Queen Elizabeth II of England died yesterday at the age of ninety-six, only a few months after celebrating the 70th anniversary of her reign, known as the “platinum jubilee.” Ten years earlier, on the occasion of her “diamond jubilee,” Jonathan Sacks, then Britain’s chief rabbi, gave the following speech to the House of Lords about the role of religious communities in public life. (Video, 7 minutes.)

After several weeks of passionate political conflict in Israel over judical reform, the tensions seem to be defused, or at least dialed down, for the time being. In light of this, and in anticipation of the Passover holiday soon upon us, Eric Cohen considers the way forward for both the Jewish state and the Jewish people. (Video, 8 minutes. A text is available at the link below.)