My third annual list of best books on Israeli and Jewish matters, ranging from diplomacy and history to Torah commentary.

Rather than elaborate on the incredible achievements and wide influence of the late, great, erudite and eloquent Rabbi Sacks, I offer a primer on his theology: His key concerns, beliefs, and recipes for a better future.

Seven days of virtual Sukkot guests, debating Jewish life and world affairs, including: MBZ of the UAE, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Natan Sharansky, Rebbe Nachman and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, two top corona experts, two top (and opposing) justices of the Israeli Supreme Court, Rabbis Yeshayahu Heber, Nachum Eliezer Rabinovich, and Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz; and Rabbanit Miriam Levinger.

At this time of coronavirus uncertainty and all its attendant ills – which threaten to overwhelm Israeli, indeed global society, this winter – giving some tzedaka can have many rewards. “To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”

Rabbi Haim Sabato’s elegy for Tisha Be’Av, mourning Israel’s loss of national unity and moral priorities, translated here into English for the first time. He terms our current situation keter evion, a “pauper’s crown,” meaning sunk to rock bottom. Rav Sabato blames not only our politicians, but cultural leaders and educators too.

A tribute to Rabbi Dr. Nachum Eliezer Rabinovich zt”l, who passed away on May 6. He passionately believed that every Jew ought to move to Israel, because the Divine drama playing out here was an incredible opportunity to rebuild the Jewish People.

The capriciousness and vulnerabilities of life teach us humility, moral responsibility and reliance on G-d. Lessons from the corona crisis.

Seventeen recommended new books on Israeli and Jewish matters – on fighting antisemitism, Israel-Diaspora relations, defense policy, Jewish history, prayer, Talmud, Bible and more. Books by Annika Henroth-Rothstein, Asael Abelman, Bari Weiss, Daniel Gordis, Haim Sabato, Jack Wertheimer, Reuven Bulka, Ronen Bergman, Shalom Rosner, Shmuel Rosner, Simcha Rothman, Tevi Troy, Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Uri Brilliant, Yaakov Katz, Yeshayahu Hadari z”l and Yoni Grossman.

An unconventional theological-strategic thought: When Israel is strong socially and spiritually it earns the respect of friends and successfully deters its foes (and draws the support of the Heavens). On the link between Israel’s national security and its national decency.

The legacies of Rabbis Yeshayahu Hadari and Aharon Lichtenstein serve as a cultural counterpoint to the doltish Eurovision festivities.