From Optimism to Hope

by Jonathan Sacks

Rabbi Sacks' well-deserved reputation as a writer and broadcaster in the UK has followed him to North America with the success of The Dignity of Difference. His clear, calm voice brings hope and encouragement to all of us struggling to come to terms with modern, turbulent times.

In the UK, that calm voice is frequently heard on the country's most popular morning BBC radio news show. He regular presents a "Thought for the Day" in which he addresses a current issue with characteristic brevity and clarity.

Here, the Chief Rabbi has selected his favorite "Thoughts for the Day" for publication. The result is a book that will appeal to a very wide audience - people with religious belief and those with little or none.

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2004

About the author

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Henry Sacks was the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. His Hebrew name was Yaakov Zvi.

Serving as the chief rabbi in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 2013, Sacks gained fame both in the secular world and in Jewish circles. He was a sought-after voice on issues of war and peace, religious fundamentalism, ethics, and the relationship between science and religion, among other topics. Sacks wrote more than 20 books.

Rabbi Sacks died November 2020 after a short bout with cancer. He was 72.

Reviews

[Leong Chin Yee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep and thought-provoking read for me. Sacks continually encourages the world to work towards forgiveness, peace and reconciliation.

[Jayde Schwerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is always hope... another good read.

[Becca Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a pocket of comfort and hope. It also connected me more to my religion than I have felt in a long while. Loved it.