - The Longer, Shorter Road
24 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
C&C 5778 - Bo - The Story We Tell
17 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
C&C 5778 - Vaera - Freewill: Use It Or Lose It
09 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
5778 - Shemot - God Loves Those Who Argue
02 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
5778 - Vayechi - What it Takes to Forgive
27 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
5778 - Vayigash - The First Psychotherapist
19 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
Lighting a Candle of Hope - A short thought for Chanukah from Rabbi Sacks
14 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday, Rabbi Sacks took part in a Facebook Live project being run by The Jerusalem Post, in conjunction with Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs...
5778 - Mikketz - Jews And Economics
12 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
5778 - Vayeshev - Improbable Endings And The Defeat Of Despair
06 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
C&C 5778 - Vayishlach - The Struggle Of Faith
27 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
Yeshiva University - 'The World of Tomorrow' Conference
21 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday 22nd October, Rabbi Sacks participated in a public conversation with Rabbi Ari Lamm as part of Yeshiva University's 'World of Tomorrow' Conf...
C&C 5778 - Vayetse - Out of the Depths
21 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
Why Isaac? Why Jacob? | Toldot, Covenant & Conversation 5778
13 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? It is a way of thinking, a constellation of ideas: a way of understanding the world and our place within it. Judaism contains life-ch...
Truth emerges from disagreement and debate (thought for the Day)
13 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is a recording of Rabbi Sacks' 'Thought for the Day', delivered on BBC Radio 4 on Friday 10th November 2017.
C&C 5778 - Chayei Sarah - The World's Oldest Man
07 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? A religion? A faith? A way of life? A set of beliefs? A collection of commands? A culture? A civilisation? It is all these, but it is...
Fake news erodes the moral ecology on which liberty depends (Thought for the Day)
06 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Rabbi Sacks delivered the 'Thought for the Day' on BBC Radio 4 on Friday 3rd November in which he spoke about the challenged posed to society by the p...
C&C 5778 - Vayera - The Space Between Us
01 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? A religion? A faith? A way of life? A set of beliefs? A collection of commands? A culture? A civilisation? It is all these, but it is...
Rabbi Sacks accepts The Irving Kristol Award from the American Enterprise Institute
30 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
On 24th October 2017, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks received the American Enterprise Institute's Irving Kristol Award at a gala dinner in Washington DC. ...
Inner-Directedness | Lech Lecha, Covenant & Conversation 5778
23 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? A religion? A faith? A way of life? A set of beliefs? A collection of commands? A culture? A civilisation? It is all these, but it is...
The Trace of God | Noach, Covenant & Conversation 5778
17 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? A religion? A faith? A way of life? A set of beliefs? A collection of commands? A culture? A civilisation? It is all these, but it is...
The Faith of God | Bereishit, Covenant & Conversation 5778
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? A religion? A faith? A way of life? A set of beliefs? A collection of commands? A culture? A civilisation? It is all these, but it is...
Judaism's Life-Changing Ideas | An Introduction to Covenant & Conversation 5778
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What is Judaism? A religion? A faith? A way of life? A set of beliefs? A collection of commands? A culture? A civilisation? It is all these, but it is...
Lessons From Kohelet - A Sukkot Shiur By Rabbi Sacks
03 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to a Sukkot shiur by Rabbi Sacks to discover what it is about the book of Kohelet that makes it such a relevant text for today's society.
Confusing Satan - Pre-Rosh Hashanah shiur by Rabbi Sacks
17 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
To mark the launch of 'Ceremony and Celebration: An Introduction to the Holidays' (published by Maggid Books), Rabbi Sacks delivered a pre-Rosh Hashan...
Understanding Prayer: Heart, Mind and Soul
15 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This track is the audio versions for a series of ten videos Rabbi Sacks produced called 'Understanding Prayer: Heart, Mind and Soul'. These videos - a...
CC 5777 - Nitzavim-Vayelech - Why Be Jewish?
13 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Vayelech-Nitzavim. Rabbi Sacks continues the conversation from last week on the eternal covenant between God and the Jewish people, and how it affects...
C&C 5777 - Ki Tavo - Covenant and Conversation
06 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ki Tavo. Rabbi Sacks speaks this week of the eternal covenant between God and the Jewish people, which is formed and maintained through conversation a...
C&C 5777 - Ki Teitse - Two Types of Hate
30 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ki Teitse. Rabbi Sacks speaks this week of the seemingly strange command against Amalek. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Ma...
C&C 5777 - Shoftim - The Consent of the Governed
22 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Shoftim. Rabbi Sacks speaks this week of how the Torah is the eternal voice on ideals for society, democracy, politics, freedom and human dignity. Co...
C&C 5777 - Reeh - The Limits of Grief
16 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This week we read the parsha of Re'eh, where Rabbi Sacks will discuss how Jewish law (Halakhah)sets clear guidelines for mourners, allowing us to hono...
Lessons in Leadership - Responses for the Harvard Business School's Executive Education Programme
11 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Rabbi Sacks was recently asked some questions on the subject of leadership by a student on the Executive Education Programme at the Harvard Business S...
C&C 5777 - Eikev - Why Civilisations Fail
08 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Eikev. What is the real challenge of maintaining a free society? Rabbi Sacks takes a look at this week's parsha of Eikev, to emphasise the key ways t...
C&C 5777 - Vaetchanan - Philosophy or Prophecy?
02 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Va'etchanan. Rabbi Sacks enters into the ages old debate on whether the first of the ten commandments is truly the first of the 613 mitzvot, and by br...
C&C 5777 - Devarim - The Book of the Covenant
26 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Devarim. Rabbi Sacks raises and answers three fundamental questions about the book of Devarim. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by ...
Cultural Climate Change: The Role of Religion in a Secularised West
21 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
On Thursday 13th July, Rabbi Sacks delivered a keynote lecture on the concept of what he called 'Cultural Climate Change' and what religion has to off...
How we can face the future without fear, together (Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, TED2017)
19 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
It's a fateful moment in history. We've seen divisive elections, divided societies and the growth of extremism -- all fueled by anxiety and uncertaint...
C&C 5777 - Mattot Masei - The Prophetic Voice
18 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Mattot-Masei. Jewish prophets were the world’s first social critics and their message continues through the centuries. Rabbi Sacks takes a look this...
C&C 5777 - Pinchas - Influence and Power
11 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Pinchas. When Moses asks for God to appoint a successor to lead the people, God gives him precise instructions for a three-step process. What is the s...
C&C 5777 - Balak - A People That Dwells Alone - OR - The Exception to the Rule
05 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Balak. "How and why are Jews different. The biblical answer is surprising and profound..." Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the ...
C&C 5777 - Descartes Error - Chukkat
28 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Chukat. The Jewish laws known as chukkim are not meant to be necessarily understood by us, but nevertheless they should be followed. In the light of...
C&C 5777 - Korach - A Lesson in Conflict Resolution
21 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Korach. "The Korach rebellion was the single most dangerous challenge to Moses’ leadership during the forty years that he led the people through the...
C&C 5777 - Shelach Lecha - Freedom Needs Patience
12 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Shelach Lecha. You can take the Jewish people out of Egypt but it's far harder to take Egypt out of the Jewish people. Rabbi Sacks explores how the pe...
C&C 5777 - Behaalotcha - Leadership Beyond Despair
05 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Beha'alotecha. "We identify with the heroes of the Bible because, despite their greatness, they never cease to be human, nor do they aspire to be anyt...
C&C 5777 - Naso - The Pursuit of Peace
30 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Naso. "Naso is a series of practical lessons in how to ensure, as far as possible, that everyone feels recognised and respected, and that suspicion is...
C&C 5777 - Bamidbar - The Ever-Repeated Story
24 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Bamidbar. "Here in the Torah is the way to create a freedom that honours order, and a social order that honours human freedom. There is no other way."...
C&C 5777 - Behar & Bechukotai - Minority Rights
18 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Behar & Bechukotai. "Minority rights are the best test of a free and just society." Rabbi Sacks takes a look at this week's double parsha, to look at ...
C&C 5777 - Emor - The Duality of Jewish Time
10 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Emor. "Time plays an enormous part in Judaism." Rabbi Sacks takes a look at this week's parsha of Emor, to delve into the duality of Jewish Time. Cov...
C&C 5777 - Tazria-Metsorah - Is there such a thing as Lashon Tov?
26 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Tazria-Metsorah. If it is a sin to talk negatively about others, is it a mitzvah to talk positively? Rabbi Sacks takes a look at this week's double pa...
C&C 5777 - Shemini - The Light We Make
20 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Shemini. "What is the significance of the “eighth day,” the phrase that gives our sedra its name? To understand the profound symbolism of the num...
Being an Inspired Parent: "The Keys to Stability" (9/13)
06 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is the ninth episode of the new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspired (and inspiring) parent. Each short episode focuses on on...
Being an Inspired Parent: "Think Long" (8/13)
06 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is the eighth episode of the new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspired (and inspiring) parent. Each short episode focuses on o...
C&C 5777 - Tzav - Why Civilisations Die
05 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Tzav. "The world’s greatest civilisations have all, in time, become extinct while Judaism has always survived." How? Rabbi Sacks takes a look at thi...
Being an Inspiring Parent: "Be in but not of the world" (7/13)
31 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is the seventh episode of the new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspired (and inspiring) parent. Each short episode focuses on ...
Being an Inspiring Parent: "Learning and Doing" (6/13)
30 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is the sixth episode of the new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspired (and inspiring) parent. Each short episode will focus on...
Being an Inspiring Parent: "Make your Judaism Sing" (5/13)
29 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is the fifth episode of the new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspired (and inspiring) parent. Each short episode will focus on...
Being an Inspiring Parent: "No Need for High Walls" (4/13)
27 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is the fourth episode of the new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspired (and inspiring) parent. Each short episode will focus o...
'Finding a Moral Compass in Challenging Times' - David Brooks & Rabbi Sacks in conversation
24 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
On 21st March 2017, prominent New York Times columnist David Brooks and Rabbi Sacks held a public conversation at 92nd St Y in New York entitled ‘F...
Being an Inspiring Parent: "Lead the Way" (3/13)
24 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
This is the third episode of the new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspired (and inspiring) parent. Each short episode will focus on...
Being an Inspiring Parent: "Serve God in joy" (2/13)
22 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next few weeks, listen to a new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspiring parent. Each short episode will focus on one of Rab...
C&C 5777 - Vayakhel Pekudei - Encampments & Journeys
20 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Vayakhel Pekudei. This week I take a look at the journeys that the Jewish People experienced as they travelled through the desert, and how these trave...
Being an Inspiring Parent: "Making Space" (1/13)
16 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next few weeks, listen to a new podcast series from Rabbi Sacks on how to be an inspiring parent. Each short episode will focus on one of Rab...
C&C 5777 - Ki Tissa - The Sabbath: First Day or Last?
15 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Ki Tissa. From God’s point of view, the Sabbath was the seventh day. From the point of view of the first human beings – created on the sixth day –...
C&C 5777 - Tetzaveh - Who Is Honoured?
06 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Tetzavah. Honour is given to those who honour others. Rabbi Sacks explores the positive rolemodels of brothers Moses and Aharon. Covenant and Convers...
C&C 5777 - Terumah - The Architecture of Holiness
28 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Terumah. Why did we build a 'home" for a God who is Omnipresent? And why does the Torah write about the measurements and process with such meticulous ...
C&C 5777 - Mishpatim - God's Nudge
20 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Mishpatim. This week Rabbi Sacks examines how sometimes the laws of the Torah are a gentle nudge to encourage us as a society to think and behave in a...
C&C 5777 - Yitro - Justice or Peace?
13 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Yitro. This week Rabbi Sacks explores Yitro's advice to Moshe to delegate his duties. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Mauri...
C&C 5777 - Beshalach - The Power of Ruach
07 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Beshalach. This week Rabbi Sacks examines the story of the splitting of the Red Sea, and the different ways of reading this as a miracle and as an his...
C&C 5777 - Bo - The Necessity of Asking Questions
01 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Bo. This week Rabbi Sacks explores the unique way that Jewish education encourages questions, using the parsha of Bo. Covenant and Conversation 5777 ...
C&C 5777 - Va'era - Freedom & Truth
24 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Va'era. This week Rabbi Sacks reflects on the parsha of Va'era and explains that no-one should be forced to live a lie, because where there is freedom...
C&C 5777 - Shemot - Who Am I?
16 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Shemot. Moses asks "Who Am I?" and we learn that each individual must ask this question and follow their social conscience to discover the deeper answ...
Jewish Time (Vayechi 5777)
09 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Vayechi. Is there some connection between the narrative form and the theme with which the Joseph story ends, namely forgiveness? Covenant and Convers...
Choice and Change (Vayigash 5777)
05 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Vayigash. What makes Judah the role model and namesake of Judaism? Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable ...
What is the Theme of the Stories of Genesis?(Vayeshev, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
19 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Vayeshev. The natural universe is the way it is, because it is the language of relationships and the choreography of love. Covenant and Conversation ...
The Jewish Journey (Vayishlach, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
12 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Vayishlach. Why is Jacob the father of our people, the hero of our faith? Covenant and Conversation 5777 on Spirituality is kindly supported by the M...
Faith In Our Future: A Panel Discussion With Rabbi Jonathan Sacks And Rabbi Joseph Dweck
07 Dec 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On November 15th, young Jews from New York’s Sephardic community had the chance to explore existential questions about Judaism’s future alongside ...
Why Did Isaac Love Esau? (Toldot, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
29 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Toldot. Not all children follow the path of their parents.... Covenant and Conversation 5777 on Spirituality is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl ...
A Journey of a Thousand Miles (Chayei Sarah, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
23 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Chayei Sarah. After all their troubles, how can the Torah say that Abraham had been blessed with everything? The answer is given by the parsha itself....
Rabbi Sacks at the Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly
21 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday 13th November 2016, Rabbi Sacks delivered the opening plenary keynote address at the Jewish Federations of North America's annual General As...
The Miracle of a Child (Vayera, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
15 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Vayera. There is a mystery at the heart of Jewish existence, engraved into the first syllables of our recorded time. Covenant and Conversation 5777 o...
On Being a Jewish Parent (Lech Lecha, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
08 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Lech Lecha. Truly Abraham became the father of many nations. But who and what was Abraham? Why was he chosen for this exemplary role? Covenant and C...
Dreaming, not streaming (thought for the Day)
04 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to Rabbi Sacks' Thought for the Day about the importance of a Digital Detox delivered on 4th November on BBC Radio 4.
Individual and Collective Responsibility(Noach, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
02 Nov 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Noach. The parsha begins and ends with two great events, the Flood on the one hand, Babel and its tower on the other. On the face of it they have noth...
The Faith of God (Bereishit, Covenant & Conversation 5777)
26 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
There is a deep question at the heart of Jewish faith, and it is very rarely asked. As the Torah opens we see God creating the universe day by day, br...
Rabbi Sacks On Shimon Peres And The Middle East
14 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday afternoon, Rabbi Sacks participated in a House of Lords debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The primary focus of his comments was ar...
Life Lessons of Kohelet - A Sukkot shiur by Rabbi Sacks
13 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
On 26th September 2016, Rabbi Sacks delivered a shiur to officially launch the Koren Sacks Sukkot Mahzor (The Gross Family Edition). The video was rec...
Nitzavim (Not In Heaven, Covenant & Conversation 5776 on Spirituality)
29 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Nitzavim. Covenant and Conversation 5776 on Spirituality is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivien...
We Are What We Remember (Ki Tavo, Covenant & Conversation 5776 on Spirituality)
19 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ki Tavo. Covenant and Conversation 5776 on Spirituality is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienn...
Love is Not Enough (Ki Teitse, Covenant & Conversation on Ethics)
12 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Ki Teitse. Covenant and Conversation 5776 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l. ...
Greatness of Humility (Shoftim, Covenant & Conversation 5776 on Spirituality)
07 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Shoftim. Covenant and Conversation 5776 on Spirituality is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienn...