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“Happiness is the ability to say: I lived for certain values and acted on them. I was part of a family, embracing it and being embraced by it. I was part of a community… I asked what I could contribute.”

More Quotes

Explore the life and work of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Discover articles, videos, books, commentary, and educational resources from an international faith leader, ambassador for Judaism and Jewish values, respected moral philosopher, and award-winning author.

This digital archive, which continues to expand over time as more content is unearthed and uploaded, has been developed by The Rabbi Sacks Legacy in honour of Rabbi Sacks, following his passing on 7th November 2020.

LATEST NEWS

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Fourth Cohort of Sacks Scholars

Announcing cohort four of Sacks Scholars, a global programme empowering the next generation of leaders.

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10 Ideas for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Ten short ideas to focus your davening and offer a meaningful and transformative experience during the Ten Days of Repentance.

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Mission to Israel 2026

Friends and supporters will visit Israel in November for a special mission in memory of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l.

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Ceremony & Celebration

Introduction to the Jewish Holidays

When did Rosh Hashanah, the anniversary of creation, become a day of judgment? How does Yom Kippur unite the priest’s atonement with the prophet’s repentance? What makes Kohelet, read on Succot, the most joyful book in the Bible? Why is the remembrance of the Pesach story so central to Jewish morality? And which does Shavuot really celebrate – the law or the land?

Bringing together all Rabbi Sacks’ acclaimed introduction essays from the five Koren Sacks Machzorim, Ceremony & Celebration reveals the stunning interplay of biblical laws, rabbinic edicts, liturgical themes, and communal rituals, as well as the profound religious meaning of each of the five central Jewish holidays.

Now available in Hebrew and Spanish too.

Resources

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Ellul Mini-Series

In September 2020 Rabbi Sacks recorded a series of three drashot (short Torah talks) to explore some of the key themes of the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe.

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Rabbi Sacks on Desert Island Discs

Listen to the full episode, first broadcast by BBC Radio 4 in February 1991, where Rabbi Sacks discussed music, religion, and his plans for the future.

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A Tribute from the King

HM King Charles shares a tribute to Rabbi Sacks, shortly after his untimely passing in November 2020.

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Rabbi Sacks and CNN’s Christiane Amanpour

When Amanour asked Rabbi Sacks about prospects for peace in the Middle East, the threat of Iran, and the extent of European antisemitism.

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Tributes

Read a selection of the tributes, statements, articles and obituaries published in the aftermath of Rabbi Sacks’ passing.

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Personal Reflections

Read a selection of personal reflections and stories about individuals’ interactions with Rabbi Sacks, or submit your own.