Best Rabbi Sacks Podcasts (2025)

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Conflict Resolution (Rabbi Sacks on Matot-Masei, Covenant & Conversation) 9:45

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1d ago9:45

9:45

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 fe…

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From Broadway to Jewish Advocacy: Jonah Platt on Identity, Antisemitism, and Israel 30:42

6d ago30:42

30:42

Being Jewish podcast host Jonah Platt—best known for playing Fiyero in Broadway’s Wicked—joins People of the Pod to discuss his journey into Jewish advocacy after October 7. He reflects on his Jewish upbringing, challenges media misrepresentations of Israel, and shares how his podcast fosters inclusive and honest conversations about Jewish identity…

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Elijah and the Still, Small Voice (Rabbi Sacks on Pinchas, Covenant & Conversation) 12:08

8d ago12:08

12:08

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-v…

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Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: The Dinah Project’s Quest to Hold Hamas Accountable 23:48

12d ago23:48

23:48

“In so many cases, as is the case of October 7, there are no direct victims who are able to speak – for the very grim reason that Hamas made sure to kill almost each and every one of them. The very few that did survive are too traumatized to speak . . . “ Shortly after the October 7 Hamas terror attacks on Israel, witness accounts emerged of women …

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Not Reckoned Among the Nations Rabbi Sacks on Balak, Covenant & Conversation) 8:46

15d ago8:46

8:46

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…

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Journalist Matti Friedman Exposes Media Bias Against Israel 31:52

20d ago31:52

31:52

How has the media distorted Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas attacks? In this powerful conversation from AJC Global Forum 2025, award-winning journalist and former AP correspondent Matti Friedman breaks down the media bias, misinformation, and double standards shaping global coverage of Israel. Moderated by AJC Chief Communications and Stra…

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Losing Miriam (Rabbi Sacks on Chukat, Covenant & Conversation) 10:15

22d ago10:15

10:15

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/…

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John Spencer’s Key Takeaways After the 12-Day War: Air Supremacy, Intelligence, and Deterrence 31:42

27d ago31:42

31:42

John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point, joins guest host Casey Kustin, AJC’s Chief Impact and Operations Officer, to break down Israel’s high-stakes strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the U.S. decision to enter the fight. With Iran’s terror proxy network reportedly dismantled and its nuclear program set back by years, S…

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Servant Leadership (Rabbi Sacks on Korach, Covenant & Conversation) 7:51

29d ago7:51

7:51

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 …

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Iran's Secret Nuclear Program and What Comes Next in the Iranian Regime vs. Israel War 27:38

1M ago27:38

27:38

Since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion—a precise and defensive military campaign aimed at preventing the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons—Iran has responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilians. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Int…

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Fear of Failure (Shelach Lecha, Covenant & Conversation) 8:58

1M ago8:58

8:58

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…

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What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today - AJC & Books and Beyond 31:21

1M ago31:21

31:21

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…

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Books and Beyond: Appendix Episode 2 31:21

1M ago31:21

31:21

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 …

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Why Israel Had No Choice: Inside the Defensive Strike That Shook Iran’s Nuclear Program 14:37

1M ago14:37

14:37

Why did Israel launch defensive strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites — and what does this mean for regional security? AJC Jerusalem Director Lt. Col. (res.) Avital Leibovich joins from IDF reserve duty to explain Operation Rising Lion — Israel’s precision military strikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Find out why Is…

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What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today 31:22

1M ago31:22

31:22

In 2014, the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks stood on the AJC Global Forum stage and delivered a powerful call to action: “We have to celebrate our Judaism. We have to have less oy and more joy… We never defined ourselves as victims. We never lost our sense of humor. Our ancestors were sometimes hated by gentiles, but they defined themselves as the …

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Loneliness and Faith (Rabbi Sacks on Beha'alotecha, Covenant & Conversation) 9:34

1M ago9:34

9:34

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…

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“They Were Bridge Builders”: Remembering Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky 24:07

2M ago24:07

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We remember Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky through the voices of those who knew them. Hear about Sarah’s peacebuilding in Morocco and Yaron’s diplomatic efforts to forge stronger ties between Israel and its neighbors. Both were members of the Israeli diplomatic corps and AJC’s extended family. They were tragically murdered after leaving an AJC …

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Sages and Saints: Two Versions of the Moral Life (Rabbi Sacks on Naso) 10:18

2M ago10:18

10:18

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…

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AJC’s CEO Ted Deutch: Messages That Moved Me After the D.C. Tragedy 15:38

2M ago15:38

15:38

In this episode about the week following the antisemitic murders of Israeli embassy employees Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, AJC CEO Ted Deutch shares how leaders and allies around the globe, as well as hostage families, despite their own state of grief, have reached out to offer comfort and condolences, and what we all must do to shape a new …

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The Ever-Repeated Story (Rabbi Sacks on Bamidbar, Covenant & Conversation) 9:58

2M ago9:58

9:58

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…

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The Economics of Liberty (Rabbi Sacks on Behar-Bechukotai, Covenant & Conversation) 10:30

2M ago10:30

10:30

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-conv…

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Modern-Day Miriams: Jewish Women Shaping Global Diplomacy 39:58

2M ago39:58

39:58

“This has been my favorite session of the three days. Thank you,” said one attendee following a powerful live conversation at AJC Global Forum 2025. This exclusive episode of AJC’s People of the Pod, presented by AJC’s Women’s Global Leadership Network, features a candid discussion on the critical impact of Jewish women leaders in global diplomacy …

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Holy Times (Rabbi Sacks on Parshat Emor, Covenant & Conversation) 13:08

2M ago13:08

13:08

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/covenan…

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A United Front: U.S. Colleges and AJC Commit to Fighting Campus Antisemitism 28:52

3M ago28:52

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This week, groups representing more than 1,600 colleges and universities pledged reforms to fight campus antisemitism—a major breakthrough in the effort to end anti-Jewish hatred and create campuses where Jewish students feel safe. In collaboration with American Jewish Committee (AJC), the groups urged the Trump administration to continue making th…

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Love Is Not Enough (Rabbi Sacks on Acharei Mot-Kedoshim) 11:00

3M ago11:00

11:00

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/acha…

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Israel Undefeated (Yom HaZikaron-Yom Ha'atzmaut 5766 speech by Rabbi Sacks) 12:16

3M ago12:16

12:16

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 o…

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The Sacrifices of Childbirth (Rabbi Sacks on Tazria-Metzora) 10:19

3M ago10:19

10:19

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/tazr…

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Why TikTok is the Place to Talk about Antisemitism: With Holocaust Survivor Tova Friedman 58:15

3M ago58:15

58:15

Tova Friedman was just six years old when she walked out of Auschwitz. Now, 80 years later, Tova is devoted to speaking about her experiences as a child survivor of the Holocaust and being vocal about the threat of antisemitism. She knows how easily a society can transition from burning books to burning people, and she is determined to ensure that …

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Limits (Rabbi Sacks on Shemini, Covenant & Conversation) 9:34

3M ago9:34

9:34

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/shemi…

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What Is Pope Francis' Legacy With the Jewish Community? 24:23

3M ago24:23

24:23

Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC’s Director of Interreligious Affairs, reflects on Pope Francis’ legacy—from his deep ties with Argentina’s Jewish community to his historic visit to Israel and strong stance against antisemitism. He also addresses recent tensions over the Pope’s comments on the Israel-Hamas War and highlights the ongoing collaboration between…

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Inside the New U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks: What’s at Stake? 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

As new negotiations begin to tackle Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and support for terror proxies, tensions are escalating. Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, joins us to unpack the legacy of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and withdrawal in 2018, and Iran’s dangerous stockpiling of uranium, getting the…

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Giving Thanks (Rabbi Sacks on Tzav, Covenant & Conversation) 10:47

4M ago10:47

10:47

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/…

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This Often Forgotten 1929 Massacre is Key to Understanding the Current Israel-Palestinian Conflict 33:51

4M ago33:51

33:51

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust, calling it Operation Al Aqsa. For journalist Yardena Schwartz, the massacre was a chilling echo of the 1929 Hebron Massacre—the brutal slaughter of nearly 70 Jews, incited by propaganda that Jews sought to seize the Al Aqsa Mosque. At the time, she was deep into wr…

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Why do we sacrifice? (Rabbi Sacks on Vayikra, Covenant & Conversation) 9:21

4M ago9:21

9:21

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/vayik…

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1350 Days of Gratitude, Rabbi Sacks on Pesach Storytelling, and Meditation as Foundation (Seneca - Letter #13) 29:47

4M ago29:47

29:47

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text! Length: 29 minutes 25 seconds Synopsis: AND WE'RE BACK! This episode is brought to you by the letter "I"—for insomnia. In a spontaneous decision to return to my old practice, I turned a sleepless night into a new installment of TSJ. If you're looking to up your gratitude game, this one's fo…

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Higher Education in Turmoil: Balancing Academic Freedom and the Fight Against Antisemitism 34:07

4M ago34:07

34:07

Following the Trump administration's decision to revoke $400 million in federal funding over Columbia University's failure to protect Jewish students, the university announced sweeping policy changes. Meanwhile, the U.S. moved to deport former Columbia student and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, accusing him of concealing his ties to UNRWA…

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Encampments & Journeys (Rabbi Sacks on Pekudei) 9:26

4M ago9:26

9:26

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/vayak…

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Will Ireland Finally Stop Paying Lip Service When it Comes to Combating Antisemitism? 21:34

4M ago21:34

21:34

In late 2024, Israel closed its embassy in Dublin, accusing the Irish government of extreme anti-Israel policies, antisemitic rhetoric, and double standards. Meanwhile, the small Jewish community in Ireland, numbering nearly 3,000, has faced antisemitism in the streets. AJC’s Director of International Jewish Affairs, Rabbi Andrew Baker, joins us to…

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The Spirit of Community (Rabbi Sacks on Vayakhel, Covenant & Conversation) 13:54

4M ago13:54

13:54

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/vayak…

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Held Hostage in Gaza: A Mother’s Fight for Freedom and Justice 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

“He told me: ‘We are the same. We are the same.’ Meaning, me and the terrorists who penetrated the kibbutz are the same. They received the mission to murder and to burn, and I received the mission to hold you as bargaining chips for the release of the Palestinian prisoners. And this was a very cruel sentence, because while we were in captivity . . …

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Books and Beyond: Appendix 1 - The Rabbi Sacks Podcast Launch Event 1:30:59

4M ago1:30:59

1:30:59

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 todays post 07/10 world. Note: This is an appendix episode and not part of the main Books and Beyond podcast series Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast…

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The Sabbath: First Day Or Last? (Rabbi Sacks on Ki Tissa) 7:33

4M ago7:33

7:33

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-ti…

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Meet the MIT Scientists Fighting Academic Boycotts of Israel 30:27

5M ago30:27

30:27

The American Studies Association has boycotted Israeli academic institutions since 2013. The Association for the Advancement of Anthropology has refrained from formal collaborations with Israeli academic institutions. And just this past summer, the American Association of University Professors opened the door to academic boycotts against Israel. En…

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Dressing to Impress (Rabbi Sacks on Tetzaveh) 10:33

5M ago10:33

10:33

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/tetza…

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U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Gaza Reconstruction, Israeli Security, and the Future of Middle East Diplomacy 21:11

5M ago21:11

21:11

AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson sits down with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for a live discussion in Washington, D.C., to introduce AJC’s Center for a New Middle East. They cover plans for rebuilding Gaza, the future of Israeli-Arab relations, and the evolving geopolitical landscape, including …

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The Architecture of Holiness (Rabbi Sacks on Terumah, Covenant & Conversation) 8:11

5M ago8:11

8:11

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-conve…

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Why Germany’s Antisemitic Far-Right Party is Thriving Instead of Disappearing 21:05

5M ago21:05

21:05

“In Germany after 1945 . . . it was always sort of an unwritten rule or law that the more radical these [right wing populist] parties become, the less votes they get, and at some point they just disappear. And what is troubling with the AfD is that the more radical they become, the more votes they get.” Following Germany’s recent election results, …

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Spat On and Silenced: 2 Jewish Students on Fighting Campus Hate 18:11

5M ago18:11

18:11

Imagine being spat on as you walk across your college campus simply because you’re Jewish or being asked whether you’re a “good Jew” or a “bad Jew.” As part of AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, AJC and Hillel International partnered to document the experiences of Jewish students on campus over the past year. The findings are deepl…

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The Power of Empathy (Rabbi Sacks on Mishpatim) 9:37

5M ago9:37

9:37

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/mishp…

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University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker: When Antisemitism Hits Home 29:46

5M ago29:46

29:46

What would you do if jars of urine were thrown through the windows of your house in the middle of the night? How would you feel if antisemitic messages were spray painted on your cars? How would you respond if you were targeted simply because you’re Jewish? In the first installment of a 2-part series, meet a face behind the alarming findings of AJC…