The Jonathan Sacks Institute

The Jonathan Sacks Institute

The Jonathan Sacks Institute was established to foster engagement with Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks's thought and legacy, integrate his ideas and values into academic, intellectual, and public discourse, and cultivate a new generation of leaders in Israel shaped by his vision.

Prof. Jonathan Rynhold, Head of the Department of Political Studies, explains: "Rabbi Sacks developed a powerful synthesis between Jewish tradition and the pressing political and social issues facing global society. He was deeply concerned by the threats to democratic societies posed by unbridled individualism and religious extremism. In the spirit of his teachings, the Institute will address these challenges by promoting respectful and equal citizenship, a moral ecology that fosters hope, and building trust and connection between diverse communities. His message is timeless—and this Institute is committed to securing his legacy within the canon of great Jewish and Western thinkers."

Bar-Ilan University enjoyed a close and enduring relationship with Rabbi Sacks. He served as a distinguished member of its Board of Trustees, received an honorary doctorate, and was a frequent and celebrated speaker on campus. His intellectual legacy continues to inspire the University community, particularly the Department of Political Studies, whose founding vision, in partnership with the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust, was profoundly shaped by his thought.