Essays on ethics

By Jonathan Sacks

Book Description

In this profound exploration of biblical wisdom, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks invites readers to discover the ethical foundations that have shaped Western civilization for millennia. Through careful examination of weekly Torah portions, this collection reveals how ancient Hebrew texts continue to offer guidance for contemporary moral dilemmas.

Sacks addresses some of the most challenging questions that arise from biblical narratives. Why would a loving God command Abraham to sacrifice his child? What can we learn from Jacob's deception regarding his father's blessing? These difficult passages become doorways to deeper understanding when viewed through an ethical lens that emphasizes truth, justice, dignity, and compassion.

Rather than avoiding the Hebrew Bible's most perplexing moments, this work embraces them as opportunities for moral growth. Each essay demonstrates how these ancient stories contain timeless principles about forgiveness, love, and human responsibility. The author's approach treats the biblical text as a comprehensive guide for ethical living, one that speaks directly to modern seekers wrestling with questions of right and wrong.

This companion volume offers readers a chance to engage with foundational texts that continue to influence moral thinking across cultures. Through Sacks's thoughtful analysis, the Torah emerges not as a distant historical document, but as a living source of wisdom for anyone seeking to understand the ethical dimensions of human existence.