Welcome to Covenant & Conversation, Rabbi Sacks' commentary on the weekly Torah portion. These pieces explore the ideas from the Torah readings of each week of the yearly cycle. You can find both the video and the full written article on Tzav available to watch, read, print, and share, in multiple languages, by visiting: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation/tzav/why-civilisations-die/ A new FAMILY EDITION is now also available: https://rabbisacks.org/covenant-conversation-family-edition/tzav/why-civilisations-die/ For more articles, videos, and other material from Rabbi Sacks, please visit www.RabbiSacks.org and follow @RabbiSacks. The Rabbi Sacks Legacy continues to share weekly inspiration from Rabbi Sacks. This piece was originally written and recorded by Rabbi Sacks in 2011. With thanks to the Schimmel Family for their generous sponsorship of Covenant & Conversation, dedicated in loving memory of Harry (Chaim) Schimmel.