Celebrating Life

The Torah is described in the Book of Proverbs (3:18) as “a tree of life to those who hold on to her.” Throughout his life, Rabbi Sacks zt”l taught and lived a “Judaism engaged with the world,” whose roots deeply connected to our heritage and history, whose branches reached out, and whose fruits were consumed by all of society. In doing so he inspired Jews to “hold on” to their Judaism and encouraged people of all faiths and of none to see, in Judaism, wisdom relevant to the challenges of the age. Starting tonight, we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the new year for trees. We think about the future of our physical world and the legacy we want to leave for our children and grandchildren. We are reminded of God’s call “to work it and take care of” His world and of our responsibility to ensure life continues to flourish and grow. Rabbi Sacks’ teachings continue to inspire so many of us. His writings, timely when published, remain relevant in today’s world. In this respect, Rabbi Sacks remains vividly alive. That is why, since Rabbi Sacks’ tragic passing in November 2020, we have worked to establish The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust. Its mission is to promote the timeless and universal wisdom of Rabbi Sacks as a Teacher of Torah, a Moral Voice, and a Leader of Leaders. We are now looking to move forward with an ambitious programme of activity. Publications: Producing new publications and translations of Rabbi Sacks’ canon of work. Digital: Developing and expanding the digital archive of Rabbi Sacks’ articles, videos, and speeches, and making this content available in multiple languages. Education: Creating new resources for formal and informal educators to share Rabbi Sacks’ ideas and teachings with future generations. Leadership: Inspiring leaders from all segments of the Jewish world to place Jewish values and Rabbi Sacks’ leadership philosophy at the heart of their work. Society & Government: Facilitating high-profile global initiatives to showcase the continued relevance of Rabbi Sacks’ ideas to the public conversation. Israel: Embedding Rabbi Sacks’ teachings across Israeli society and within the formal and informal education system. Thanks to some generous supporters, every donation will be matched over the next 36 hours. Learn more and donate here -> https://campaigns.causematch.com/rabbisacks This Tu BiShvat, please help us to sow the seeds of growth. Together, we can ensure Rabbi Sacks’ remarkable legacy and teachings continue to blossom and inspire for generations to come. Thank you for your continued support.

Here is this week's Covenant & Conversation piece for parshat Vaera, entitled “Freewill". This essay is based on a chapter in the book Essays in Ethics by Rabbi Sacks zt”l. Read the essay in: English (https://rabbisacks.info/3sGHaTG) Hebrew (https://rabbisacks.info/3sGHceg) French (https://rabbisacks.info/3pydG8j) Spanish (https://rabbisacks.info/3pywVyE) German (https://rabbisacks.info/3qrSdx2) Russian (https://rabbisacks.info/3ey9OxS) Or find other languages here: https://rabbisacks.org/freewill-vaera/ Shabbat Shalom The mission of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is to ensure Rabbi Sacks zt"l's ideas and teachings continue to inspire ours and future generations. To make a donation towards our work, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org/Support.

Here is this week's Covenant & Conversation piece for parshat Shemot, entitled “On Not Obeying Immoral Orders". This essay is based on a chapter in the book Essays in Ethics by Rabbi Sacks zt”l. Read the essay in: English (https://rabbisacks.info/3modiYd) Hebrew (https://rabbisacks.info/3EgskoX) French (https://rabbisacks.info/3sqedLq) Spanish (https://rabbisacks.info/3qgONgz) German (https://rabbisacks.info/3H3ppSn) Russian (https://rabbisacks.info/30Ruv4O) Or find other languages here: https://rabbisacks.org/on-not-obeying-immoral-orders-shemot/ Shabbat Shalom The mission of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is to ensure Rabbi Sacks zt"l's ideas and teachings continue to inspire ours and future generations. To make a donation towards our work, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org/Support.

Here is this week's Covenant & Conversation piece for parshat Vayechi, entitled “When Can We Lie". This essay is based on a chapter in the book Essays in Ethics by Rabbi Sacks zt”l. Read the essay in: English (https://rabbisacks.info/3s95b5x) Hebrew (https://rabbisacks.info/3qkH29J) French (https://rabbisacks.info/322Oa2e) Spanish (https://rabbisacks.info/3p0cvyk) German (https://rabbisacks.info/3s8tYXd) Russian (https://rabbisacks.info/3oZi8N8) Or find other languages here: https://rabbisacks.org/when-can-we-lie-vayechi/ Shabbat Shalom The mission of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is to ensure Rabbi Sacks zt"l's ideas and teachings continue to inspire ours and future generations. To make a donation towards our work, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org/Support.

Here is this week's Covenant & Conversation piece for parshat Vayeshev, entitled “The Heroism of Tamar". This essay is based on a chapter in the book Essays in Ethics by Rabbi Sacks zt”l. Read the essay in: English (https://rabbisacks.info/3r4OPdt) Hebrew (https://rabbisacks.info/3HOiDRG) French (https://rabbisacks.info/3DNgByO) Spanish (https://rabbisacks.info/3FH32Sa) German (https://rabbisacks.info/3l0iSPW) Russian (https://rabbisacks.info/30OHYdc) Or find other languages here: https://rabbisacks.org/the-heroism-of-tamar-vayeshev/ Shabbat Shalom The mission of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is to ensure Rabbi Sacks zt"l's ideas and teachings continue to inspire ours and future generations. To make a donation towards our work, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org/Support.

Here is this week's Covenant & Conversation piece for parshat Vayetse, entitled “Time for Love, Time for Justice". This essay is based on a chapter in the book Essays in Ethics by Rabbi Sacks zt”l. Read the essay in: English (https://rabbisacks.info/30isxtU) Hebrew (https://rabbisacks.info/3wAbnDB) French (https://rabbisacks.info/30n1zBc) Spanish (https://rabbisacks.info/3wBnVL6) German (https://rabbisacks.info/3c2ehYl) Russian (https://rabbisacks.info/30b3EzQ) Or find other languages here: https://rabbisacks.info/3ozGADF Shabbat Shalom The mission of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is to ensure Rabbi Sacks zt"l's ideas and teachings continue to inspire ours and future generations. To make a donation towards our work, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org/Support.

Here is this week's Covenant & Conversation piece for parshat Toldot, entitled “Was Jacob Right to Take the Blessings?". This essay is based on a chapter in the book Essays in Ethics by Rabbi Sacks zt”l. Read the essay in: English (https://rabbisacks.info/3BJZR9U) Hebrew (https://rabbisacks.info/2YcFQef) French (https://rabbisacks.info/3BGZ1L6) Spanish (https://rabbisacks.info/3CQNABO) German (https://rabbisacks.info/3nVLDh9) Russian (https://rabbisacks.info/3mG5i5g) Or find other languages here: https://rabbisacks.org/toldot5782/ Shabbat Shalom The mission of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is to ensure Rabbi Sacks zt"l's ideas and teachings continue to inspire ours and future generations. To make a donation towards our work, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org/Support.

Here is this week's Covenant & Conversation piece for parshat Chayei Sarah, entitled “The Kindness of Strangers". This essay is based on a chapter in the book Essays in Ethics by Rabbi Sacks zt”l. Read the essay in: English (https://rabbisacks.info/3GqKN4t) Hebrew (https://rabbisacks.info/3vSPbEz) French (https://rabbisacks.info/3mk543y) Spanish (https://rabbisacks.info/3BsfYJa) German (https://rabbisacks.info/3jJEajT) Russian (https://rabbisacks.info/3188a2G) Or find other languages here: https://rabbisacks.org/chayei-sarah-covenantconversation/ Shabbat Shalom The mission of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is to ensure Rabbi Sacks zt"l's ideas and teachings continue to inspire ours and future generations. To make a donation towards our work, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org/Support.

Moadim l'simcha! I hope you are all having a wonderful Succot wherever you are in the world. Thank you for the continued feedback we have been receiving about this new educational series. It is so wonderful to hear how you have been using these resources to engage your family in discussions about the chaggim. As we approach the end of Succot and this period of chaggim, I am delighted to share with you the latest instalment of our 'Ceremony & Celebration: Family Edition' series for 5781. As before, this includes educational content and ideas on the themes of on Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah - including a story, key facts and quiz for younger children. With continued blessings and best wishes for a shana tova,