The Office of Rabbi Sacks The Economics of Liberty (Rabbi Sacks on Behar-Bechukotai, Covenant & Conversation)
May 21, 2025
Dive into intriguing discussions on economic inequality, drawing from Thomas Piketty's insights about wealth concentration and its impact on democracy. Unpack the ideological clash between capitalism and communism during the Cold War, and explore the risks of unchecked economic freedom. Discover how the Torah connects economic principles with moral teachings, emphasizing liberty as a divine right. The conversation highlights the vital role of human dignity and relationships within economic frameworks.
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Capital Growth Drives Inequality
- Inequality grows because capital returns outpace income growth, concentrating wealth.
- This threatens democratic values and highlights freedom-equality tensions.
Torah Balances Freedom and Equality
- Torah seeks a balance between freedom and equality recognizing their tension.
- It mandates periodic debt release, slave freedom, and ancestral land return to preserve liberty.
Freedom Over Mere Equality
- Torah prioritizes human freedom and independence over economic equality.
- Losing independence through debt or land loss causes real humiliation and loss of dignity.
