
The Office of Rabbi 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.
Latest episodes

Dec 27, 2023 • 5min
Grandparents (Rabbi Sacks on Vayechi, Covenant & Conversation)
The podcast explores the blessing of grandparents on grandchildren, highlighting its significance in preserving Jewish identity in exile. It also discusses the privilege of teaching Torah to grandchildren, sharing a story about Rabbi Yeshua Ben-Lavi interrupting his bath to listen to his grandson recite the weekly parashah.

Dec 19, 2023 • 5min
The Space Between (Rabbi Sacks on Vayigash, Covenant & Conversation)
Welcome to Covenant & Conversation essays, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion, explores new ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week.
You can find both the video and the full written article on Vayigash available to watch, read, print, and share, by visiting: www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vayigash/the-space-between/
A new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/vayigash/the-space-between/
For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks.
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. This piece was originally written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2010.
With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

Dec 13, 2023 • 6min
Sibling Rivalry (Rabbi Sacks on Mikketz, Covenant & Conversation)
Welcome to Covenant & Conversation essays, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion, explores new ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week.
You can find both the video and the full written article on Mikketz available to watch, read, print, and share, by visiting: https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/mikketz/sibling-rivalry/
A new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/mikketz/sibling-rivalry/
For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks.
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. This piece was originally written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2010.
With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.

Dec 6, 2023 • 8min
Speech Therapy (Rabbi Sacks on Vayeshev, Covenant & Conversation)
Rabbi Sacks, commentary on the weekly Torah portion, explores themes of favoritism, communication, and conflict resolution in the story of Joseph. It emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and addressing conflicts, highlighting the consequences of silence and the role of language in achieving reconciliation and peace.

Nov 29, 2023 • 9min
Collective Responsibility (Vayishlach, Covenant & Conversation)
The podcast discusses the story of Deena's abduction and rape in the Torah, and explores the concept of collective responsibility and its implications for societies. It delves into the recurring argument between Jacob and his sons, as well as its relevance in the middle ages. The chapter also examines the idea of collective responsibility and guilt, and highlights the distinction between collective responsibility and punishment.

Nov 22, 2023 • 11min
The Character of Jacob (Vayetse, Covenant & Conversation)
Explore the character of Jacob, his controversial actions and the deceit practiced on him. Learn about the deception surrounding Leah and Rachel and Jacob's clever strategy to become wealthy. Discover Jacob's character transformation from a cunning trickster to a moral hero, embodying moral courage as Israel.

Nov 15, 2023 • 8min
Why Did Isaac Love Esau? (Toldot, Covenant & Converation)
Explore the complex relationship between twin brothers Jacob and Esau, including the divided affections of their parents and the interpretations of Isaac's love for Esau. Delve into the paradox of Isaac's love for Esau and the responsibility of parents. Discover the significance of Esau's act of honor and how it relates to God's reward. Reflect on the concept of unconditional love for one's children.

Nov 8, 2023 • 8min
Abraham: A Life of Faith (Chayei Sarah, Covenant & Conversation)
Examining the contrasting perspectives of the Sages on the greatness of Abraham and Noah, contrasting the righteousness of Noah and Abraham in times of tragedy and grief, and exploring Abraham's response to grief and securing of the Jewish future.

7 snips
Nov 1, 2023 • 13min
The Binding of Isaac: A New Interpretation (Vayera, Covenant & Conversation)
Explore the story of Abraham and Isaac with new interpretations, highlighting moral dilemmas, different perspectives, and the concept of ownership in Jewish law. Discover the Torah's revolutionary idea that children belong to God, challenging parental ownership and aiming to abolish dominant-submissive relationships.

Oct 25, 2023 • 10min
On Being a Jewish Parent (Lech Lecha, Covenant & Conversation)
Welcome to Covenant & Conversation essays, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion, explores new ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week.
You can find both the video and the full written article on Lech Lecha available to watch, read, print, and share, by visiting: https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/lech-lecha/on-being-a-jewish-parent/
A new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/lech-lecha/on-being-a-jewish-parent/
For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks.
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. This piece was originally written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2010.
With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.