What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today In this special cross-posted conversation with AJC’s People of the Pod, Dr. Tanya White speaks with AJC’s Director of Jewish Communal Partnerships, Meggie Wyschogrod Fredman and Sacks Legacy Global Chief Executive, Joanna Benarroch to explore the enduring relevance of Rabbi Sacks’ reflections on the state of the Jewish world. Drawing on his essays, speeches, and vision for global Jewish leadership, this discussion delves into the challenges and hopes that continue to shape Jewish identity and responsibility today. Note: This is an appendix episode and not part of the main Books and Beyond podcast series.

This is the recording of our Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast launch event, Dr. Tanya White in conversation with Lord Daniel Finkelstein and Gila Sacks about Rabbi Sacks' ideas in today's post 07/10 world. Note: This is an appendix episode and not part of the main Books and Beyond podcast series

In this final episode of the series, Dr. Tanya White moves beyond the book, Morality, to engage with two guests offering unique perspectives on the book’s relevance and legacy. Framed as the “application” of Rabbi Sacks’ big ideas to today’s global challenges, the episode explores how Morality speaks directly to the crises of our time.

Dr. Tanya White and Rabbi Dr. Samuel Lebens engage in an enlightening conversation on the fourth and final book of the series, Morality (which we have termed “The Application”). They explore the book’s context, structure, and themes, delving into the nature of freedom in today’s Western liberal democracies, the challenge of fostering moral commitment to a collective “we” in an age of radical individualism, and whether religion can serve as a force for good in a divided world. Their discussion addresses pressing societal challenges and seeks answers through the lens of Rabbi Sacks’ profound ideas in Morality.

In this second episode on To Heal a Fractured World, Dr. Tanya White moves beyond the book to explore Rabbi Sacks’ philosophy through conversations with four remarkable guests. The episode highlights how the book weaves together foundational themes in Rabbi Sacks' thought: responsibility, covenant, the balance between the universal and the particular, the relationship between God and humanity, and the work of mending the world. It challenges us to reconsider our religious worldview and approach to social activism.

Dr. Tanya White is joined by Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum for an engaging discussion on the third book in the series, To Heal a Fractured World (which they have termed “The Mission”). They explore Rabbi Sacks’ vision of the Jewish mission to heal the world, emphasizing small acts of human responsibility and a commitment to tradition and ethics over revolutionary activism. Dr. Zarum also shares personal recollections of his time with Rabbi Sacks, offering unique insights and enlightening anecdotes on the theme of Jewish responsibility.

In this second episode on Future Tense, Dr. Tanya White moves beyond the book to examine how its themes address the urgent challenge of antisemitism today. She is joined by award-winning author Dara Horn (People Love Dead Jews) and Michal Cotler-Wunsh, Israel’s Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism, in a fiery yet thought-provoking conversation that tackles pressing issues facing the Jewish world. Dara advocates for a Jewish narrative that frames antisemitism as a form of affirmative identity, while Michal aligns with Rabbi Sacks’ forward-looking vision, emphasizing a Judaism defined by more than external opposition.

Dr. Tanya White and Dr. Mijal Bitton delve into the second book in the series, Future Tense (what we have termed “The Narrative”), in a thought-provoking conversation that examines its context, structure, and central themes. They explore the critical question of which Jewish narrative to embrace and grapple with the current challenge of antisemitism.

In this second episode exploring A Letter in the Scroll, Dr. Tanya White delves beyond the book to examine how its themes resonate with the pressing challenges of Jewish identity in a post-7/10 world. Joining her are three esteemed Jewish leaders - Sivan Rahav Meir, Natan Sharansky, and Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik - who reflect on how Rabbi Sacks’ profound ideas can guide us through this unprecedented historical moment. The episode also offers a personal glimpse into Rabbi Sacks’ life and character, featuring insights from Joanna Benarroch, who worked closely with him for over two decades. Together, they illuminate how his experiences shaped the timeless wisdom he shared with the world and how that wisdom can be applied today.

Dr. Tanya White begins the series with an exploration of the first book - A Letter in the Scroll (what we have termed “The Call”) - with Dr. Erica Brown. Together, they discuss the book’s context, structure and central themes, including the challenge of identity in a postmodern world and how young Jews are reconnecting with their roots in the wake of a post-7/10 reality. They help to highlight the unique message Rabbi Sacks offers on the Jewish role in a global world. A Letter in the Scroll was also published under the title Radical Then, Radical Now.

I'm Dr. Tanya White and this is Books and Beyond, the Rabbi Sacks podcast, dedicated to exploring the written legacy and wisdom of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Whether you're a lifelong admirer of Rabbi Sacks or just discovering his work, this podcast is for you. You'll find inspiration and insight in his teachings, especially in these trying times.