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The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership 

Our Mission

The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership honors the memory of Rabbi Sacks by promoting his scholarship and strengthening 鶹ýӳ’s core values. We help students find their passion and their purpose through undergraduate and graduate cohort programs that stress character, leadership, innovation and impact. We also provide professional development opportunities for communal leaders, seminars for educators, and online programming for alumni and the community at large. Through lectures, publications, and literary initiatives, the Center advances contemporary Jewish thought with a spirit of inquiry. The Sacks-Herenstein Center was founded in 2022 through the generosity of Terri and Andrew Herenstein.

Meet our Team

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Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

“At the heart of Judaism are three beliefs about leadership: We are free. We are responsible. And together we can change the world.”

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory, (1948-2020) was a religious leader, Life Peer in the United Kingdom’s House of Lords, philosopher, theologian, author, and a global voice for faith and morality. He was the winner of the Jerusalem Prize and a Templeton Prize Laureate, awarded for work that “affirms life’s spiritual dimension.” Rabbi Sacks was the Principal of Jews’ College from 1984-1990 (currently the London School for Jewish Studies) and then served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth for twenty-two years. In that capacity, he was a frequent guest on television and radio programs, gave the prestigious BBC Reith Lectures and had a long-standing column, “Credo,” for The Times that forms the basis of the book The Power of Ideas, published posthumously. Rabbi Sacks authored close to 40 books, including edited editions of Siddurim, Machzorim and a Haggadah. Many of his publications won national and international awards.

Rabbi Sacks served as a visiting professor of Jewish thought at 鶹ýӳ in 2013. He was also a visiting professor at both Hebrew University and New York University. In the United Kingdom, he lectured in moral philosophy at King’s College, London, University of Essex, University of Manchester, University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, University of St. Andrews, and Middlesex Polytechnic. 

His teachings continue to influence countless people worldwide. was established to expose people to the breadth of his work and provide resources for study and inspiration.

Rabbi Sacks is survived by his wife, Lady Elaine, his children - Joshua, Dina and Gila- three brothers - Alan, Brian and Eliot - and nine grandchildren.

His influence as a defender of our faith and of all faith traditions persists through his writings and teachings. Dr. Erica Brown, Vice President for Values and Leadership at 鶹ýӳ and Director of the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center,  him as “a spiritual aristocrat with a regal bearing who inspired with his repeated calls for hope.” His wife, Lady Elaine Sacks, said, “My husband's relationship with 鶹ýӳ was one he treasured over many decades. We always enjoyed our visits to the campus, in large part because of the warm reception he always received and, most importantly, because of what 鶹ýӳ stood for: a combination of Torah u'Madda, of Torah knowledge and worldly wisdom. It was this combination that framed my husband's life and work. That is why it means a great deal to me and my family to see his legacy and teachings continue in this way at 鶹ýӳ.” His memory will always be a blessing.

Recent News and Events

Podcast promo

Nine Days to Redemption

A Nine Episode Podcast Series by Dr. Erica Brown

MORE INFO

Nine Days to Redemption

Dr. Brown's podcast series focuses on interpreting classical Jewish text within the context of Rabbi Sack's wisdom and recent news on the war in Israel. Check out the episodes .

Debate series flyer

A Special Presidential Election Series

Three separate discussions with Dr. Tevi Troy and his colleagues on debates, a successful transfer of power, and the religious vote.

MORE INFO

A Special Presidential Election Series

Join Dr. Troy over the course of three weeks as he engages in political conversation with his special guests: Dr. Sharon L. Poczter, Dr. Erica Brown, and Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner. Register for the event .

book cover

Summer Reading Program - A Judaism Engaged With The World

Rabbi Sack's 2013 book delves into recent Jewish history to analyze the future place and influence of Judaism.

MORE INFO

Summer Reading Program - A Judaism Engaged With The World

Sign up for the program .

Podcast promo

Nine Days to Redemption

A Nine Episode Podcast Series by Dr. Erica Brown

MORE INFO

Nine Days to Redemption

Dr. Brown's podcast series focuses on interpreting classical Jewish text within the context of Rabbi Sack's wisdom and recent news on the war in Israel. Check out the episodes .

Debate series flyer

A Special Presidential Election Series

Three separate discussions with Dr. Tevi Troy and his colleagues on debates, a successful transfer of power, and the religious vote.

MORE INFO

A Special Presidential Election Series

Join Dr. Troy over the course of three weeks as he engages in political conversation with his special guests: Dr. Sharon L. Poczter, Dr. Erica Brown, and Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner. Register for the event .

book cover

Summer Reading Program - A Judaism Engaged With The World

Rabbi Sack's 2013 book delves into recent Jewish history to analyze the future place and influence of Judaism.

MORE INFO

Summer Reading Program - A Judaism Engaged With The World

Sign up for the program .

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