Rabbi Sacks

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks died from cancer in November 2020.  I had just discovered his writings and speeches this summer, and his earlier death was a great surprise to me because I looked forward to more of his work and ideas based on his passion for God and his faith.  

His most recent book was “Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times” (2020).  The book jacket facing page reads:

"The world is in crisis.  Liberal democracy is embattled, public discourse has grown toxic, identity politics and extremism deepen social divisions, and the rise of victimhood mentality calls for ‘safe spaces’ but stifles debate.  The influence of social media seems all-pervading, family life is breaking down, and drug use and depression are on the rise.  Many fear what the future holds. In Morality, respected faith leader and public intellectual Jonathan Sacks traces today’s crisis to our loss of a strong, shared moral code and our elevation of self interest over the common good…”

He also has written “Not In God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence,” “The Great Partnership: God, Science, and the Search For Meaning,” and “To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility.”  

Jesus the Jew would be proud of Sacks the Jew.  So should we.  May he rest in peace.

Deacon David Pierce