Sacks Scholars
The Sacks Scholars Programme convenes exceptional educators, academics, and community leaders to study, discuss, and develop Rabbi Sacks’ teachings, bringing his Torah and middot into classrooms and communities worldwide.
Our carefully structured programme ensures that Rabbi Sacks’ teachings remain a living, evolving body of wisdom—staying true to his original messages while continually seeking new ways to connect them with diverse audiences.
Each cohort embarks on a year-long course of study, beginning with an intensive in-person retreat and continuing with twelve months of online learning and guided project development. This process equips Scholars with deeper knowledge and further skills to apply Rabbi Sacks’ ideas in meaningful and contemporary ways.
COHORT ONE AT THEIR RETREAT IN ISRAEL, JULY 2023
COHORT TWO AT THEIR RETREAT IN ISRAEL, JULY 2024
The Sacks Scholars Programme:
- Develops the next generation of Jewish educators and leaders worldwide, guided by Rabbi Sacks’ teachings and values.
- Supports Scholars in designing and implementing projects that advance their professional growth and impact.
- Fosters a global professional network, encouraging sustained collaboration and peer support.
- Translates Rabbi Sacks’ Torah into meaningful educational and communal initiatives across the globe.
The Selection Process is now open for the fourth cohort of Sacks Scholars. We invite you to nominate an outstanding individual for the Sacks Scholars Programme, using our form.
We asked this the second cohort of Sacks Scholars what Rabbi Sacks means to them. Here are their responses:
Initiatives created by Sacks Scholars
The Chiefly Quotes App
Jonny Levy created an app that delivers a daily dose of inspiration in the form of one Rabbi Sacks quote per day from the Quotes section of our site.
Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast
In depth explorations of Rabbi Sacks books, with 8 original episodes created and hosted by Dr. Tanya White.
Antisemitism PSHE
Ilana Epstein's series of curricula for schools teaching Antisemitism can be deployed by UK teachers following the PSHE programme for secondary school students, or adapted by teachers for other purposes.
The Haftara Family Edition
A new edition to our Covenant & Conversation: Family Edition on the Parsha, Rabbi Barry Kleinberg contributed weekly ideas on the Haftara, connecting them both to the Parsha, and the philosophy of Rabbi Sacks, for the full cycle of Torah readings in 5785.
Covenant & Continuity: Australia
The LSJS Covenant & Continuity course launched for a new Australian audience in the summer of 2024, driven by Michael Rainsbury.
The Young Sacks Scholars Programme
Rabbi Seth Grauer's new series of Zoom sessions is being utilised by Jewish schools across America.
The Sacks Seminars
The Sacks Seminars (launching in autumn 2025) are designed to ensure that Rabbi Sacks’ ideas continue to enrich the intellectual and moral life of Cambridge. Open to students across the University of Cambridge, the four-part series will examine the late Chief Rabbi’s thought through multiple lenses: political philosophy, ethical philosophy, and Jewish mystical thought.
Sig v'Siach: The Hebrew podcast
בכל שבוע, דמות מובילה מהציבור הישראלי תגיש מאמר מחיבורו של הרב זקס זצ"ל על פרשת השבוע, "שיג ושיח", יחד עם דברים אישיים קצרים. הסדרה מבקשת להפגיש לציבור הישראלי עם תורתו המיוחדת של הרב זקס זצ"ל מתוך אמונה שהיא רלוונטית היום יותר מתמיד.
לקבלת פרקי הפודקסט מדי שבוע אליכם למייל יחד עם תכנים נוספים מבית הקרן למורשת הרב זקס.
Cards and Conversation
Our first pack is the Letters tot the Next Generation edition. Each beautifully designed card pairs a thought-provoking question with a teaching from Rabbi Sacks, offering accessible insights into identity, responsibility, morality, and purpose. These cards can be used:
- In the classroom: Promote discussion, creative writing, or values-based learning.
- With youth groups: Try speed conversations, storytelling, or real-life dilemmas.
- At home: Use around the Shabbat table, for parent-child learning, or weekly challenges.
- For personal growth: Journal, set goals, or reflect on a card’s message during quiet moments.
There’s also a second card pack based on Rabbi Sacks’ commentaries in the new Chumash, and great for learning Parshat Hashavua or studying the Torah at any time! Cards and Conversation packs are currently being offered to educators and youth leaders. We hope to make them more widely available in the future.
For more information or to invite a Sacks Scholar to your school or community, please contact Rabbi Jeremy Bruce. Many of our speakers also have full profiles listed on our Sacks Speakers page.