The Rabbi Sacks Legacy

It's a fateful moment in history. We've seen divisive elections, divided societies and the growth of extremism -- all fueled by anxiety and uncertainty. "Is there something we can do, each of us, to be able to face the future without fear?" asks Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. In this electrifying talk at TED2017, the spiritual leader gives us three specific ways we can move from the politics of "me" to the politics of "all of us, together."

Mattot-Masei. Jewish prophets were the world’s first social critics and their message continues through the centuries. Rabbi Sacks takes a look this week at prophetic truths, and what we must learn from them today. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Pinchas. When Moses asks for God to appoint a successor to lead the people, God gives him precise instructions for a three-step process. What is the significance of these detailed instructions? What does it tell us about the nature of leadership in Judaism? Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Balak. "How and why are Jews different. The biblical answer is surprising and profound..." Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Chukat. The Jewish laws known as chukkim are not meant to be necessarily understood by us, but nevertheless they should be followed. In the light of recent neuroscience we can suggest that they are laws designed to bypass the prefrontal cortex, the rational brain, and create instinctive patterns of behaviour to counteract some of the darker emotional drives at work in the human mind. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Korach. "The Korach rebellion was the single most dangerous challenge to Moses’ leadership during the forty years that he led the people through the wilderness." How was this conflict resolved? Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Shelach Lecha. You can take the Jewish people out of Egypt but it's far harder to take Egypt out of the Jewish people. Rabbi Sacks explores how the people changed their mindset after being freed from slavery. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Beha'alotecha. "We identify with the heroes of the Bible because, despite their greatness, they never cease to be human, nor do they aspire to be anything else. Hence the phenomenon of which the sedra of Beha’alotecha provides a shattering example: the vulnerability of some of the greatest religious leaders of all time, to depression and despair." Rabbi Sacks takes a look at this week's parsha, to learn from biblical leaders like Moshe, who continued on to greatness even after reaching their lowest points. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Naso. "Naso is a series of practical lessons in how to ensure, as far as possible, that everyone feels recognised and respected, and that suspicion is defused and dissolved." Rabbi Sacks takes a look at this week's parsha of Naso, to explore the Torah's emphasis on the pursuit of peace. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.

Bamidbar. "Here in the Torah is the way to create a freedom that honours order, and a social order that honours human freedom. There is no other way." Rabbi Sacks takes a look at this week's parsha of Bamidbar, to explore the repeated themes of the Torah, and what we can learn from them. Covenant and Conversation 5777 is kindly supported by the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation in memory of Maurice and Vivienne Wohl z”l.