The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Elijah and the Still, Small Voice (Rabbi Sacks on Pinchas, Covenant & Conversation)
Jul 16, 2025
Explore the moral dilemmas of faith faced by Jewish communities during persecution, featuring thought-provoking insights from Moses Maimonides. Discover how compassion shapes religious leadership, as illustrated by the story of Elijah. The podcast sheds light on the importance of empathy in guiding others, emphasizing that true leadership often requires a gentle approach. Join in for a reflective journey on faith, identity, and the power of compassion.
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Moroccan Jews' Harrowing Choices
- Under Almohad rule, Moroccan Jews faced forced conversion, exile, or death. - Many converted outwardly but secretly practiced Judaism, becoming the conversos or Moranos.
Maimonides Defends Forced Converts
- Maimonides defends coerced converts, saying their hidden observance retains Jewish value. - His courage contrasts with harsher rulings that excluded forced converts from the community.
Prophets Should Defend, Not Condemn
- Prophets must defend their people before God, not condemn them. - Those who criticise forced converts harshly must understand God's compassion, as shown by Elijah's example.
