Jonathan SacksReseñas

Morality is not an argument or a compilation of thoughts -- it is a wake-up call to a world that has become self-obsessed, self-centered and lonely, and whose moral standards have withered as a result

Title: Covenant & Conversation Exodus: The Book of Redemption
Author: Jonathan Sacks
Pages: 340
Year: 2010
Publisher: Maggid
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
I opened this book up chomping at the bit to get started. I had just finished the author’s book on Genesis, which was the first book I have read by Rabbi Sacks and learned so much that I could hardly wait to see what was in store next. I am not Jewish, but I am a Yeshua follower. There is something to be learned by everyone in this book. The life lessons are meant to teach how to live life according to God’s way, not how to participate in a religion. The way the author weaves pearls of knowledge, connecting different texts of Scripture together that I never would have was astonishing. Rabbi Sacks is a gifted and brilliant author, who uses his God-given gifts to bring glory to God and show his readers how to live a life that will do the same.
There is much to learn in this second book of the Covenant & Conversation Series, focusing on Exodus. The insights provided by the author are sometimes remarkable, sometimes profound and sometimes cause for soul-searching. He writes with the ability for any layperson to understand, although with his education, experience, intelligence and training he could easily write at a far higher level. As someone who is not an academician or Jewish, I appreciated the writing at my level of understanding. I have the entire series and will soon be starting the next book based on Leviticus. I know there will be much to learn, and I look forward to what Rabbi Sacks has to teach me.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

One of the advantages of an e-reader is that you can perfectly check how many times a certain word occurs in a book. In this case, Jonathan Sacks uses the word 'morality' more than 500 times, roughly twice per page. He literally slaps you in the face with it. There is nothing wrong with that, unless the author does not properly explain what he means by that word. And that is somewhat the case here.

Jonathan Sacks (1948-2020) was a prominent voice in the field of societal responsibility. For decades he was Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community in the United Kingdom, and in that capacity also a member of the House of Lords. In other words, someone who was constantly acting on the public stage. And that is clearly noticeable in this book, where he examines the loss of a common morality in our modern society. Using a striking image he speaks of a 'cultural climate change': universal moral values have given way to relativism and 'devaluation' of the common good.

Sacks analyzes how it has come to this, in a very detailed argument, where the emphasis is on the bad consequences of individualism gone too far, and with the cultural revolution of the 1960s and postmodernism in a leading role. He occasionally suggests that the loss of a common moral pedestal threatens to degenerate into decadence and decay, with the obligatory reference to the end of the Roman Empire. Sacks clearly couldn’t avoid the dangerous cliff of the clichés. Moreover, this example makes it clear that he primarily has in mind the social, unifying function of morality. In that sense, his concept of morality is closely related to Emile Durkheim's concept of religion. Hence the suggestion by some reviewers that the title of this book should have been on what is now the subtitle, namely 'restoring the common good in divided times'. By the way, the term 'common good' only appears about 80 times.

It should therefore come as no surprise that at the end of his book Sacks argues for a new covenant, a commitment by citizens in a society to appreciate that collective good, to respect other opinions and try to look for the middle ground, knowing that our society has become far more complex and diverse than, say, 100 years ago: “We can no longer build national identity on religion or ethnicity or culture. But we can build it on covenant. A covenantal politics would speak of how, as a polity, an economy and culture, our fates are bound together. We benefit from each other. And because this is so, we should feel bound to benefit one another. It would speak about the best of our traditions, and how they are a heritage we are charged with honouring and handing on to future generations. It would be warmly inclusive. A nation is enlarged by its new arrivals who carry with them gifts from other places and other traditions. It would acknowledge that, yes, we have differences of opinion and interest, and sometimes that means favouring one side over another. But we will never do so without giving every side a voice and a respectful hearing. The politics of covenant does not demean or ridicule opponents. It honours the process of reasoning together. It gives special concern to those who most need help, and special honour to those who most give help.”

Of course, I can only adhere to such a plea against polarization; it is a necessary condition to help to build up a rightful society. But at the same time it isn't a sufficient one, it’s very clear that it stops short of offering real and helpful proposals to reach that middle ground, of offering a positive project. In other words, Sacks’ discourse remains stuck in vagueness, only pleading for a general kind of tolerance. So, despite its commendable perspective and its discussion of pertinent issues of our society, this book did not live up to its expectations. Maybe that’s also because it also leaves a lot to be desired in terms of form: at various times you seem to be reading a general intellectual treatise, a collection of interesting but divergent reflections, rather than a book focused on a central topic.½

When Great Britain appointed Boris Johnson as prime minister, I took a screenshot and sent it to my husband and asked him who it reminded him of. His response was "Britain has one too??? As time passed, it became apparent that appearances were not the only similarities. But, as Sacks points out in this book, our unnaturally blond-thatched leaders are also not the only struggles our two nations(or, indeed, the Western world itself) face.

Our shared issues include:

-Global Warming
-Shattered Families
-Decline of Civility
-Rise in violence, racism, and hatred
-Our inability to see and care for the Other
-Unethical Businesses
-A Rise in Inequality
-Increased Loneliness
-Increased Victimisation

Somehow, they are all woven together to make one cohesive worldview. I particularly liked his reasoned indictment of inequality and capitalism. Not that he believes that Socialism(Marxism) works---don't accuse me of false advertising. His argument is rather that capitalism is created for a certain type of society and, where it may have functioned well in the past, given our current circumstances we are not that type of society.

Superb synthesis of years of personal research and observations, reasoned so that---even when you disagree---you at least understand. It was a book to be savored, which I did for over a month. I'm rather devastated that it's over.

Published in Great Britain as COVID19 was just barely crossing the continent, the US version (published months later) has the bonus of an added introduction and ending sections. I highly recommend that version. Fingers crossed that it isn't his final project and that he gets to finish that commentary on the books of Moses that he was talking about.

Jan 2021 update:

I'm heartbroken that this will be his last official book. But, more so, I'm wary for the future of our dialogue regarding our shared spaces as a society and a world. We have lost a powerful, brave, and courteous voice that was always loyal to the truth that he knew and lived. There is already a hauntingly empty space in my online social media feed.

I am not the target audience for this book. Therefore, I'm sure that a lot of his insights went over my head. But I still enjoyed what I did learn and understand.

And there was great rejoicing throughout all the land because Chrisanne had finished the book and minute-by-minute updates/quotes would no longer be cluttering up their newsfeeds.

*This one I want to own.

A superb book, confronting justification of religious violence in all its forms. Being a Rabbi, he does focus on antisemitism as a larger example but is quick to point out other instances in other religions and world events. Thoughtful and probing in many, sometimes uncomfortable, ways.

2nd Read:
"God hears the cry of the unheard, and so, if we follow him, do we."

This book seemed directed to members of his own religion (so there was a disjointed feeling on my end-- because I am not quite the target audience). However it was still a fascinating piece of work. He creates webs of connection between philosophy, art, history, and belief.

If I could recommend any part of the work I would flip to the back of the book and read his interpretation of the book of Job and the short chapters that follow it. His treatment of suffering is compassionate yet enabling and empowering.

if you only read one chapter in this book read the chapter on families. the personal stories are heartbreaking and real. we need a society that is committed to providing homes for children. not hotels, not country houses, but real homes.

"Dawkins... thinks of faith as a refusal to ask questions. But faith as Planck, Einstein, and Nietzsche understood it is the opposite: it is the courage and principled determination to go on asking questions despite the fact that there is no easy or immediate answer...

It is that courage to begin a journey not knowing where it will lead but confident that it will lead somewhere, that there really is a destination, an order, a faint but genuine melody, that is the faith not only of the scientist but of Abraham himself who heard a voice telling him to leave his land... and did so, confident that the voice was not an illusion and the destination not a no-man's land." -- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

--end of genius quote, beginning of personal musing--
Honest questions take courage. Honest questions are powerful and break barriers. Honest questions lead to study, research, experiments, quiet introspection, and a desire to move forward. Answers to honest questions lead to quiet confidence.

Read this if you share Sacks' (and my) concern for the real and imminent threat to the norms of society and democracy that have served us reasonably well for the past century.
My one negative about this moving and readable book is that Sacks focuses too much on the USA experience and fails to note the significant differences between the USA and the UK. While we (UK) do have a distressing tendency to follow where America leads, I believe we still have time on this side of the pond to notice and avoid the dire depths to which discourse has sunk 'over there'.

The world is in crisis. Liberal democracy is embattled, public discourse has grown toxic, identity politics and extremism deepen social divisions, and the rise of a victimhood mentality calls for “safe spaces” but stifles debate. In Mortality, Jonathan Sacks, respected faith leader and public intellectual, traces today’s crisis to or loss of a strong, shared moral code and our elevation of self-interest over the common good. Sacks leads readers from Ancient Greece to the present day to show that there is no liberty with morality and no freedom without responsibility. He believes that all of us must play our part in rebuilding our common moral foundation and rediscovering what we have in common despite our differences. “It is a wake-up call to a world that has become self-obsessed, self-centered and lonely, and whose moral standards have withered as a result."―Jerusalem Post

Title: Covenant & Conversation: Genesis: The Book of Beginnings
Author: Jonathan Sacks
Pages: 366
Year: 2009
Publisher: Koren Publishers Jerusalem
My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
The writing style is easy for the lay person to comprehend. He gives gems of wisdom to ponder and questions that make me think long after I’ve put the book down. I thoroughly enjoy learning about the history of the Jewish people, their land and their faith. I’ve been shown that there is so much I don’t know about my own faith roots and will be forever grateful to Rabbi Sacks for enlightening the path. While I am a Christian, learning/reading from a Jewish perspective has given me new insight into my faith as well as Judaism. This book is interesting and will hold the reader’s attention without a problem. The chapters are 4-6 pages in length and not written for an academician (thank goodness!), so I was able to grasp concepts without a problem.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has written a wonderful book for Jews as well as non-Jews who want to learn more about the beginning of creation along with relevant, applicable truths for life today. I am not Jewish, but I am interested in learning about the roots of my Christian faith, which are founded and grounded in Judaism. Rabbi Sacks writes in a way that is engaging, understandable and current. He espouses many life truths that apply to everyone, as well as some for Jews alone. I have the entire Covenant & Conversation series and am currently reading the second book in the series, Exodus. I’m learning a lot from the rich truths of this learned man to whom God has gifted such a talent for writing.
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

Another in the Chief Rabbi's series on the Pentateuch. Relating Biblical teaching to Western philosophical ideas and pushing for the dignity and life enhancing results of monotheism, freedom and forgiveness. This is not a commentary, lots of textual puzzles are left unsolved, but he likes to look at the broad sweep of the story and derive its lessons. Good on the significance of being given a story, does not worry about their relationship to "history", and certainly spends no time trying to prove its authenticity, but every story is treated as though it happened. You will get very little here about the relevance of eternity and nothing is said about resurrection, at one point he suggests that such talk is a sort of Gnosticism.

Barry, Norman P. (Contributor); Davidson, Robert (Contributor); Novak, Michael (Contributor)

Lots of interest here, he does enjoy comparing Biblical ideas with Western Philosophy and the book gets into politics and justice. It is not a commentary but a series of essays on some of the topics of the chapters of Leviticus. Sacrifice of course but also love, revenge the nature of holiness and meaning of purity. He usually raises a question about the subject then offers some of the many answers offered by Jewish Rabbis, 'the sages' then gives his opinion. Often it turns out that good things were found in the Bible first not the Greeks. He quite likes to point out where Christianity has got things wrong and finishes with an interesting chapter on how the Catholics are no longer saying that Judaism is now defunct. In fact Paul has three chapters in Romans trying to show why God's promises to the Jews are still valid even after the arrival of Christianity. Very little about eternity in his approach, it is all focused on this world. It is especially good on the significance of monotheism in Western culture.

By far the best book on Jewish ethics (or even Judaism) I have ever read. Rabbi Sacks articulates sophisticated concepts using a clear, easy to follow style. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in ethics or Judaism, or to anyone who wonders why I scoff when I hear the term "Judeo-Christian."

By far the best book on Jewish ethics (or even Judaism) I have ever read. Rabbi Sacks articulates sophisticated concepts using a clear, easy to follow style. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in ethics or Judaism, or to anyone who wonders why I scoff when I hear the term "Judeo-Christian."

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ book on The Great Partnership presents readers with a predominantly Jewish perspective about the meaning of life. Sacks makes a comparison between the thinking of Athens and that of Jerusalem. He argues that philosophy and science although they have examined life’s burning questions weren’t able to answer them satisfactorily. This is where Sacks sees the importance of embracing the religion of Abrahamic monotheism. The writer explains that Judaism existed for over 4,000 years, and has influenced the Christian and Islamic faith traditions that constitute about half of the world’s believers. This he points out is an extraordinary achievement especially when Jewish culture is such a minority of the world’s population. Sacks said nations without God have failed, namely those during the Enlightenment, Soviet Union, Communist China, and North Korea. He argues only Abrahamic monotheism has endured to influence the structures of democracies all over the world. So Rabbi Sacks believes in having a new synthesis of religion and science, for societies to deal with the underlying problems of poverty, crime, ignorance, racism, consumerism, greed, and power. This synthesis he argues would be best for the future direction of the world.

Jonathan Sacks’ Not in God’s Name is rather interesting discourse on sibling rivalry as the cause of religious violence. His discussion is based largely on the Hebrew Bible, Midrash, Mishnah, and Talmud. He analyzes the story of Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, and the sisters Laban, Rachel, and Leah. Sacks points out that what is important about these stories in Genesis was the fact that they led to blessings and redemption of all concerned.
Deuteronomy contains the word ‘love’ more than any other Mosaic books. To Sacks ‘memory’ has also become a moral force that is found both in Exodus and Deuteronomy. But the virtue of ‘love’ has to be tempered with ‘justice’ for laws and rights of the poor, and destitute to be upheld. He addresses the Islamic prediction and divisions that resulted with the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1922. And Sacks envisions that the monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam should be able to live in peace.
It was interesting to learn of the ‘commonalities’ of the three Abrahamic traditions. Yet Sacks shows that the reading of scripture calls for study and reflection. For the ‘Word of God’ is subject to different interpretations, and much depends on time and place. He states how the Hebrew language differs that that of Greek, and how believers in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have differed in their beliefs. Yet he argues that there should be no place for fundamentalist beliefs in society. People should do unto others like what they would like to be done to themselves. And they ought to love God, their neighbor, and the stranger. For divine living is all about ‘forgiveness’ and ‘reconciliation.’ So why nations can’t heed these principles and live in peace?

Torah ethics, contemporary Judaism, Torah commentary, 6a5

People have been killing each other for centuries in the name of religion. In this National Jewish Book Award-winning text, Rabbi Sacks has attempted to grapple with the current rise in violent killings based on religious beliefs. Rabbi Sacks is a philosopher. As such, he goes on at great length to analyze the roots of religious violence. He states that religion leads to violence when it consecrates hatred. Although no practical solutions to the issues are offered here, he observes that this violence “must be fought religiously as well as militarily”. His standard ideals of love your enemy, let go of the hatred in your heart, and acknowledge that only God can mete out vengeance can only go so far. His theory is that wars may be won with weapons but only ideas can win a peace.

This is a well researched well written start to a debate that needs to be taken about how we can understand radical politicised religious violence. While not coming up with a complete answer what Jonathan Sacks is doing is inviting us to think about how we can end radical politicised religious violence.

NOT IN GOD’S NAME is one of the most profound books I have ever read. Jonathan Sacks provides an incisive analysis of the roots of religious violence and hopeful direction on the way that humanity may move forward in dealing with it. As recent events in France have demonstrated, none of us are immune or protected against the possibility of religious violence. This makes this book relevant to every one of us. Sacks asks in which direction we want to go — the will to power or the will to life? While Sacks is clearly passionate about this global problem, he writes with extraordinary depth and objectivity with a simple power that is difficult to ignore. Sacks calls all people — and particularly those of the Abrahamic religions — to let go of hate and the grasping for power. As Sacks so eloquently observes, ‘No soul was ever saved by hate. No truth was ever proved by violence. No redemption was ever brought by holy war. No religion won the admiration of the world by its capacity to inflict suffering on its enemies. Despite the fact that these things have been endorsed in their time by sincere religious believers, they are a travesty of faith, and until we learn this, religion will remain one of the greatest threats to the peace of the world.’ NOT IN GOD’S NAME is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand religious violence (better called “altruistic evil”) — and more importantly, what we can do about it.

Many thanks to Edelweiss, Net Galley and Schocken for providing me an advance copy of this book for an honest review. I have already placed a pre-order for it.

This book addresses the issue of those who perform violent acts in the name of God. Rabbi Sacks defines “altruistic evil” as those acts so heinous that they cannot be defended or justified as the means to a great, noble or holy end. Much of the book looks at the connection between religion and violence. The role social media plays in the perpetuation of violent ideology is discussed.

Rabbi Sacks explains the concept of dualism and how it establishes the feeling of Us versus Them. It is suggested that “dualism becomes lethal when a group of people, a nation or a faith, feel endangered by internal conflict”. This Us versus Them can easily lead to the dehumanization which destroys empathy and sympathy. He proposes that through role reversal – always placing ourselves in the shoes of Them – can help us prevent dehumanizing others. He makes a good argument, in my opinion, of how this led to the Crusades, the Holocaust, Kosovo, Hutus vs Tutsis, and now al-Qaeda and ISIS. Since he believes that the Holocaust illustrates the psychological and social dynamics of hatred, the Holocaust is addresses extensively.

Anyone familiar with the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) knows that much of the violence centered around sibling rivalry. Several chapters explore the stories of Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob, Rachel and Leah. I found this section especially enlightening as Rabbi Sacks digs deeper into the stories and presents a totally different reason for these stories than we have all been taught. I spent quite some time thinking about his interpretations. And I know I will continue to think about them.

Jews are continually reminded that we are to be kind to the stranger because we were once a stranger in another land. This teaching has a much more profound meaning than I thought before I read this book.

Anyone interested in exploring the role of religion in violence and who is willing to broaden their thinking on stories they have been taught their entire life should definitely read this book. I will be keeping it with me and re-reading portions frequently as I continue to mull over what is written.