LADY SACKS SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN FOR RABBI SACKS INSTITUTE IN ISRAEL
Plans for a new Jonathan Sacks Institute were revealed last Thursday at an exclusive event organised by the British Friends of Bar-Ilan University. Hosted by best-selling children’s cookery author, Annabel Karmel MBE, in her St John’s Wood home, special g
Howard Jacobson was a close friend of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l and, during the evening, recounted the many conversations they had together on a whole host of different topics. To the audience’s delight, he went on to share the story of Rabbi Sacks officiating his wedding - and dancing with his best man, Melvyn Bragg.
Lord Jonathan Kestenbaum worked with Rabbi Sacks between 1991-96 as Executive Director of the Office of the Chief Rabbi. They went on to become lifelong friends. Lord Kestenbaum shared memories of those early days working with Rabbi Sacks and told stories about the many encounters they had with royalty and international leaders.
Prof. Jonathan Rynhold asked both guests what made Rabbi Sacks so unique – as a rabbi, academic and politician – and what impact he made on UK society and international relations. All agreed, Rabbi Sacks’ wisdom and values were needed today more than ever, especially in Israel.
From that, Prof Rynhold revealed plans for the Jonathan Sacks Institute in Israel. Opening at Bar-Ilan University next year, the Institute aims to bring together students, researchers and academics from different faiths, backgrounds and countries to learn from, and be inspired by, the life and works of Rabbi Sacks.
Lady Elaine Sacks closed the evening, encouraging everyone to support the new Jonathan Sacks Institute, stating:
“I am deeply moved that Bar-Ilan University is establishing an institute that will bear my husband’s name. He was passionate about bridging the gap between traditional Jewish thought and contemporary societal issues, and this institute will continue that legacy. I am grateful to Bar-Ilan University for providing a platform for Rabbi Sacks’ teachings in Israel, which will continue to inspire future generations.”
The British Friends of Bar-Ilan University have now launched a UK campaign to raise support for the Jonathan Sacks Institute. Full details at: www.bfbiu.org
EDITOR’S NOTES…The Jonathan Sacks Institute
Opening at Bar-Ilan University in 2024, The Jonathan Sacks Institute will have two core aims:· To ensure Rabbi Sacks’ ideas receive the attention and recognition they deserve within academia, helping address many of the moral, social and political challenges faced in Israel and around the world.
· To create new leaders through a diverse network of alumni who will make a meaningful impact on the future of Israeli, Jewish and world society, inspired and guided by Rabbi Sacks’ vision.
A variety of activities will be delivered including new undergraduate courses, postgraduate research, publications, international conferences and an annual prize in Rabbi Sacks’ name.
With such a range of activities, the Institute will be a creative, diverse and inclusive hub for everyone including Israeli Arab and ultra-orthodox undergraduates, postgraduate research students, writers, politicians, academics from around the world and members of the wider Israeli public.
British Friends of Bar-Ilan University
Here at the British Friends, we connect the UK closer to Bar-Ilan.
For over 60 years, the British Friends of Bar-Ilan University have been supporting one of Israel’s largest universities, Bar-Ilan. UK supporters have helped Bar-Ilan grow from 70 students in 1955 to over 20,000 students today. The university now boasts nine faculties and is proud of its diverse community of students, academics and researchers.
Bar-Ilan University
With over 20,000 students, Bar-Ilan is Israel’s fastest growing university, ranked among the top universities in the world. The main university campus is located in the Tel Aviv District of Ramat Gan. Bar-Ilan also has a Faculty of Medicine in Safed, in the Galilee.
Proud to be one of Israel’s most diverse universities, Bar-Ilan has over 2,000 Israeli Arab students studying alongside secular, reform and orthodox Jewish students, including over 600 Haredi students.
Such a multicultural campus truly reflects Israeli society, presenting a unique opportunity to promote diversity, tolerance and freedom of thought.
PRESS ENQUIRIES
For more information and images please contact BFBIU Director, Max Dunbar, at [email protected] or call 07985 388 457.