We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former UK Chief Rabbi.

An intellectual, moral, and spiritual giant, Rabbi Sacks was a guiding light to Jews and non-Jews throughout the world.

Born in 1948, the same year that the State of Israel was established, Rabbi Sacks did not shy away from asking deep, difficult, and complex questions about Judaism, Israel, and faith in general.

Back in 2013, we had the honor of hosting a fascinating conversation between Rabbi Sacks, and historian and writer Professor Fania Oz-Salzberger, which we’ve re-posted here.

Among many other topics covered in the conversation, Rabbi Sacks spoke movingly of his respect for Israel’s moral self-consciousness:

“I’m astonished at the kind of reflective self-criticism that Israel engages in… I have to say just how much I admire this aspect of Israeli society, and I have to say I don’t know any other people in the world quite like it.”

May his memory be a blessing, and may his legacy of moral integrity and religious tolerance continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Baruch Dayan Ha’Emet.