The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Why Judaism? (Rabbi Sacks on Nitzavim, Covenant & Conversation)
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Sep 16, 2025 Delve into the essence of Jewish identity and the covenant with God as explored through Moses' teachings. Reflect on the deep obligations of Jewish heritage and the resilience faced throughout history. Discover Judaism's unique perspective on human value, emphasizing that individuals are made in God's image and the importance of living a purposeful, grateful life. Engage with the significance of the covenant at Sinai and its ongoing relevance in shaping identity and faith.
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Covenant Extends To Future Generations
- Judaism binds future generations because Moses renewed the covenant for those not yet born.
- This creates a communal identity inherited from birth rather than chosen later in life.
Soul Consent Versus Bodily Commitment
- The sages taught unborn souls consented at Sinai, explaining inherited Jewish status.
- Isaac Arama rejects that as sufficient because covenant affects embodied lives, not just souls.
Arama's Question Born From Persecution
- Isaac Arama raised the question "Why be Jewish?" in 15th-century Spain amid forced conversions.
- Spanish persecutions made Jewish identity a real choice for the first time in centuries.
