Ex-chief rabbi Sacks dies at 72
MARCH 8, 1948 – NOVEMBER 7, 2020
FORMER chief rabbi Lord Sacks, respected as one of the leading British-jewish voices, has died aged 72.
A statement on the British Orthodox rabbi, philosopher, theologian, author and politician’s official Twitter account announced yesterday: “It is with the deepest sadness that we regret to inform you that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks passed away early this morning.”
Born in Lambeth, south London, Lord Sacks was chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth – the figurehead of British Jews – for 22 years.
He stepped down in September 2013 and was succeeded by current chief rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.
Lord Sacks had twice battled cancer earlier in his life and was being treated for a third time, it was reported.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “His leadership had a profound impact on our whole country and across the world.
“My sincere condolences to his family, friends and the Jewish
community. May his memory be a blessing.” Board of Deputies of British Jews president Marie van der Zyl described Lord Sacks, who was made a crossbench life peer in 2009, as a “giant of both the Jewish community and wider society”.
She said: “His astounding intellect and courageous moral voice were a blessing to all who encountered him in person, in writing or in broadcast.
“His outstanding tenure as chief rabbi led to a revolution in Jewish life and learning which has ensured his legacy will pass not just through his own beloved family, but through generations of our community’s young people too.”
Lord Sacks was an outspoken critic of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during the row over anti-semitism in the party.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said of the peer: “He was a towering intellect whose eloquence, insights and kindness reached well beyond the Jewish community.
He added: “I have no doubt that his legacy will live on for many generations.”
Former prime minister Tony Blair said Lord Sacks was “a man of huge intellectual stature but with the warmest human spirit”.
He added: “Jonathan was a wonderful friend, a beloved mentor, a philosopher of extraordinary insight and of course a religious leader respected well beyond the Jewish community and well beyond the shores of Britain.”
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: “He devoted so much of his life to reflecting on God at the most profound level – and we are all the beneficiaries of his wisdom. You couldn’t help but be swept up in his delight at living, his sense of humour, his kindness, and his desire to know, understand and value others.”
Lord Sacks frequently appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day and was invited to Prince William’s wedding as a representative of the Jewish community.
He is survived by his wife Elaine and children Joshua, Dina and Gila.