Books & Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast

Hosted by Dr. Tanya White

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Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast is a series dedicated to exploring some of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ most powerful ideas from four of his most influential books. Each episode features distinguished leaders and prominent voices from the Jewish world in dialogue with his teachings. Whether you’re a devoted admirer or new to his work, this podcast offers inspiration and insight for these challenging times.

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Episode Guide

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 1

A Letter in the Scroll (Part 1)

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.

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 2

A Letter in the Scroll (Part 2)

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.

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 3

Future Tense (Part 1)

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.

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 4

Future Tense (Part 2)

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, emphasising a Judaism defined by more than external opposition.

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 5

To Heal A Fractured World (Part 1)

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, emphasising 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.

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 6

To Heal A Fractured World (Part 2)

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 (Alan Sacks, Daniel Lubetsky, Gila Sacks, and Yoav Heller). 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.

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 7

Morality (Part 1)

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.

Books and Beyond podcast with Tanya White Episode 8

Morality (Part 2)

In this final episode of the series, Dr. Tanya White moves beyond the book, Morality, to engage with two guests (Jonathan Haidt and Dan Sacker) who each offer a unique perspective 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.