The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center

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

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

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.

"To be a leader, you do not need a crown or robes of office. All you need to do is to write your chapter in the story, do deeds that heal some of the pain of this world, and act so that others become a little better for having known you."

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

What our Scholars Say
Neti Linzer Penstein
Neti (Linzer) Penstein
Sacks Research, Conflict Resolution. Project Management, Storytelling, Public Speaking, Scholar ’24, MA, GPATS, MA, Revel

As part of the Sacks Research Fellowship, I was a member of a talented cohort of emerging scholars: we helped motivate each other to work on scholarly projects, collaborated to develop our burgeoning ideas, and inspired and enlightened each other through our diverse experiences and perspectives. In the framework provided by the fellowship, I wrote and eventually published an academic article which presented a philosophical analysis of forgiveness. 

Yerson Faber Torres Cubillos
Yerson Faber Torres Cubillos
Sacks Impact Scholar ’26, MA, Ferkauf School of Psychology

The leadership training in the Sacks Scholarship program has shown me how practical frameworks and techniques can be applied to real leadership challenges across many professional settings. Through the impact project, I have learned that coordination, strong partnerships, and shared intentions can create safe spaces that provide emotional support for immigrants during this challenging political time and connect them with organizations ready to help.

Judah Frohlich
Judah Frohlich
Leadership Scholar, Yeshiva College, Biology Major & Pre-Med Student, Class of 2028

I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship and opportunities this program has given me to develop the values, perspective, and skills I hope to carry with me into a future career in medicine and service.

Ayelet Friedman
Ayelet Friedman
Leadership Scholar, Stern College , Political Science Major & Philosophy Minor, Pre-Law Student, Class of 2027

Being part of this vibrant community has not only enhanced my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of the responsibilities that come with leadership. As a Leadership Scholar, I am proud to be involved in a mission that challenges me to improve myself and integrate such lessons into my values so that I may invest in others.

 

 

The Rabbi Sacks Book Prize

The Rabbi Sacks Book Prize is awarded to an author of a recently published or about to be published work of Jewish ideas deeply sourced in Jewish texts, with broad appeal within and beyond the Jewish community. 

 

Submissions Open

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