The Rabbi Sacks Legacy

Follow the audio shiurim, lectures and speeches of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, global religious leader, philosopher, author of over 30 books and moral voice for our time. Rabbi Sacks served as Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth between September 1991 and September 2013. A full biography - together with an extensive online archive of Rabbi Sacks' work - is available at www.rabbisacks.org or you can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @rabbisacks.

Emotional Intelligence (Rabbi Sacks on Ha'azinu, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Ha'azinu was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2018. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/haazinu/emotional-intelligence/ This week's FEATURED essay on Ha'azinu is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/haazinu/moses-the-man/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/haazinu/moses-the-man/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

09-30
10:39

Torah as Song (Rabbi Sacks on Vayelech, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Vayelech was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2015. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vayelech/torah-as-song/ This week's FEATURED essay on Vayelech is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vayelech/the-heart-the-home-the-text/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/vayelech/the-heart-the-home-the-text/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

09-24
09:29

Three Responses to Crisis: A Midnight Selichot Address from Rabbi Sacks (Sept. 2012)

In September 2011, Rabbi Sacks delivered his Selichot address at the midnight service in Western Marble Arch Synagogue. The service included music from the Shabbaton Choir with Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld and Chazzan Jonny Turgel. This video is just the second part of the full sermon given by Rabbi Sacks. Watch this inspirational address to learn how Rabbi Sacks outlined our three choices as we face up to crisis, on a personal and national level. View the video footage and follow along with the transcript here: https://rabbisacks.org/videos/highlights-of-chief-rabbi-lord-sacks-midnight-selichot-service-address/

09-18
08:12

Why Judaism? (Rabbi Sacks on Nitzavim, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Nitzavim was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2015. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/nitzavim/why-judaism/ This week's FEATURED essay on Nitzavim is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/nitzavim/why-be-jewish/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/nitzavim/why-be-jewish/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

09-16
11:27

Be Silent and Listen (Rabbi Sacks on Ki Tavo, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Ki Tavo was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2020. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tavo/be-silent-and-listen/ This week's FEATURED essay on Ki Tavo is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tavo/listening-and-law/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/ki-tavo/listening-and-law/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

09-10
09:54

Against Hate (Rabbi Sacks on Ki Teitse, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Ki Teitse was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2014. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-teitse/against-hate/ This week's FEATURED essay on Ki Teitse is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-teitse/letting-go-of-hate/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/ki-teitse/letting-go-of-hate/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

09-03
10:33

The Greatness of Humility (Rabbi Sacks on Shoftim, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Shoftim was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2016. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shoftim/greatness-of-humility/ This week's featured essay on Shoftim is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shoftim/greatness-is-humility/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/shoftim/greatness-is-humility/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

08-27
09:07

Defining Reality (Re'eh, Rabbi Sacks on Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Re'eh was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2014. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/reeh/defining-reality/ This week's featured essay on Re'eh is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/reeh/the-politics-of-freedom/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/reeh/the-politics-of-freedom/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

08-20
10:46

The Politics of Memory (Rabbi Sacks on Eikev, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Eikev was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2019. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/eikev/the-politics-of-memory/ This week's featured essay on Eikev is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/eikev/the-morality-of-love/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/eikev/the-morality-of-love/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

08-20
10:01

Why Is The Jewish People So Small? (Vaetchanan)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Vaetchanan was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2019. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vaetchanan/why-is-the-jewish-people-so-small/ This week's featured essay on Va'etchanan is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vaetchanan/a-tiny-treasured-people/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/vaetchanan/a-tiny-treasured-people/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

08-05
09:40

The First Follower (Rabbi Sacks on Devarim, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Devarim was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2020. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/devarim/the-first-follower/ This week's featured essay on Devarim is available here: rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversa…-prophetic-voice/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/devarim/profits-and-prophets/ ________________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

07-30
11:41

Conflict Resolution (Rabbi Sacks on Matot-Masei, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Matot-Masei was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2014. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/matot/conflict-resolution/ This week's featured essay on Matot-Masei is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/matot/the-prophetic-voice/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/matot/the-prophetic-voice/ ___________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

07-23
09:45

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

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Pinchas was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2015. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/pinchas/elijah-and-the-still-small-voice/ This year's featured essay on Pinchas is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/pinchas/the-zealot/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/pinchas/the-zealot/ ___________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

07-16
12:08

Not Reckoned Among the Nations Rabbi Sacks on Balak, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Balak was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2019. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/balak/not-reckoned-among-the-nations/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/balak/not-reckoned-among-the-nations/ ___________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

07-09
08:46

Losing Miriam (Rabbi Sacks on Chukat, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Chukat from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2019. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/chukat/losing-miriam/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/chukat/losing-miriam/ ___________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

07-02
10:15

Servant Leadership (Rabbi Sacks on Korach, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2014. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/korach/servant-leadership/ This week we are featuring a Rabbi Sacks essay on a similar theme, entitled 'The Servant as Leader'. Read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/korach/the-leader-as-servant/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/korach/the-leader-as-servant/ ___________________ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

06-25
07:51

Fear of Failure (Shelach Lecha, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2019. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shelach-lecha/fear-of-freedom/ This week we are featuring the written essay entitled 'The Real World' written by Rabbi Sacks in 2012. Find it here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shelach-lecha/the-real-world/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available in English, French and Turkish: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/shelach-lecha/the-real-world/ ----- For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

06-17
08:58

What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today - AJC & Books and Beyond

In 2014, the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks stood on the AJC Global Forum stage and delivered a powerful call to action. Over a decade later, at AJC Global Forum 2025, AJC’s Director of Jewish Communal Partnerships, Meggie Wyschogrod Fredman, revisits that message in a special crossover episode between 'People of the Pod' and 'Books and Beyond' the podcast that delves deeply into (and beyond) four of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' books, created and hosted by Tanya White, a Sacks Scholar of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy.

06-16
31:21

Loneliness and Faith (Rabbi Sacks on Beha'alotecha, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2020. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/behaalotecha/loneliness-and-faith/. This week we are featuring the written essay entitled 'Is a Leader a Nursing Father?' written by Rabbi sacks in 2012. Find it here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/behaalotecha/is-a-leader-a-nursing-father/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available in English, French and Turkish: hhttps://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversa…e-with-the-world/ ----- For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

06-11
09:34

Sages and Saints: Two Versions of the Moral Life (Rabbi Sacks on Naso)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2015. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/naso/the-courage-to-engage-with-the-world/ or to follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/naso/sages-and-saints/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: hhttps://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/naso/the-courage-to-engage-with-the-world/ ----- For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

06-03
10:18

Moshe Wise

Jacob did not curse any of his sons. He disowned his first three sons for their misbehavior but he never cursed them. I am disappointed with Rabbi Sacks making such an error.

04-23 Reply

Moshe Wise

Translating הולך למות as "about to die" is debatable at best. A better translation would be "mortal".

04-23 Reply

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