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

Apr 22, 2024 • 59min
From the Pesach Archives: B'Chol Dor V'Dor-The Challenge of Antisemitism from the Haggadah to now
This lecture was delivered during Rabbi Sacks’ engagement as professor at Yeshiva University, when he gave the keynote address (shiur) at The Jewish Center in New York.
For additional Pesach shiurim, articles, videos and resources, visit RabbiSacks.org/passover-pesach/.
Wishing you and your families a chag kasher v'sameach!
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy team

Apr 17, 2024 • 8min
Is there such a thing as Lashon Tov? (Tazria, Covenant & Conversation)
Exploring La Shon Tov and La Shon Hara, emphasizing the impact of words on relationships. Comparing Rashi and Rambam's perspectives on giving praise. The duty to speak positively about others and its ethical implications. The power of Lashon Tov and targeted praise in uplifting individuals.

Apr 9, 2024 • 7min
Othello, WikiLeaks, and Mildewed Walls (Tazria, Covenant & Conversation)
The podcast discusses the concept of Sarat beyond skin conditions, exploring the destructive power of slander through Othello, and examining deception and public consequences in biblical and contemporary contexts.

Apr 2, 2024 • 9min
Spontaneity: Good or Bad? (Shemini, Covenant & Conversation)
Exploring the consequences of unauthorized offerings, contrasting with Moses shattering the tablets. Dynamic roles of priests and prophets in prayer. Origins and debate on prayers like Shakris, Menkra, and Mariv, emphasizing balance between tradition and freshness.

Mar 27, 2024 • 8min
Why Civilisations Die (Tzav, Covenant & Conversation)
Explore the rise and fall of civilizations like the Mayans, the Jewish response to crises, the adaptation of religious practices by Jewish sages, and the importance of planning for the future through lasting institutions like synagogues and schools.

Mar 21, 2024 • 3min
From the Archives: The Therapeutic Joy of Purim
Delving into the unique joy of Purim despite facing adversities, Rabbi Sacks discusses the significance of celebrating resilience and strength in the face of anti-Semitism, emphasizing the therapeutic aspect of finding joy as a defense mechanism against negative emotions.

Mar 20, 2024 • 8min
The Dimensions of Sin (Vayikra, Covenant & Conversation)
The podcast discusses the concept of sin offerings in the Torah, exploring the dimensions of sin, guilt, shame, and atonement. It compares historical perspectives on sin offerings to modern scenarios of unintentional wrongs, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and cleansing. The discussion also touches on the symbolic nature of sin, the impact of actions on character, and suggests acts of kindness as contemporary forms of atonement.

Mar 13, 2024 • 6min
On Jewish Character (Pekudei, Covenant & Conversation)
The podcast delves into Jewish character through exploring generosity and anxiety, highlighting contrasting aspects of the Israelites' nature. It also discusses the significance of charity in Jewish tradition and the inherent nature of giving in Jewish heritage.

Mar 5, 2024 • 9min
God’s Shadow (Vayakhel, Covenant & Convenant 5784)
Explore the role of Bezalel in creating intricate designs for the tabernacle, the aesthetic dimension and therapeutic power of beauty in Judaism, and the spiritual essence of art reflected in Rembrandt's work.

Feb 27, 2024 • 10min
Between Truth and Peace (Ki Tissa, Covenant & Conversation)
The podcast explores Aaron's controversial role in the golden calf incident, discussing his tactics of buying time and using the calf as a communication tool. It contrasts his perceived weakness with his later portrayal as a peace-seeking hero who bridges gaps. The discussion delves into the importance of balancing truth and peace in leadership, comparing the approaches of Moses and Aaron and highlighting the significance of mediation and compromise.


