The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership Artificial Intelligence Biotechnology Computer Science Cybersecurity Data Analytics and Visualization Digital Marketing and Media Mathematics Nursing Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Physics Speech-Language Pathology Pause videoPlay video The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership Cohort Opportunities Events Educational Resources Our Mission“Leaders should never stop learning,” wrote Rabbi Sacks. The Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership is a place where leaders continue learning and growing. The Center identifies and develops talent through its undergraduate and graduate cohort programs, disseminates contemporary thought leadership through literary and academic initiatives, community-based programs and online education, and provides high-level professional development opportunities to train communal leaders and educators for the public good. Founded through the generosity of Andrew and Terri Herenstein, the Center honors the memory of Rabbi Sacks by promoting his scholarship and strengthening Yeshiva University’s core values. "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 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.Read more about Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Our Founders: Terri and Andrew HerensteinTerri and Andrew Herenstein founded the Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership in 2022 to perpetuate the legacy of Rabbi Sacks and to support the work of Yeshiva University as it grows remarkable undergraduate and graduate students. Terri, the lead principal at TK Interiors, has a background in global branding and communications and serves on many national and international boards. Andrew, a proud YU graduate and a Trustee of the University, is Vice Chairman of Monarch, where he provides strategic leadership guidance across the firm. The Herensteins split their time between New York and Jerusalem, where they enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Our Educational Resources The Sacks-Herenstein Center offers both in-person and virtual educational programs, classes, lectures, and community events that explore Jewish ideas, values, and contemporary issues. Through learning opportunities for students, educators, and community members, the Center promotes the meaningful experience of lifelong learning. To stay informed about upcoming events and programming, follow us on social media. @sacksherensteincenter Our Cohort OpportunitiesLeadership ScholarsSacks Writing ScholarsSacks Impact Scholars Rohr Writing Scholars FellowshipSacks-Herenstein Writing WorkshopApply Now What Our Scholars Say 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 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 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 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 PrizeThe 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. “So long as the Jewish people never stop learning, the Jewish heart will never stop beating. Never has a people loved a book more. Never has a book sustained a people longer or lifted it higher.” Rabbi SacksSubmissions Open Volunteer TripsThe Sacks-Herenstein Center has led impactful volunteer missions around the world empowering students to respond to moments that matter. From supporting Ukrainian refugees in Vienna during the Ukraine-Russia war, to volunteering in Israel in the months after October 7, each experience has combined service with purpose. Our Global Citizenship missions have taken students to Morocco and Italy. In London, our Leadership Scholars traveled in the footsteps of Rabbi Sacks, learning and reflecting om his legacy. These travel opportunities deepen students’ connection to Jewish history, identity, and responsibility. “To be a Jew is to travel. Judaism is a journey, not a destination.” Rabbi Jonathan SacksSee More Volunteer Trip Photos DonateClick Here to Subscribe to Our Newsletter
