Remembering Rabbi Jonathan Sacks (1948-2020)
One of global Jewry's most influential leaders and communicators passed away over the weekend, leaving an incalculable void
On November 7, the U.S. presidential election was called for Joe Biden. In my neighborhood of New York City, people lined the streets in celebration. Elsewhere in the country, many had the opposite reaction. And on Twitter, President Trump refused to accept the results. In that kind of environment, it’s nearly impossible for any other story to break through, but for many Jewish people, one thing did: Jonathan Sacks, the former chief rabbi of the United Kingdom, passed away on Saturday at the age of 72.
If you haven’t heard of him, and want to get a sense of just how beloved he was, I encourage you to read the replies and comments on the tweet announcing his passing.
Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet. It with the deepest sadness that we regret to inform you that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (HaRav Ya’akov Zvi ben David Arieh z’’l) passed away early this morning, Saturday 7th November 2020 (Shabbat Kodesh 20th MarCheshvan 5781).There are thousands of heartfelt condolences from everyday people, artists, reporters, politicians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and none of the above. It’s the very rare rabbi who touches so many souls, especially in this polarizing age with its distrust of organized religion.
Extremely sad news. My prayers are with Rabbi Lord Sacks' family. I benefitted hugely and learnt a lot from him. May his memory be a blessing.Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet. It with the deepest sadness that we regret to inform you that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (HaRav Ya’akov Zvi ben David Arieh z’’l) passed away early this morning, Saturday 7th November 2020 (Shabbat Kodesh 20th MarCheshvan 5781).The Office of Rabbi Sacks @rabbisacksI don’t know what to say. This is such a heartbreaking loss for our community and the country.Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet. It with the deepest sadness that we regret to inform you that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (HaRav Ya’akov Zvi ben David Arieh z’’l) passed away early this morning, Saturday 7th November 2020 (Shabbat Kodesh 20th MarCheshvan 5781).The Office of Rabbi Sacks @rabbisacksThis is shocking news and a great loss to Britain & the world. Jonathan Sacks helped me think, learn and understand over 25 years of conversations. One of his books was “To heal a fractured world”. Now we have to do it without his presence. But we have his teaching.Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet. It with the deepest sadness that we regret to inform you that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (HaRav Ya’akov Zvi ben David Arieh z’’l) passed away early this morning, Saturday 7th November 2020 (Shabbat Kodesh 20th MarCheshvan 5781).The Office of Rabbi Sacks @rabbisacksAnyone who knows me knows that religion is not a big part of my identity or worldview. But Rabbi Sacks’s writing and lectures were some of the very few theological texts which resonated with me. A huge loss to the UK.Rabbi Sacks was a leader of such profound integrity, humanity, compassion and intellect. I can’t think of anyone I enjoyed interviewing more. Our conversations left me enriched, happier and dare I say - wiser. Our loss is immense. A hugely sad day.Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet. It with the deepest sadness that we regret to inform you that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks (HaRav Ya’akov Zvi ben David Arieh z’’l) passed away early this morning, Saturday 7th November 2020 (Shabbat Kodesh 20th MarCheshvan 5781).The Office of Rabbi Sacks @rabbisacksFor all the tweets, Sacks did not get the send-off he deserved. He was buried in a small socially-distanced ceremony that even Britain’s current chief rabbi was unable to attend. It was far from the massive outpouring of mourners and tributes he would have received had he passed in normal times. This piece is my small effort to fill that gap and honor him and his work.
Read the rest in Tablet here. I interviewed Sacks on multiple occasions, and personally benefited from his writing and teaching. It’s impossible to sum up his insight and output, or to critically evaluate them, in a single piece, but I hope this article will serve as a good introduction to him and his work. I even included a few book recommendations, for those trying to figure out where to start among his dozens of publications.
They’re not in my piece, but it’s also worth reading some of the comments that have been left on the videos of the eulogies at his funeral:
May his memory continue to be a blessing.
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