Torah Outside The Box - with Rabbi Louis Sachs

⁠Rabbi Louis Sachs⁠⁠ explores the trap of nostalgia and how idealizing the past can prevent us from recognizing the blessings already present in our lives. Beginning with the Israelites’ longing to return to Egypt, he reflects on the ways memory can soften hardship and make what came before seem better than it truly was. Drawing on the story of Balaam, who cannot see the angel standing before him...

⁠Rabbi Louis Sachs⁠ explores what it means to build communities where queer Jews can bring their full identities and truly belong. Beginning with the story of officiating a same-sex Jewish wedding, he reflects on the pain experienced by LGBTQ Jews who have too often been made to feel that their Jewish and queer identities cannot exist together. Drawing on Parshat Korach and the declaration that “t...

Rabbi Louis Sachs sits down with Dr. Christian Funke, advisor to Germany’s Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life and the fight against antisemitism, for a frank conversation about where government action matters—and where it reaches its limits. Drawing on Germany’s post October 7 response, legal approaches to hate speech, campus accountability, and initiatives that foster Jewish visibility, they ex...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores the power and the limits of speech in Jewish tradition. Through the classic parable of the feather pillow and teachings about lashon hara , he examines how our words can cause lasting harm—even when no legal remedy exists. But the heart of this sermon is not just about speech, it’s about action. Drawing on the story of Nachshon at the sea and modern political moments—fro...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores the painful yet pressing question his four-year-old daughter asked after a school lockdown drill: “Why do we lock the door?” Reflecting on the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and the disturbing celebrations that followed, he draws on Jewish teachings to examine the power of speech, challenging us to defend civil discourse, reject violence, and stand proudly for our...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores the tension between decorum and belonging in our synagogues. Drawing on halachic sources, personal anecdotes, and a striking Midrash about Rabbi Meir, he challenges us to consider: are our expectations of reverence in the sanctuary pushing people away from the very place they most need to feel at home? From coffee cups to crying children, this sermon reflects on how cult...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores how this year's Passover and Yizkor feel heartbreakingly different in light of ongoing hostage crises and loss. Drawing on writings from the families of hostages and the newly created "Hostage Families Haggadah," the sermon challenges listeners to carry memory forward with purpose—not just to remember, but to transform grief into action and legacy. Delivered on Shabbat m...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores how tradition, especially around Passover, can become a burden when we focus more on rules than meaning. Drawing on the image of guarded matzah and a Hasidic tale of a humble Seder, the sermon challenges listeners to reclaim presence, curiosity, and intention in their rituals. Delivered on Shabbat morning, April 19, 2025. Torah Outside the Box  is a podcast where Rabbi L...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores the sacred responsibility we carry toward the generations that came before us. Drawing on the Torah’s call to remember “Arami Oved Avi” and personal family history, the sermon challenges listeners to recognize the blessings in their lives and reflect on the legacy they’ve inherited. Delivered on Shabbat morning, April 14, 2025. Torah Outside the Box  is a podcast where R...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores the enduring power of the Exodus story—even if it isn’t historically provable. Drawing on Midrash, academic scholarship, and personal reflection, the sermon challenges listeners to shift from fact-checking to meaning-making. Delivered on Passover Day 1, April 13, 2025. Torah Outside the Box  is a podcast where Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections th...

Rabbi Louis Sachs explores the powerful symbolism of Elijah’s cup—and why it remains full on our Seder tables year after year. Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Harold Schulweis and the Midrash of Nachshon ben Aminadav, this sermon reminds us that redemption doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from action. In a world still yearning for peace, freedom, and wholeness, we are each called to pour a lit...