Books & Beyond - The Rabbi Sacks Podcast with Dr. Tanya White E3. Future Tense (Part 1)
Jan 21, 2025
Dr. Mijal Bitton, a community-focused spiritual leader and sociologist, engages with Dr. Tanya White to explore the central themes of the book 'Future Tense.' They discuss the evolution of Jewish identity in the face of antisemitism, emphasizing the shift from victimhood to empowerment. Key conversations include the concept of antisemitism as a 'mutating virus' and the importance of resilience within the Jewish narrative. Furthermore, they highlight the significance of cross-cultural dialogue and the need for a hopeful narrative amidst contemporary challenges.
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Context of Future Tense
- Rabbi Sacks wrote "Future Tense" in 2009, addressing both external threats like the Gaza War and internal threats like assimilation.
- He questioned how to form a coherent Jewish identity not based on negativity.
Timely and Timeless
- Rabbi Sacks' writing blends timeliness and timelessness, addressing immediate concerns while grounding them in enduring principles.
- This allows him to analyze contemporary challenges through the lens of Jewish history and tradition.
Reframing the Jewish Story
- Rabbi Sacks aimed to recover the classic terms of the Jewish story, arguing that an image of isolation has held Jews captive.
- He believed in reframing this image and recovering faith in both the Jewish community and the outside world.
