The Rabbi Sacks Legacy A Call from the Future (Rabbi Sacks on Chayei Sarah, Covenant & Conversation)
Nov 12, 2025
Dive into themes of resilience as Rabbi Sacks examines Abraham's response to trauma and loss. He draws powerful parallels with Holocaust survivors, showcasing how focusing on the future can cultivate strength. The dangers of fixating on the past are highlighted through comparisons with Noah and Lot's wife. Influenced by Viktor Frankl, Rabbi Sacks emphasizes that a sense of purpose arises from a call towards the future. Ultimately, he encourages us to build our futures first, setting the stage for healing and growth.
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Abraham's Trial And Recovery
- Rabbi Sacks recounts Abraham's life: promises, the near-sacrifice of Isaac, and Sarah's death at 137.
- Despite trauma and unfulfilled promises, Abraham rose from grief and took decisive steps.
Act Rather Than Wait
- Do not wait for God to act; take the next step yourself when called to fulfill a promise.
- Act to secure land and continuity rather than remaining paralyzed by grief.
Survivors Built Futures First
- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks describes Holocaust survivors who rebuilt lives rather than dwell on the past.
- They learned new languages, built careers, married, and only decades later told their stories.
