New from OU Press – Summer 2025
The Eternal Conversation
By Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
OU Press, NCSY, and Maggid Books
The Gemara (Bava Batra 14b) discusses why the twelve “minor prophets” are grouped together as one book, instead of being included separately in the Bible in their proper chronological order. The Gemara explains that they are not included separately because “since they are small, they would be lost.” The Eternal Conversation consists of a collection of pamphlets authored by the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks which, had they not been joined together in one book, may have suffered that same fate. These pamphlets were originally published during Rabbi Sacks’ lifetime as “Letters to the Next Generation,” “Little Books of Big Questions,” “Ten Days, Ten Ways” and “A Judaism Engaged with the World.”
These concise writings offer Rabbi Sacks’s wisdom in a digestible format that could be enjoyed as a companion to synagogue services and as an entrée for teens and young adults seeking to access the world of Jewish thought through Rabbi Sacks’s gifted pen. One of the most compelling aspects of Rabbi Sacks’s writing is his ability to synthesize timeless philosophical ideas with contemporary realities. In the “Letters” section, Rabbi Sacks offers tender and poignant wisdom encapsulated in correspondence-style reflections addressed to future generations. These letters compellingly argue for values over materialism, proposing that true happiness and fulfillment derive from the pursuit of meaning, community and spiritual integrity. To give one example: In a letter “On Being Jewish,” Rabbi Sacks writes:
Judaism is as relevant today as it ever was. Non-Jews admire Judaism for our strong families and communities, our commitment to education and the excellence of our schools, the emphasis we place on hesed and tzedaka, on practical acts of kindness and generosity. The Jewish voice is sought on questions of medical, social, and business ethics. People respect Judaism for its wisdom and insight. It has integrity without fanaticism. It has strong principles without seeking to impose them on others. It has humour and humanity.
Of course, Judaism is demanding. There are so many laws, so many details, that you can sometimes lose sight of the big picture. It’s like the first French impressionists. At first people could see only brushstrokes and confusion. It took time before they realised that Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, and the rest were capturing the play of light on surfaces and producing a whole new way of seeing. Judaism can look like a blur of laws and customs, until you realise that it’s a whole new way of living. Halakha, Jewish law, is about translating the highest of ideals into the simplest of acts.
The “Little Books of Big Questions” section is based on actual dialogues between Rabbi Sacks and university students, and it addresses pressing contemporary issues, such as the resurgence of antisemitism, Israel’s ongoing search for peace, and the challenges of maintaining Jewish identity in a diverse society. Rabbi Sacks does not shy away from controversy. His thoughtful responses illuminate the complexity of these topics while offering clear guidance rooted in Jewish wisdom. Helpfully, each essay concludes with recommendations for further reading, giving insight into Rabbi Sacks’s own voracious book consumption.
In “Ten Days, Ten Ways,” Rabbi Sacks presents a series of readings of classical sources on themes relating to cultivating a deeper spiritual life, aligning with the introspective themes of the Jewish High Holy Days. In his introductions to each section, Rabbi Sacks provides accessible yet profound advice on prayer, Torah study and fulfillment of mitzvot, underscoring their role in fostering a meaningful and purposeful Jewish life.
The volume closes with Rabbi Sacks’s essay “A Judaism Engaged with the World,” his farewell address upon retiring from the chief rabbinate. In it, he encourages readers to embrace their Jewish identity while emphasizing the imperative to contribute positively to broader society. Rabbi Sacks highlights the concept of kiddush Hashem, sanctifying G-d’s name through ethical living, offering powerful insights into how Jews can navigate modernity while remaining true to their heritage.
The integration of these different elements results in a book fittingly titled The Eternal Conversation, a volume that succeeds in capturing the essence of Rabbi Sacks’s profound vision. In his foreword to the volume, NCSY’s Rabbi Gideon Black reminds readers that “not all conversations have everlasting impact. Many conversations are lost to the winds of time, with their ideas fading before taking root.” This book of Rabbi Sacks’s characteristically eloquent insights is a testament to his extraordinary legacy and ensures that his teachings will remain a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand Judaism’s enduring relevance.