Judaism
New Rabbi Sacks book collects writings for students
The Eternal Conversation reflects his preoccupation with engaging young people
May 15, 2025 10:28
The Eternal Conversation reflects his preoccupation with engaging young people
May 15, 2025 10:28A collection of a number of pamphlets written by Rabbi Lord Sacks and originally issued during his lifetime has been published as a single volume.
The Eternal Conversation has been brought out by Koren, the Jerusalem-based publisher with which the late Chief Rabbi enjoyed a fruitful relationship.
His two Letters to the Next Generation first appeared as High Holy Day reading aimed for youth, while Little Books of Big Questions was inspired by his discussion with students.
Ten Days, Ten Ways was also produced as High Holy Day reading, while A Judaism Engaged with the World was his valedictory statement before retiring from office.
A spokesperson for Koren said, “When Rabbi Jonathan Sacks served as Chief Rabbi, he wrote a series of short booklets, many aimed especially at Jewish students. These essays tackled big questions of Jewish identity, purpose, and moral responsibility with clarity, depth, and conviction. They were widely distributed at the time and became a source of inspiration and strength for a generation.
“Today, we believe it’s essential to put these timeless works back into the hands of students. The challenges facing young Jews are deep and complex, and the need for thoughtful, accessible Jewish wisdom is as urgent as ever.”
The Eternal Conversation, the publisher said, “brings together these four classic texts in a single volume, ensuring they remain part of Rabbi Sacks’s lasting legacy. This isn’t only about preserving the past. It’s about renewing the conversation and giving the next generation the chance to draw strength from Rabbi Sacks’s voice, just as past readers did.”
Lord Sacks, who died in 2020, served as Chief Rabbi from 1991 to 2013.