The Rabbi Sacks Legacy
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Follow the audio shiurim, lectures and speeches of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, global religious leader, philosopher, author of over 30 books and moral voice for our time. Rabbi Sacks served as Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth between September 1991 and September 2013. A full biography - together with an extensive online archive of Rabbi Sacks' work - is available at www.rabbisacks.org or you can follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @rabbisacks.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 20, 2026 • 13min
How Perfect were the Matriarchs and Patriarchs? (Lech Lecha)
Why does Genesis portray its founding figures with such troubling flaws? This exploration follows Ramban’s criticism of Abraham’s journey to Egypt, Sarah’s treatment of Hagar, and the sweeping historical consequences he links to their choices. It examines unresolved moral questions, the complexity of biblical characters, and Judaism’s vision of human dignity, humility, accountability, and growth.
Oct 13, 2026 • 8min
The Courage to Live with Uncertainty (Noach, Studies in Spirituality)
A reflection on Noah’s hesitation to leave the ark and what it means to rebuild after catastrophe. The discussion explores faith as courageous action amid uncertainty, from challenging empires and pioneering new ideas to the loneliness of innovation. It also traces the daring spirit behind Zionism and the responsibility to create without waiting for permission.
Oct 6, 2026 • 11min
The Genesis of Justice (Bereishit, essays on ethics)
A wide-ranging exploration of Genesis as a radical blueprint for human dignity, equality, justice, and moral responsibility. The discussion contrasts biblical creation with ancient myths of divine power, examines the political challenge posed by humanity’s equal divine image, and considers the limits of human dominion. It also follows the profound connection between freedom, moral choice, and the foundations of justice.
Sep 14, 2026 • 8min
Let My Teaching Drop as Rain (Rabbi Sacks on Ha'azinu, Covenant & Conversation)
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, renowned British Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, and author, explores Ha'azinu’s image of Torah as life-giving rain. He considers how one Torah nurtures many forms of growth, why leadership must respect individuality, and how Jewish tradition celebrates distinct minds, faces, and paths. Biblical figures, sages, and diverse interpretations of revelation all illuminate the tension between unity and human difference.
Sep 9, 2026 • 17min
How to Evolve (Selichot address by Rabbi Sacks from 2009)
Rabbi Sacks explores the journey of teshuvah, from escaping victimhood and taking responsibility to confronting personal flaws. He reflects on responding to crisis with courage, hope, and compassion, the transformative power of gratitude, and how selfless love can illuminate even the darkest circumstances.
Sep 1, 2026 • 11min
How to Renew a Nation (Rabbi Sacks on Nitzavim-Vayelech, Covenant & Conversation)
Rabbi Sacks explores how Nitzavim-Vayelech presents the renewal of a nation through public assembly and the writing of Torah. He examines the balance between individual and collective responsibility, the inclusion of every generation, and the king’s submission to divine law. The discussion connects Hakel to Sinai, communal Torah reading, and the challenge of recovering a people’s founding ideals.
7 snips
Aug 25, 2026 • 8min
Freedom Means Telling the Story (Ki Tavo, Covenant & Conversation)
A reflection on how monuments and rituals keep a nation’s founding story alive. A contrast between societies built on ancestry and those built on moral covenants. A look at rituals that make citizens retell their history. An exploration of how adopting a people’s story creates belonging and sustains freedom.
9 snips
Aug 18, 2026 • 11min
Against Hate (Rabbi Sacks on Ki Teitse, Covenant & Conversation)
A reflection on the Torah portion that examines commands against despising others. Conversations on confronting racism, rejecting inherited hatred, and breaking cycles of retaliation. Links between compassionate strategy and moral leadership are explored. A warning about how hate fuels destructive leadership and a call to elevate society through forgiveness and dignity.
Aug 11, 2026 • 9min
Learning and Leadership (Rabbi Sacks on Shoftim, Covenant & Conversation)
A reflection on leadership drawn from Shoftim, exploring separation of priestly, royal and prophetic powers. Discussion of monarchy’s limits and the laws that restrain rulers. The duty of kings to write and read sacred texts is highlighted. Historical leaders who read deeply are named. A call for leaders to keep learning and blend worldly wisdom with Torah study.
Aug 4, 2026 • 9min
Making Poverty History (Re'eh, Covenant & Conversation)
Three rabbinic stories about giving set the scene. The Torah’s obligations for tzedakah and the difference from voluntary charity are explored. Rules to protect dignity and why even the poor should give are discussed. Rambam’s model of loans and work is compared to modern microfinance. A moral case is made for actively fighting poverty rather than romanticizing it.
