Torah Outside The Box - with Rabbi Louis Sachs

Louis Sachs
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Judaism
  • Updated Weekly

Torah Outside the Box is a podcast where Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and occasionally a little provocative, each episode explores how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but in our lives. Instagram @rabbisachs bit.ly/rlsinsta

Episodes

  1. Jun 28

    The Nostalgia Trap (Don’t Let the Past Blind You): A Shabbat Sermon from June 27, 2026

    ⁠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 even though his donkey can, Rabbi Sachs argues that living in the past can blind us to both present dangers and present blessings. He applies this lesson to synagogue life and Conservative Judaism, challenging the assumption that earlier generations were automatically more committed, observant, or engaged. This is a sermon about honouring the past without becoming trapped in it. The task is not to recreate what was, but to carry forward its Torah, values, love, and wisdom while appreciating the communities and blessings we are building today. Delivered on Shabbat morning, June 27, 2026, at Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto. Torah Outside the Box is a podcast from Rabbi Louis Sachs of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto, sharing sermons and teachings that bring Torah beyond the synagogue and into everyday life. With clarity and care, Rabbi Sachs explores how ancient Jewish wisdom speaks to the challenges and questions of the modern world. Each episode offers thoughtful, relevant, and tradition-rooted insights that invite listeners to reflect, feel, and live with greater intention. Honest and relatable, these teachings offer a spiritual lens through which to view our lives—because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but everywhere.

  2. Jun 24

    The Jewish Closet (When Inclusion Has Limits) : A Shabbat Sermon from June 20, 2026

    ⁠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 “the entire community is holy,” Rabbi Sachs argues that holiness is not a finished achievement. It is something we must continually work to create. He challenges both Jewish and LGBTQ spaces to move beyond proclamations of welcome and confront the ways exclusion still persists. This is a sermon about belonging, responsibility, and the work still required to make inclusion real. Saying that everyone is welcome is not enough. We must create communities where people can bring their full identities and know that there is a place for them. Delivered on Shabbat morning, June 20, 2026, at Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto. Torah Outside the Box is a podcast from Rabbi Louis Sachs of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto, sharing sermons and teachings that bring Torah beyond the synagogue and into everyday life. With clarity and care, Rabbi Sachs explores how ancient Jewish wisdom speaks to the challenges and questions of the modern world. Each episode offers thoughtful, relevant, and tradition-rooted insights that invite listeners to reflect, feel, and live with greater intention. Honest and relatable, these teachings offer a spiritual lens through which to view our lives—because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but everywhere.

  3. Feb 5

    Conversation with Dr. Christian Funke - From Berlin to Toronto: Lessons from Germany’s Fight Against Antisemitism

    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 explore what protects communities, what builds empathy, and what Canada might learn. Dr Christian Funke serves as personal advisor to the Federal Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism, Dr Felix Klein. He previously held the position of policy officer at the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, where his responsibilities included Jewish communities, churches and religious affairs. He holds a doctorate in Religious Studies. Before entering public service, Dr Funke was active in academia with a focus on Religious and Islamic studies, and spent extended periods living in Iran and Israel. . Torah Outside the Box is a podcast where Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue. Follow Rabbi Sachs on Instagram - @rabbisachs or www.rabbisachs.com

  4. Feb 1

    When Words Aren’t Enough (Why Action Is What Matters) : A Shabbat Sermon from January 31, 2026

    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—from Holocaust Remembrance Day to statements by public officials—Rabbi Sachs challenges us to ask: are we content with saying the right things, or are we living our values through what we do? This is a sermon about responsibility, integrity, and the moral emptiness of hollow language. Words matter, but they’re not enough. Delivered on Shabbat morning, January 31, 2026, at Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto. Torah Outside the Box is a podcast from Rabbi Louis Sachs of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto, sharing sermons and teachings that bring Torah beyond the synagogue and into everyday life. With clarity and care, Rabbi Sachs explores how ancient Jewish wisdom speaks to the challenges and questions of the modern world. Each episode offers thoughtful, relevant, and tradition-rooted insights that invite listeners to reflect, feel, and live with greater intention. Honest and relatable, these teachings offer a spiritual lens through which to view our lives — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but everywhere.

  5. 09/17/2025

    Why Do We Lock the Door? : A Shabbat Message from September 13, 2025

    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 values and identity. Delivered on Shabbat morning, September 13, 2025. Torah Outside the Box is a podcast where Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue.Thoughtful, heartfelt, and occasionally a little provocative, each episode explores how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but in our lives.

  6. 07/02/2025

    The Empty Pew Problem (And What We Can Do About It) : A Shabbat Sermon from June 7, 2025

    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 cultural norms evolve—and why preserving shalom bayit sometimes means letting go of our own assumptions about what “respect” looks like. Delivered on Shabbat morning, June 7, 2025, at Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto. Torah Outside the Box is a podcast from Rabbi Louis Sachs of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto, sharing sermons and teachings that bring Torah beyond the synagogue and into everyday life. With clarity and care, Rabbi Sachs explores how ancient Jewish wisdom speaks to the challenges and questions of the modern world. Each episode offers thoughtful, relevant, and tradition-rooted insights that invite listeners to reflect, feel, and live with greater intention. Honest and relatable, these teachings offer a spiritual lens through which to view our lives — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but everywhere.

  7. 04/22/2025

    From Mourning to Mission: Passover Yizkor April 20, 2025

    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 morning, April 20, 2025. Torah Outside the Box is a podcast where Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and occasionally a little provocative, each episode explores how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but in our lives.

  8. 04/22/2025

    Don't Let Guilt Overtake Your Seder: A Shabbat and Passover Message April 19, 2025.

    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 Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and occasionally a little provocative, each episode explores how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but in our lives.

  9. 04/22/2025

    The Debt We Owe: A Pesach Message April 14, 2025

    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 Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and occasionally a little provocative, each episode explores how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but in our lives.

  10. 04/22/2025

    Torah Truth: A Pesach Message April 13, 2025

    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 that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue.Thoughtful, heartfelt, and occasionally a little provocative, each episode explores how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but in our lives.

  11. 04/22/2025

    Don’t Wait—Act! : A Shabbat Message from April 12, 2025

    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 little of ourselves into that hope. Delivered on Shabbat morning, April 12, 2025. Torah Outside the Box is a podcast from Rabbi Louis Sachs of Beth Sholom Synagogue in Toronto, sharing sermons and teachings that bring Torah beyond the synagogue and into everyday life. With clarity and care, Rabbi Sachs explores how ancient Jewish wisdom speaks to the challenges and questions of the modern world. Each episode offers thoughtful, relevant, and tradition-rooted insights that invite listeners to reflect, feel, and live with greater intention. Honest and relatable, these teachings offer a spiritual lens through which to view our lives — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but everywhere.

  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Torah Outside the Box is a podcast where Rabbi Louis Sachs shares sermons, stories, and reflections that bring Torah beyond the walls of the synagogue. Thoughtful, heartfelt, and occasionally a little provocative, each episode explores how Jewish wisdom speaks to modern life — because Torah belongs not just in the synagogue, but in our lives. Instagram @rabbisachs bit.ly/rlsinsta

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