Communities in Conversation
Welcome to Communities in Conversation, an annual day of learning in memory of Rabbi Sacks, to mark his yahrzeit.
13-14 November 2022
“Judaism is the ongoing conversation of the Jewish people with itself, with Heaven, and with the world. It is a conversation scored for many voices.”
– Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l
Contents
- About the Event
- A Message from Gila Sacks
- Register your Learning
- Find a Conversation Near You
- The New 2022 Learning Resources
- Branding
- Five Additional Themed Resources
About the Event
Communities in Conversation is a global day of learning in memory of Rabbi Sacks, marking his yahrzeit. The inaugural programme took place in 2021, with over 150 communities taking part. Please join us again this November to remember Rabbi Sacks’ impact on the Jewish world and beyond, learning and teaching from his Torah.
The 2022 theme is “From Optimism to Hope”, a profound idea often expressed by Rabbi Sacks. Communities, groups and individuals are invited to plan events however they wish – by inviting guest speakers, delving into Rabbi Sacks’ teachings, or utilising the resources we provide. We will support events by listing and promoting them, and providing new resources developed specifically for this day
If you have any questions about getting involved, please contact Louise at Louise@RabbiSacks.org. Download our new learning resources for 2022 and you can already begin preparing for the global event!
Additional resources and translations can be found at the bottom of this page.
This year we are also launching the Rabbi Sacks Global Day of Learning for Schools.
View a special message from Gila Sacks (Rabbi Sacks’ youngest daughter) recorded for the first Communities in Conversation in 2021:
Register now to be part of this inspirational global initiative.
13 – 14 November 2022
or any dates on or around that week
Find a Conversation near you
All the events listed below will be held in memory of Rabbi Sacks. Some will be possible to join online, others may only be possible to attend in person, or they may be private events. For more information on specific events, please contact the organisers directly. This list continues to grow. Check back again soon for an update. If your event is not listed, please ensure it has been correctly registered with us.
Monday 24th October 2022
Holland: de swaan Arons-takamura
Delft, Netherlands
Date: 24 October 2022
Location: a hybrid event – you are also welcome to attend online.
Age Group: Adults
Details: This event has already taken place
Tuesday 25th October 2022
Clifford Chance Law Firm
London, UK
Date: 26 October 2022
Location: A Lunch-and-Learn event with visiting lecturer Rabbi Michael Laitner. Attend online or in-person.
Age Group: Adults
Details: This event has already taken place
Wednesday 27th October 2022
Student Bet Midrash (Bnei Akiva, Tribe, and Mizrachi UK)
London, UK
Date and Time: 27 October 2022 – 8.20pm
Location: A keynote address from Rabbi Michael Laitner on ‘From Optimism to Hope’.
Age Group: Students
Details: This event has already taken place
Tuesday 1st November 2022
Institute for Judaism
Vienna, Austria
Date and Time: 1 November
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
Present
ation on the Thoughts of Rabbi Sacks
Friday 4th November 2022
Dublin Hebrew Congregation
Dublin, Ireland
Date and Time: 4 November
Location: Dublin, Ireland. Online and attend In person
Age Group: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Full Shabbat Programme
Sunday 6th November 2022
Ner Tamid Synagogue learning group
Baltimore, MD, USA
Date and Time: November 6th – 7:30pm Eastern Time
Location: At the coordinator’s home
Age Group: Adults
Details: We will discuss the Rabbi Sacks idea of ‘From Optimism to Hope’. We will start out learning together, then divide into small chevrutot, then come back together to compare. Snacks/dessert provided.
Contact for more info: brds619@gmail.com
Kemp Mill Synagogue
Silver Spring MD USA
Date and Time: November 6th – 7pm
Location: Silver Spring MD USA. Attend In person
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults
Senator Joe Lieberman: “Lessons from Rabbi Sacks on American Politics Today”
Monday 7th November 2022
Vienna Jewcast (podcast)
Vienna, Austria
Date and Time: November 7th – posted at 12:00pm
Location: Online, via Spotify
Age Group: Youth, Adults
A podcast episode in tribute to Rabbi Sacks. Reading and discussing Sacks’ weekly Torah portion (Lech Lecha, written in 5779) with me is Andrew Solomon, former ORF chief editor of “Universum”.
Tuesday 8th November 2022
Why Israel Matters
Dallas, USA
Date and Time: November 8th – 6:00pm
Location: Dallas, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Reading the writings of Rabbi Sacks and his book on Spirituality.
Thursday 10th November 2022
St Albans United Synagogue
St Albans, UK
Date and Time: Thursday November 10th – 8:30pm
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
An engaging discussion on the topic ‘From Optimism to Hope’ with Rabbi Daniel Sturgess.
Friday 11th November 2022
Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto (BAYT) Congregation
Thornhill, Canada
Date and Time: November 11
Location: Thornhill, Canada. Attend in person
Age Group: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Details: A full Shabbat program, in conjunction with Beit Midrash Zichron Dov.
Midreshet Lindenbaum
Jerusalem, Israel
Date: 11 November
Location: Arnona, Jerusalem
Age Group: Students
Details: Rabbi Johnny Solomon will be delivering a range of talks over Shabbat to the students at Midreshet Lindenbaum over Friday night and Shabbat day in honour of Rabbi Sacks zt”l.
Kenesset Israel Torah Center
California, USA
Date and Time: November 11-12
Location: Sacramento, California. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults, Families
Details: Friday night dinner and Shabbat morning drashot will be delivered by Rabbi Leonard Levy and Rabbi Evan Rubin in honor of Rabbi Sacks zt”l.
Bnai Israel
Norfolk, VA, USA
Date and Time: November 11th – 7.00pm
Location: Norfolk, VA, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults, Families
Shabbat Dinner and Guest Speaker.
Midreshet Lindenbaum
Jerusalem, Israel
Date: 11 November
Location: Jerusalem, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
Shabbat Programme.
Kenesset Israel Torah Center
Sacramento, California
Date: November 11
Location: Sacramento, California. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults, Families
Shabbat Program with Rabbi Leonard Levy and Rabbi Evan Rubin.
Mizrachi OU-JLIC of Givat Shmuel and Bar Ilan
Givat Shmuel, Israel
Date and Time: 11 November – 8:30pm
Location: Givat Shmuel, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
Oneg Shabbat
Belmont United Synagogue
Belmont, UK
Date and Time: 11 November – 5:30pm
Location: Belmont, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults, Families
Whisky Kiddush where the community can share recollections of Rabbi Sacks, plus a short learning session from his Torah.
Beit Midrash Zichron Dov
Toronto, Canada
Date and Time: 11 November – 8:00pm
Location: Toronto, Canada. Attend in person.
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults
Shabbaton: Multiple classes on Friday night and on Shabbat surrounding the ideas of Rabbi Sacks.
Merkaz Dekel Shul
Efrat, Israel
Date and Time: 11 November – 10:00am
Location: Efrat, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
Learning Program
Finchley United Synagogue
London, UK
Date and Time: 11 November – 8:00pm
Location: London, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults, Families
Full Shabbaton with Rav Avraham Steinberg and Encyclopaedia Talmudit looking at the translation of Torah knowledge into contemporary life values. Rav Steinberg will pay tribute to Rabbi Sacks’ momentous contribution to the Jewish and secular worlds in this arena.
Shabbat 12th November 2022
Kemp Mill Synagogue
Maryland, USA
Date and Time: November 12th – 7.00pm
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Age Group: Adults, Families
Details: The Second Annual Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, zt”l Memorial Lecture will be sponsored by Laura & Sheldon Margulies. It will include a special guest lecture by Senator Joseph Lieberman, plus other shiurim, drashot, and educational initiatives. More details to follow.
The Women’s Beit Midrash of Efrat and Gush Etzion
Efrat, Israel
Date and Time: 12 November – 8.00pm
Location: Efrat, Israel. Attend in person
Age Group: Adults
Featured speakers: Jessica Sacks, Rabbi Alex Israel, and Mark Fishman.
OU-JLIC Queens
NYC, USA
Date and Time: November 12th – 4.45pm
Location: New York City, Attend in person
Age Group: Adults
Details: We will be learning some of Rabbi Sacks’ ideas on the Torah weekly portion
Kehilat Mitzpe Netofa
Lower Galillee, Israel
Date: 12 November
Location: Lower Galillee, Israel. Attend in person
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Details: Guest speaker and community learning.
Moshav Nechusha
Israel
Date: 12 November
Location: Attend in person, at our synagogue
Age Group: Adults
Details: Shabbat Morning Community Shiur
Green Road Synagogue
Beachwood, USA
Date and Time: November 12
Location: Attend in person, at our shul in Beachwood, USA
Age Groups: Teenagers, Adults, Families
Details: Full Shabbat Programme will be dedicated to Rabbi Sacks
Loughton and Chigwell District Synagogue
Loughton, UK
Date and Time: 12 November – 9.00am
Location: Loughton, UK. Attend in person
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Details: Community Shabbat.
Kehilat Pardes
Rockville, USA
Date and Time: 12 November – 10.00am
Location: Rockville, USA. Attend in person
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Speaker: Rabbi Uri Topolosky.
Finchley United Synagogue
London, UK
Date and Time: 12 November – 7.30pm
Location: London, UK. Attend in person
Age Groups: Adults, Families
Full Shabbaton with Rav Avraham Steinberg and Encyclopaedia Talmudit looking at the translation of Torah knowledge into contemporary life values. Rav Steinberg will pay tribute to Rabbi Sacks’ momentous contribution to the Jewish and secular worlds in this arena. In conjunction with Toras Chayim.
Congregation Israel of Springfield
Springfield, NJ, USA
Date and Time: November 12th – 10.50am
Location: Springfield, NJ, USA. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Teenagers, Adults, Families.
Shabbos Derasha and shiurum.
Beis Community
New York, USA
Date and Time: November 12th – 4.30pm
Location: New York, USA. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Teenagers, Adults, Families.
Studying the Torah portion, inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Sacks.
Beit Knesset Choshen Modiin
Modiin, Israel
Date and Time: November 12th – 10.15am
Location: Modiin, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families.
A community shiur after Shabbat tefillot.
Young Israel of Jamaica Estates
New York, USA
Date and Time: November 12th – 5.00pm
Location: New York, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
Part of a season-long survey of Rabbi Sacks’ thought, touching on elements of his thought on the uniqueness of Jewish theology.
Kehillat Darchei Tzion
Modiin, Israel
Date and Time: 12 November – 6.15pm
Location: Modiin, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Families
Parent-child learning program.
Beth Jacob Synagogue
Norwich, USA
Date and Time: 12 November – 9.00am
Location: Norwich, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
University Jewish Chaplaincy
Edinburgh, Scotland
Date and Time: 12 November – 5.30pm
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland. Attend in person.
Age Group: Youth
We will be hosting students at our home for Havdalah, French toast and text-based discussion.
SCA (Sephardic Community Alliance)
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Date and Time: 12 November – 5.30pm
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA. Online and in person.
Age Groups: Teenagers, Adults.
Rabbi Ricky Hidary will be discussing “Rabbi Sacks on Providence & Freedom”.
Follow @SCA_updates on instagram
OU-JLIC of Greater Atlanta
Atlanta, GA, United States
Date and Time: 12 November – 4.30pm
Location: Atlanta, GA, United States. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Teenagers, Adults.
Shabbat aftertoon discussion on From Optimism to Hope.
Pinner United Synagogue
London, UK
Date and Time: 12 November – 12.00pm
Location: London, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults, Families.
Kiddush/lunch shiur with Rabbi Ben Kurzer.
ASKT
MIlwaukee, USA
Date and Time: 12 November – 11.00am
Location: MIlwaukee, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Shabbat Drasha: “Divide and Concur” – Rabbi Sacks and making space for difference.
Temple Bnai Emat
Monterey Park, CA, USA
Date and Time: 12 November – 11.00am
Location: Monterey Park, CA, USA. Online and in person.
Age Group: Families.
Covenant & Conversation at the Synagogue.
Sunday 13th November 2022
Beit Knesset Hanassi
Jerusalem, Israel
Date: 13 November
Location: Rechavia
Age Group: Adults
Details: Reflections on Rabbi Sacks’ impact on the Jewish world, his teachings and a personal perspective from Rabbi Berel Wein and Rabbi Kenigsberg
Rabbi Sacks Shabbat Learning Group
New York, USA
Date: November 13
Location: Forest Hills, NY, USA
Age Group: Adults
Details: Every Shabbat afternoon we gather together in-person to read from the work of Rabbi Sacks, and then discuss it. On this day we will convene for a special event to commemorate Rabbi Sacks’ yahrzeit.
Rutgers University
New Jersey, USA
Date and Time: November 13th – 9.00am Eastern US time
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults, Families
Maurice J. Elias, Professor of Psychology and Contributing Faculty, Jewish Studies, will be blogging on the theme of Rabbi Sacks’ leadership, and the relevance of his teachings.
Lynk Holdings, LLC
USA
Date and Time: 13 November – 10.00am Eastern US time
Hybrid event, available to attend both in person and online
Age Group: Families, youth, and adults
Youth gathering organised by David Moussazadeh
Jewish Physicians
Jerusalem, Israel
Date: 13 November
Online event
Age Group: Adults
More details: Led by Prof Josh Werblowsky, Professor of Psychiatry.
Carmel School and the Perth Jewish Community
Perth, Australia
Date and Time: 13 November – 6.00pm-7.30pm
Age Group: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Our event will include speeches, tefillah, and learning in memory of Rabbi Sacks. This event will be held in-person.
Edmond J. Safra Synagogue
Monaco
Date and Time: 13 November – 7.30pm
Age Group: Adults
Our Limoud programme will be a one-hour study session in memory of Rabbi Lord Sacks ז”ל, using the resources provided by the Rabbi Sacks Legacy. Attendance is open to those wishing to attend in-person or online.
Join via Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3434650725
Code: 613
Kesher Israel: The Georgetown Synagogue
Washington, DC, USA
Date and Time: 13 November – 5.30pm Eastern time
Location: 2801 N St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Age Group: Adults
We look forward to an evening of study and discussion in Rabbi Sacks’ memory, focusing on the idea of “From Optimism to Hope.” This event will be held in-person.
Hashivenu
Jerusalem, Israel
Date and Time: 13 November – 8.30pm Israel time
This event will be held in-person.
Age Group: Adults
This event will be a discussion of Rav Sacks’ ideas, music, and farbrengen.
OU-JLIC
Toronto, Canada
Date and Time: 13 November, 1.00pm Eastern time
Location: On campus or online – hybrid event.
Age Group: Adults
This will be a hybrid event aimed at youth and adults, taking place on campus, as part of our student fellowship.
Join via Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5738131133?pwd=elRncVg1UmVxQThIUzIvZlZEN3VHUT09
OU-JLIC
Toronto, Canada
Date and Time: Sunday 13th November – 2.45pm
Location: On campus or online – a hybrid event.
Age Groups: Youth and Adults
This will be a hybrid event aimed at youth and adults, taking place on campus.
Join via Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5738131133?pwd=elRncVg1UmVxQThIUzIvZlZEN3VHUT09
Mizrachi Canada
Toronto / Montreal, Canada
Date and Time: Sunday 13 November, 10am (Eastern time)
Location: TBC. Participants will attend in person, not online.
Age Groups: Teenagers, Adults, Families
Sunday morning community Learning. Further details TBC.
Beth Shalom
Seattle, USA
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 11.00am
Location: Hybrid
Age Group: Adults
Mizrachi Canada
Canada
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 10.00am
Location: Canada. Attend in person
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults, Families
Sunday morning community learning.
The Melody of Torah
Jerusalem, Israel
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 8.30pm
Location: 132 Derech HaChoresh
Age Group: Adults
Hosted by the Sreter family, Rabbi Johnny Solomon will present an uplifting evening of inspiring teachings from Rabbi Sacks, based on the songs and music that he loved.
Bnei Akiva UK
London, UK
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 7.30pm
Location: London, UK. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Teenagers, Adults
Evening of Learning Rabbi Sacks’ Torah for Bogrim.
The Travelling Chassidim
Berlin, Germany
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 11:00am
Location: Berlin, Germany. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Adults, Families
Expressing Hope through Prayer: How To Do It Properly
BACH Jewish Center
Long Beach, NY, USA
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 8.30pm
Location: Long Beach, NY, USA. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults
Following the 8:30 am Shacharis, Rabbi Berlin will lead Rabbi Sacks inspired learning at a shul breakfast.
Teaneck Learning Group
Teaneck, USA
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 3.00pm
Location: Teaneck, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
Studying “From Optimism to Hope”
Les Amis du Rabbi Sacks
Paris, France
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 10.00am
Location: Paris, France. Online and in person
Age Group: Adults
A panel discussion with over 10 speakers to explore Rabbi Sacks’ powerful and timeless vision of optimism and hope.
Reston Torah Club
Reston, United States
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 11.00am
Location: Online
Age Groups: Adults
Studying Rabbi Sacks’ Torah together online.
Shachar HaGai
Yoqne’am Illit
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 8.00pm
Location: Online.
Age Groups: Adults.
Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue
Borehamwood, UK
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 8.00pm
Location: Borehamwood, UK. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families.
Shiur hosted by Michael and Michelle Cohen.
Nottingham Jewish Society
Nottingham, UK
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 5.30pm
Location: Nottingham, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
A Motza’ei Shabbat dinner and a l’chaim at the chaplains with discussion based learning.
Mizrachi OU-JLIC at Reichman University
Herzliya, Israel
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 8.00pm
Location: Herzliya, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Open Beit Midrash (“OpenL”) with source packets available for learning.
Canberra Interfaith Forum 12 Faith
Canberra, Australia
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 6.00pm
Location: Online.
Age Group: Adults.
Online lectures on the Teachings of Rabbi Sacks on Judaism, and on his teaching of From Slavery to Freedom to the ACT Jewish Community.
Yeshivat Har Etzion
Alon Shvut, Israel
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 9.00am
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
Digital shiurim and conversation: R’ Gavriel Rosen, R’ Joe Wolfson, R’ Alex Israel, and R’ Yair Kahn.
Eton College
Eton, England
Date and Time: Sunday November 13th – 10.30am
Location: Eton, England. Attend in person.
Age Group: Teenagers.
Study session for students.
Monday 14th November 2022
LSJS & South Hampstead Shul
London, UK
Date and Time: Monday 14 November – 8.00pm (GMT)
Location: London, UK
Age Group: Adults
“Becoming the Person He Was” – Rabbi Shlomo Levin in conversation with Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum.
Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi
Israel
Date and Time: Monday 14th November – 8.15pm (Israel time)
Location: In person
Age Group: Adults
This learning programme will take place during Night-Seder in the yeshiva.
Oheb Zedek Cedar Sinai Synagogue
Ohio, USA
Date and Time: November 14th – 7.30pm (Eastern time)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Age Group: Adults
Rabbi Noah Leavitt will be teaching a class and leading a discussion online. Zoom link will be provided.
The Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning
New York, USA
Date and Time: November 14th – 11.30am-12.30pm (Eastern time)
Location: Our offices are in New York, NY but we are an international organization.
Age Group: Adults
Humankind has been on the move for a long time. We now know that all humans can trace their origins to Southern Africa. Migration is our shared human experience and usually involves facing great risk and uncertainty.
In this class, taught by expert Melton teacher Lynne Lieberman, we will explore three parables offered by the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks in his book, The Home We Build Together, to think about how societies may integrate newcomers and how newcomers may develop a sense of belonging to the places they have migrated.
Join us for this moving program on his second yahrzeit, on the Hebrew anniversary of Rabbi Lord Sacks’s passing.
Yeshivat Hakotel
Jerusalem, Israel
Date and Time: Monday, November 14th – 6.45pm
Location: Yeshivat Hakotel, Yerushalayim, and online (Hybrid event)
Age Group: Students
We’ll be reflecting on and discussing Rav Sack’s impact on our community and the broader world, using the theme of “From Optimism to Hope” to focus the discussion.
St John’s Wood Synagogue
London, UK
Date and Time: Monday 14 November – 8.00pm
Location: At the shul and online (a hybrid event)
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults, Families
The Legacy of Rabbi Lord Sacks: A Shiur with Dayan Ivan Binstock with particular focus on Rabbi Sacks’ book, The Dignity of Difference
Yonatan Sacks Elementary School
Jerusalem, Israel
Date and Time: 14 November, timings TBC
Age Group: Adults
The discussion event is intended for school parents. Some parents will tell about their journey to answer the question “Why I am Jewish”. We will focus on the values of hospitality and caring for the needy, and we will talk about the inspirational figures who helped us in life.
Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue
London, UK
Date and Time: 14 November – 7.30pm GMT
Location: London, UK
Age Group: 10 – 120
Details: TBC
James Howard Education Ltd
London, UK
Date and Time: 14 November – 7.00pm
Location: London, UK. Attend in person
Age Group: Teenagers
Religious Studies Course
Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst
Cedarhurst, NY USA
Date: November 14
Location: Online
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults, Families
Video Tribute.
Young Israel of San Diego
San Diego, CA, USA
Date and Time: November 14th – 11.30pm
Location: Attend in person, San Diego, California
Age Group: Adults, Families
Monte Sinaí
Mexico City, Mexico
Date and Time: 14 November – 7.30pm
Location: Mexico City, Mexico. Attend in person
Age Group: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Bushey United Synagogue
Bushey, UK
Date and Time: 14 November – 8.30pm
Location: Bushey, UK. Attend in person
Age Group: Adults
An evening of learning and sharing Rabbi Sacks’ Torah.
London School of Jewish Studies
London, UK
Date and Time: Monday 14th November – 10.30am-12.00pm
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
Modern Jewish Literature course with Dr Aviva Dautch.
London School of Jewish Studies
London, UK
Date and Time: Monday 14th November – 10.30am-12.00pm
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
The Genesis of Relationships – a weekly in-depth parasha shiur for women with Rabbanit Leah Herzog.
London School of Jewish Studies
London, UK
Date and Time: Monday 14th November – 7.00pm
Location: London, UK. Hybrd event (attend online and in person)
Age Group: Adults
Kashrut b’Iyun shiur for women.
Oxford University Jewish Chaplaincy
Oxford, UK
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 6.30pm
Location: Oxford Chaplaincy. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
Dine & Discuss: A shiur on the teachings of Rabbi Sacks.
Cambridge University Jewish Chaplaincy
Cambridge, UK
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 8.30pm
Location: Cambridge, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults
Student-led chaburot, and an address entitled “The Rabbi Sacks’ Ideas That Impacted Me The Most” by Rabbi Ben Baruch.
Beit Midrash Zichron Dov
Toronto, Canada
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 7.30pm
Location: Toronto, Canada. Online and in person.
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults
Medical Ethics Class featuring Guest Speaker Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner: “Vaccination and Risk-Taking in Judaism”.
Bnei Akiva of Toronto
Toronto, Canada
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 8.00pm
Location: Toronto, Canada. Attend in person.
Age Group: Youth, Teenagers, Adults
Learning Program, with food served.
Congregation Ohav Sholom
Merrick, USA
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 7.45pm
Location: Merrick, USA. Online and in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Shiur in memory of Rabbi Sacks.
Birmingham Central United Synagogue
Birmingham UK
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 12.15pm
Location: Birmingham UK. Online and in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Lunch & Learn.
OU-JLIC at Columbia University/Barnard College
New York, USA
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 12.30pm
Location: New York, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
We will learn about one major piece of Rabbi Sacks’s thought and discuss how it can be meaningful to our lives.
Mizrachi OU-JLIC at Bar Ilan
Givat Shmuel, Israel
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 1.30pm
Location: Givat Shmuel, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Chabura and Brachot (foods to say brachot L’iluy Nismato).
University Jewish Chaplaincy / UCL Jsoc
London, UK
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 1.00pm
Location: London, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults.
Rabbi Dr. Raphael Zarum on “Why are you here? Individuality and responsibility in the thought of Rabbi Sacks”.
Grupo de Estudos da Parashá – CIP
São Paulo, Brazil
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 1.00pm
Location: São Paulo, Brazil. Online and in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Study of parashá Chaie Sarah from Rabbi Sacks’ texts, conducted by Mr. André Roemer.
OU-JLIC at Binghamton University
Binghamton, USA
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 8.00pm
Location: Binghamton, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Teenagers, Adults.
Dinner and Shiur with guest speaker: Rabbi Chaim Strauchler of Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck, NJ.
Bonim Kehila
Tzur Hadassa, Israel
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 9.15pm
Location: Tzur Hadassa, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults, Families.
Community study and discussion on Hope guided by Rabbi Sacks’ teachings.
Yeshivat Migdal HaTorah
Modiin, Israel
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 7.30pm
Location: Modiin, Israel. Online and in person.
Age Group: Teenagers.
Shiur on From Optimism to Hope with Rabbi Jeremy Bruce.
Bristol Jewish Chaplaincy
Bristol, UK
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 1.00pm
Location: Bristol, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Youth.
Lunch and Learn on the teaching and legacy of Rabbi Sacks.
University Jewish Chaplaincy – Leeds Campus
Leeds, UK
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 7.00pm
Location: Leeds, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Rabbi Jason Kleiman on the teachings and stories of Rabbi Sacks.
Tablet Magazine
New York, USA
Date and Time: Monday November 14th – 8.00am
Location: Online.
Age Group: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families.
Sharing Rabbi Sacks’ Torah on our podcasts.
Tuesday 15th November 2022
Princeton University
New Jersey, USA
Date: November 15th – 12.00pm
Location: On Campus, (attend in-person)
Age Group: Students
Details: Learning session with discussion on some of the teachings of Rabbi Sacks
Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School
Washington, DC, USA
Date: November 15th
Location: Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School
Age Group: Middle School students
Details: All classes will be dedicated to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Congregation Ohr HaTorah
Georgia, USA
Date and Time: November 15th – 12.00pm
Location: In our synagogue in Atlanta, for members to attend in-person
Age Group: 60+
Details: We will be giving over Rabbi Sacks’ Torah at the shul’s monthly get-together for members ages 60 and up.
JFS
London, UK
Date and Time: 15 November – 7.00pm GMT
Location: Harrow
Age Group: 16 – 18 year olds
Details: 6th form assembly in JFS (Europe’s largest secondary school) will be led by Rabbi Michael Laitner and Batsheva Wolf, who will take students through lessons learned from the life of Rabbi Sacks
Ahavat Yisrael
Edgware, UK
Date and Time: Tuesday 15th November – 8.00pm
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
Guest speaker TBC
Lincoln Square Synagogue
New York, USA
Date and Time: Tuesday November 15th – 7.00pm
Location: New York, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults, Families.
‘What I Learned from My Boss, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’: A Conversation about Rabbi Sacks’ legacy with Joanna Benarroch and Rabbi Shaul Robinson.
Boca Raton Synagogue
Boca Raton, FL, USA
Date and Time: Tuesday November 15th – 9.30am
Location: Boca Raton, FL, USA. Online and in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Rabbi Efrem Goldberg’s Tuesday Parsha Shiur in memory of Rabbi Sacks.
Calabasas Shul
Calabasas, CA, USA
Date and Time: Tuesday November 15th – 12.25pm
Location: Online.
Age Group: Adults.
Online Learning of Rabbi Sacks’ Teachings.
JLIC Brandeis
Boston, USA
Date and Time: Tuesday November 15th – 8.30pm
Location: Boston, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Evening of learning with college students.
Private event for college students
JWCAtlanta
Atlanta, USA
Date and Time: Tuesday November 15th – 9.00am
Location: Atlanta, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Lecture.
University Jewish Chaplaincy: West Midlands
Birmingham, UK
Date and Time: Tuesday November 15th – 1.00pm
Location: Birmingham, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Bagel Lunch and Learn at University of Birmingham with Rabbi Fishel Cohen.
Wednesday 16th November 2022
Aish Hatorah Chile and World Mizrachi
Santiago, Chile
Date and Time: 16 November – 7.30pm
Location: London, UK
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
Details: A communal gathering with the participation of the Israeli Ambassador and the local Aish Rabbi as speakers. The event is designed for people to attend in-person, but if you would like to attend remotely via Zoom, please be in touch and we will try to accommodate this request.
Chavurá Neshamá – Congregação Israelita Paulista
São Paulo, Brazil
Date and Time: November 16th – 8.00am
Location: Online.
Age Groups: Adults.
Drashá by Dr. Helio Elkis.
Beit Knesset Shivtei Yisrael
Raanana, Israel
Date and Time: November 16th – 8.15pm
Location: Raanana, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families.
Learning Rabbi Sacks’ writings.
University Jewish Chaplaincy: West Midlands
Warwick, UK
Date and Time: Tuesday November 16th – 1.00pm
Location: Warwick, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Bagel Lunch and Learn in the Chaplaincy at Warwick University with Rabbi Fishel Cohen.
Thursday 17th November 2022
Techelet – Inspiring Judaism
Ra’anana, Israel
Date and Time: 17 November – 7.30pm
Location: Techelet, Ra’anana
Age Groups: Youth, Adults, Families
Details: Dr. Micha Goodman, a well-known speaker in Israel, will give a lecture on ‘The critique of Rabbi Sacks against post-modernism.’
Afterward, 3 short lectures will be delivered – in TED-style – by 3 speakers: Rav Chaim Navon, Dr. Tanya White, and Gilad Hesse, who will add their perspectives to the topic. This event will be held in-person.
OU-JLIC at Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, USA
Date and Time: 17 November – 7.45pm
Location: Baltimore, USA. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Adults.
Learning session with refreshments.
Beit Chabad Perdizes
São Paulo, Brazil
Date and Time: 17 November – 2.30pm
Location: São Paulo, Brazil. Attend in person.
Age Groups: Adults.
Learning group.
Friday 18th November 2022
Alei Tzion & Magen Avot
London, UK
Date and Time: 18 November – 4.30pm
Location: Magen Avot, Hendon. Attend in person
Group: Women, teenagers, and children
Kabbalat Shabbat Women’s Tefillah group, with a D’var Torah based on the teachings or Rabbi Sacks zt”l.
JFNA
New Jersey, USA
Date and Time: Friday November 18th – 12.00pm
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
Celebrating the life and legacy of Rabbi Sacks.
Moishe House Crown Heights
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Date and Time: Friday November 18th – 5.00pm
Location: Brooklyn, USA. Attend in person
Age Group: Adults
Torah class for women after candle lighting.
Shabbat 19th November 2022
Young Israel of West Hartford
West Hartford, USA
Date and Time: November 19th – 11.00am
Location: West Hartford, USA. Attend in person
Age Group: Adults, Families
Sermon and Shabbat learning, followed by Kiddush.
Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut
New London, CT, USA
Date and Time: November 19th – 11am
Location: New London, CT, USA. Online and attend in person
Age Group: Adults
Rav Julius Rabinowitz, Beth Jacob Synagogue will be speaking at Shabbat services.
Congregation Darchei Noam
Fair Lawn, NY, USA
Date and Time: November 19th – 11am
Location: Fair Lawn, NY, USA. Attend in person
Age Group: Families
Drasha about Rabbi Sacks.
The Downtown Minyan
New York City, USA
Date and Time: November 19th – 10.00am
Location: New York, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Rosh Kehilla Dr. Mijal Bitton and Community Scholar Gabriel Slamovits, both students of Rabbi Sacks, will be sharing Torah inspired by his teachings and discussing his profound personal impact on them.
Sunday 20th November 2022
Hendon United Synagogue
London, UK
Date and Time: 20 November – 8.00pm
Location: Attend in person, London
Age Group: Youth, Teenagers, Adults, Families
In Conversation: Lord Kestenbaum and Dan Sacker
Christ College
Nigeria
Date and Time: 20 November – 10.00am
Location: Nigeria. Attend in person.
Age Group: Teenagers.
An introduction to Rabbi Sacks’ writings.
Wednesday 23rd November 2022
The Tenner Family
Highland Park, USA
Date and Time: November 23rd – 8.00pm
Location: Highland Park, USA. Attend in person.
Age Group: Families.
Reading and discussing Rabbi’s words.
The Sacksons
Toronto, Canada
Date and Time: November 23rd – 9.00am
Location: Online.
Age Group: Adults.
Parsha of the Week discussion.
Thursday 24th November 2022
Kings College London
London, UK
Date and Time: November 24th – 10.00am
Location: London, UK. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
Commemorating the legacy of Rabbi Sacks through unique responses to his work and ideas. Speakers include: Rabbi Joseph Dweck, Dr Tamra Wright, and Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum.
Young Israel Talpiot Mizrach
Jerusalem, Israel
Date and Time: November 24th – 8.00pm
Location: Jerusalem, Israel. Attend in person.
Age Group: Adults.
A reunion in my home.
Meir Nakar 10/7
Friday 25th November 2022
Mill Hill Synagogue
London, UK
Date: Friday (evening)
Location: Attend in-person, Mill Hill Synagogue
Age Groups: Youth, Teenagers, Adults
Details: A presentation on Friday night, after the Kabbalat Shabbat service, on the subject of “From Optimism to Hope” (facilitated by Rabbi Michael Laitner, with Rabbi Yitchak Schochet)
Shabbat 26th November 2022
Ganei Tzion
Jerusalem, Israel
Date and Time: 26 November – 8.00pm
Location: Jerusalem, Israel. Attend in-person.
Age Group: Adults
Shiur series in the spirit of Rabbi Sacks
Wednesday 30th November 2022
2020 Torah
London, UK
Date and Time: Wednesday 30th November – 8.00pm
Location: Online
Age Group: Adults
“From Optimism to Hope: Positive Psychology in the thought of Rabbi Sacks with Rabbi Dr Mordechai Schiffman.
Sunday 25th December 2022
Ebonyi State Jewish Youth Movement
Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Date and Time: 25 December – 12.00pm
Location: Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Attend in-person
Age Group: Youth
Youth Shabbaton.
The New 2022 Learning Resources
From Optimism to Hope
From Optimism to Hope is a theme that Rabbi Sacks often returned to. We have prepared these pages for you to enhance your understanding of this idea, with the use of videos, articles, and biblical extracts, as well as quotes from Rabbi Sacks, and discussion questions.
Branding
Download the official Communities in Conversation logo to utilise when promoting your community’s event or learning sessions around this year’s Yahrzeit.
Five Additional Themed Learning Resources
Learning resources from the 2021 Yahrzeit.
UNIT 1
Community
This unit explores the idea of community within Judaism. What strengthens and supports a community? With excerpts, quotes, and discussion questions, it delves into Rabbi Sacks’ belief in the fundamental importance of community.
UNIT 2
Family
This resource delves into many aspects of the Jewish family, from our biblical forefathers, to marriage, parents, grandparents and siblings, we will learn of the impact of family Jewish history and civilisation, as well as encourage discussions on family values today.
UNIT 3
Israel
This unit guides us through Israel as a biblical promise from God to the forefathers, as the land of hope, and through its full significance today. With videos, discussion points, and even some ancient prophecies to discuss, through the perspective of Rabbi Sacks.
UNIT 4
Jewish Identity
“A Letter in the Scroll…” This unit explores the notion of Jewish identity, both individually and nationally, using texts from Rabbi Sacks to develop an understanding of this important theme.
UNIT 5
Religion and Science
“Scientific knowledge doesn’t contradict religious belief…” This unit focuses on explaining the coexistence of these two truths, despite their apparent contradictions.
May the soul of Rabbi Sacks be elevated in merit of the learning we will do in his memory.