Audio archive
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Thought for the Day: ‘The Power of Words’
Ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, the Chief Rabbi shares his thoughts on the immeasurable power of words, and how they can be used both to create, and to destroy. Listen Read more... -
Thought for the Day: ‘There is no education like adversity’
To mark the beginning of Chanukah, the Chief Rabbi contemplates on how facing adversity can often lead to the greatest achievements. Listen to the Audio here. You can read the Read more... -
Thought for the Day: Sukkot and the strength of community
The Chief Rabbi looks to the festival of Sukkot, celebrated by Jews worldwide this week, for inspiration to deal with the scourge of loneliness and social isolation. Listen to the Read more... -
Thought for the Day: ‘Existing only to receive is not an existence at all’
On the Eve of Yom Kippur, the Chief Rabbi reflects on the importance of a meaningful existence, and how this links to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Listen Read more... -
Thought for the Day: ‘If I’m Only for Myself, What am I?’
On the eve of Rosh Hashana, the Chief Rabbi discusses a key tension between individual and collective responsibility that is expressed in the Rosh Hashana liturgy. Listen to the Audio Read more... -
Thought for the Day: Purpose is a dream with a deadline
On the eve of the Festival of Shavuot and in the run up to the General Election, the Chief Rabbi points out that ‘for those seeking our votes, there is Read more... -
Thought for the Day: What is freedom?
As we approach the festival of Pesach, the Chief Rabbi teaches us that ‘freedom is not just the absence of oppression, but the presence of a meaningful route to self-fulfilment’. Read more... -
Thought for the Day: Faith must lead to responsible living
As we approach the Festival of Purim, the Chief Rabbi teaches us that one cannot simply ‘outsource’ their destiny to God – we must take responsibility for ourselves. Listen to Read more... -
Thought for the Day: Falsehood is what drives division and fuels hatred
On Holocaust Memorial Day 2017, the Chief Rabbi spoke of the need to challenge falsehood wherever we find it. “I have always thought it fascinating that Jewish tradition goes beyond Read more... -
Thought for the Day: What does Jewish tradition teach us about zealotry?
As we approach Chanukah, the Chief Rabbi talks about the unique nature of light on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day. “The interesting thing about light, which is Read more...
