The Rabbi Sacks Legacy - podcast cover

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sackswww.rabbisacks.org
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.
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Episodes

The First Follower (Rabbi Sacks on Devarim, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Devarim was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2020. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/devarim/the-first-follower/ This week's featured essay on Devarim is available here: rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversa…-prophetic-voice/ Read and download the written essay, and all translat...

Jul 30, 202512 min

Conflict Resolution (Rabbi Sacks on Matot-Masei, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Matot-Masei was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2014. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/matot/conflict-resolution/ This week's featured essay on Matot-Masei is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/matot/the-prophetic-voice/ Read and download the wri...

Jul 23, 202510 min

Elijah and the Still, Small Voice (Rabbi Sacks on Pinchas, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Pinchas was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2015. Follow along here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/pinchas/elijah-and-the-still-small-voice/ This year's featured essay on Pinchas is available here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/pinchas/the-zealot/ Read and download...

Jul 16, 202512 min

Not Reckoned Among the Nations Rabbi Sacks on Balak, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Balak was recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2019. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/balak/not-reckoned-among-the-nations/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a ne...

Jul 09, 20259 min

Losing Miriam (Rabbi Sacks on Chukat, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio on Parshat Chukat from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2019. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/chukat/losing-miriam/ Read and download the written essay, and all translations. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDIT...

Jul 02, 202510 min

Servant Leadership (Rabbi Sacks on Korach, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2014. Follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/korach/servant-leadership/ This week we are featuring a Rabbi Sacks essay on a similar theme, entitled 'The Servant as Leader'. Read and download the written essay, and all translatio...

Jun 25, 20258 min

Fear of Failure (Shelach Lecha, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2019. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shelach-lecha/fear-of-freedom/ This week we are featuring the written essay entitled 'The Real World' written by Rabbi Sacks in 2012. Find it h...

Jun 17, 20259 min

What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today - AJC & Books and Beyond

In 2014, the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks stood on the AJC Global Forum stage and delivered a powerful call to action. Over a decade later, at AJC Global Forum 2025, AJC’s Director of Jewish Communal Partnerships, Meggie Wyschogrod Fredman, revisits that message in a special crossover episode between 'People of the Pod' and 'Books and Beyond' the podcast that delves deeply into (and beyond) four of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' books, created and hosted by Tanya White, a Sacks Scholar of the Rabbi Sac...

Jun 16, 202531 min

Loneliness and Faith (Rabbi Sacks on Beha'alotecha, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2020. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/behaalotecha/loneliness-and-faith/. This week we are featuring the written essay entitled 'Is a Leader a Nursing Father?' written by Rabbi sack...

Jun 11, 202510 min

Sages and Saints: Two Versions of the Moral Life (Rabbi Sacks on Naso)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2015. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/naso/the-courage-to-engage-with-the-world/ or to follow along with the audio here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/naso/sages-and-...

Jun 03, 202510 min

The Ever-Repeated Story (Rabbi Sacks on Bamidbar, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2017. To read and download the written essay, and all translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/bamidbar/the-ever-repeated-story/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available...

May 28, 202510 min

The Economics of Liberty (Rabbi Sacks on Behar-Bechukotai, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2015, as part of the Ethics series. To read and download the written essay, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/behar/the-economics-of-liberty/ This week we are also featuring an essay from Rabbi Sacks on Behar-Bechukotai entitled The Limits of th...

May 21, 202511 min

Holy Times (Rabbi Sacks on Parshat Emor, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2016, as part of the Spirituality series. To read and download the written essay, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/emor/holy-times/ This week we are also featuring an essay from Rabbi Sacks on Emor entitled Eternity and Mortality. To read and d...

May 14, 202513 min

Love Is Not Enough (Rabbi Sacks on Acharei Mot-Kedoshim)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2018. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/acharei-mot/love-not-enough/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://...

May 08, 202511 min

Israel Undefeated (Yom HaZikaron-Yom Ha'atzmaut 5766 speech by Rabbi Sacks)

19 years ago Rabbi Sacks delivered this Yom HaZikaron-Yom Ha'atzmaut address. He spoke, as was his annual tradition as Chief Rabbi, at the Bnei Akiva ceremony in May 2006, at Finchley Synagogue (Kinloss). These words, 19 years later, could almost have been freshly written for today. His message is timeless, and timely. Find more content like this on our Israel page: https://rabbisacks.org/israel/

Apr 30, 202512 min

The Sacrifices of Childbirth (Rabbi Sacks on Tazria-Metzora)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. This audio from Rabbi Sacks was recorded in 2018. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/tazria/holiness-and-childbirth/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https...

Apr 30, 202510 min

Limits (Rabbi Sacks on Shemini, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to the Covenant & Conversation series, Rabbi Sacks’ commentary pieces on the weekly Torah portion, exploring ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2020. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shemini/limits/ You can also find Rabbi Sacks' written article on Parshat Shemini now shared for 5785 available to read, print, and share in multiple...

Apr 23, 202510 min

Giving Thanks (Rabbi Sacks on Tzav, 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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2018. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/tzav/giving-thanks/ You can also find our written article on Parshat Tzav available to read, print, and share in multiple translations. For intergene...

Apr 08, 202511 min

Why do we sacrifice? (Rabbi Sacks on Vayikra, 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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2015. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vayikra/why-do-we-sacrifice/ You can also find our written article on Parshat Vayikra available to read, print, and share in multiple translations. F...

Apr 02, 20259 min

Encampments & Journeys (Rabbi Sacks on Pekudei)

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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2017. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vayakhel/encampments-journeys/ You can also find our written article on Parshat Pekudei available to read, print, and share in multiple translations....

Mar 26, 20259 min

The Spirit of Community (Rabbi Sacks on Vayakhel, 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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2015. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/vayakhel/the-spirit-of-community/ You can also find our written article on Parshat Vayakhel from 2012, available to read, print, and share, by visiti...

Mar 19, 202514 min

The Sabbath: First Day Or Last? (Rabbi Sacks on Ki Tissa)

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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2017. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/ki-tissa/the-sabbath-first-day-or-last/ You can also find our written article on Parshat Ki Tissa from 2012, available to read, print, and share, by ...

Mar 12, 20258 min

Dressing to Impress (Rabbi Sacks on Tetzaveh)

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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2020. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/tetzaveh/dressing-to-impress/ You can also find our written article on Parshat Tetzaveh from 2012 on a similar theme, available to read, print, and s...

Mar 04, 202511 min

The Architecture of Holiness (Rabbi Sacks on Terumah, 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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2017. To read and download the written essay and find all the translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/terumah/the-architecture-of-holiness/ For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY EDITION is now als...

Feb 26, 20258 min

The Power of Empathy (Rabbi Sacks on Mishpatim)

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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2018. To read and download the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/mishpatim/the-power-of-empathy/ You can also find our written article on Parshat Mishpatim from 2012, available to read, print, and share, by visitin...

Feb 19, 202510 min

Mount Sinai and the Birth of Freedom (Yitro, 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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2019. For the written essay and translations, click here: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/yitro/mount-sinai-and-the-birth-of-freedom/ You can find our written article on Parshat Yitro from 2012, available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rab...

Feb 12, 202510 min

The Divided Sea: Natural or Supernatural (Rabbi Sacks on Beshallach)

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. Listen to this audio recording from Rabbi Sacks in 2017. For the written essay and translations, click here: www.rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/beshallach/the-divided-sea/ You can find our written article on Parshat Beshallach from 2013, available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/cov...

Feb 04, 202510 min

The Necessity of Asking Questions (Rabbi Sacks on Bo, 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 the written article on Parshat Bo, available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/bo/the-necessity-of-asking-questions/ Multiple translations of the essay are also available here. For intergenerational discussion on the weekly Parsha and Haftara, a new FAMILY...

Jan 29, 202510 min

Freedom and Truth (Rabbi Sacks on Vaera, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to Covenant & Conversation essays, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion, exploring Jewish ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. You can find the full written article on Shemot available to read, print, and share, by visiting: rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversa…/shemot/who-am-i/ Translations in Hebrew, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Turkish, Persian and Russian are also available. A new accompanying FAMILY EDITION is now also available: ...

Jan 21, 20259 min

Who am I? (Rabbi Sacks on Shemot, Covenant & Conversation)

Welcome to Covenant & Conversation essays, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion, exploring Jewish ideas and sharing inspiration from the Torah readings of the week. You can find the full written article on Shemot available to read, print, and share, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/shemot/who-am-i/ Translations in Hebrew, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Turkish, Persian and Russian are also available. A new accompanying FAMILY EDITION is now also ...

Jan 15, 20259 min
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