The Rabbi Sacks Essay Contest 2026

In Bereishit 18, Avraham argues with God to save the people of Sedom, demanding justice for the innocent. Yet in Bereishit 22, at the Akeidah, Avraham accepts God’s command to sacrifice Yitzhak without a single word of protest. Why does Avraham challenge God in one case but remain silent in the other? Was Avraham right to question God’s justice – and equally right to obey God without question? Should people ever argue with God, or should we always accept His commands with perfect faith? What do these two stories together teach us about faith, morality, and the responsibility to confront injustice?

Guiding prompts

a. How does Rabbi Sacks explain the difference between Avraham’s protest in Sedom and his silence at the Akeidah?
b. What do these stories teach us about when to speak up against injustice and when to practice faith through obedience?
c. Is questioning God an act of disrespect, or can it be part of true faith?
d. How can these two episodes guide us in balancing moral conscience with religious conviction today?

Moshe is the greatest leader in the Torah, yet his leadership was marked by constant challenges: confronting Pharaoh, guiding a complaining people, facing rebellion, and struggling with his own doubts. Rabbi Sacks wrote extensively about Moshe as a model of leadership – one who led not with power but with humility, faith, and responsibility. What do Moshe’s struggles teach us about the nature of true leadership? How does Rabbi Sacks’ understanding of Moshe help us think about the challenges of leadership today, whether in communities, schools, or society at large?

Guiding prompts

a. What key challenges did Moshe face as a leader, and how did he respond to them?
b. How does Rabbi Sacks describe Moshe’s style of leadership — and what makes it unique?
c. What qualities of Moshe’s leadership (e.g., humility, courage, listening, responsibility) are most needed in today’s world?
d. How can Rabbi Sacks’ lessons on Moshe help you think about your own potential as a leader?

The Torah does not end in the wilderness; its ultimate goal is the entry of the Jewish people into the Land of Israel. Sefer Devarim especially emphasises mitzvot that connect Torah to building a society rooted in justice, memory, and covenant in the land. Why is the destiny of the Torah bound to the Land of Israel? How does Rabbi Sacks – and other thinkers – explain the deep connection between peoplehood, land, and Torah? What do these ideas teach us about Jewish identity and responsibility today?

Guiding prompts

a. How does Sefer Devarim link mitzvot like justice, memory, and covenant to living in the Land of Israel?
b. Why, according to Rabbi Sacks, can the Jewish people only fully live their destiny in the land promised to them?
c. How do peoplehood, land, and Torah work together to shape Jewish identity?
d. What responsibility does this vision place on Jews today – both in Israel and in the Diaspora?

Rabbi Sacks developed a unique idea he called Torah v’Chochmah – the integration of Torah with worldly wisdom. He rooted this concept in Jewish sources and history, but also distinguished it from earlier models like Torah u’Madda (Rabbi Norman Lamm) and Torah im Derech Eretz (Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch). How did Rabbi Sacks explain the relationship between Torah and human wisdom? In what ways is his approach similar to or different from other thinkers such as Rabbi Soloveitchik, Rabbi Lamm, and Rabbi Hirsch? What can this teach us about the role of Jewish thought in engaging with the modern world?

Guiding prompts

a. What Jewish sources and ideas did Rabbi Sacks use to support his concept of Torah v’Chochmah?
b. How does Torah v’Chochmah compare to Torah u’Madda and Torah im Derech Eretz?
c. How did Rabbi Sacks’ approach to faith and wisdom reflect his vision of Judaism in the modern world?
d. What lessons can this debate between different thinkers offer to high school students deciding how to balance Jewish tradition with general culture and knowledge?

Rabbi Sacks taught that Judaism must be “true to itself and a blessing to others.” He believed that Judaism should not retreat from the modern world but engage with it, offering a distinct moral and spiritual voice. What does it mean for Judaism to live in dialogue with the modern world while still keeping its unique identity? How do Rabbi Sacks’ teachings help us navigate life as Jews in a global, interconnected, and often secular society?

Guiding prompts

a. What does Rabbi Sacks mean by the idea of “the dignity of difference”?
b. How does Judaism, in Rabbi Sacks’ thought, contribute something unique to global culture and ethics?
c. How can Jews remain faithful to Torah while also engaging with science, politics, and contemporary culture?
d. What examples from Rabbi Sacks’ writings show how Judaism can shape and inspire the 21st century?

1. Who can enter the contest?

High school students ages 15–18 (Years 10–12 in the UK) from Jewish schools or youth groups in the USA, UK, Canada, Israel, South Africa, Australia, and other English-speaking regions.

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2. Do I need to be in a Jewish school to participate?

No. As long as you are eligible by age and language, you may enter through your school, community, or independently.

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3. Is the essay written individually or in groups?

Essays must be written and submitted individually.

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4. When is the contest open and when do I submit?

The contest launches November 2025. The submission deadline is January 31, 2026.

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5. How long should the essay be?

About 1,000 words total, covering all three components (Rabbi Sacks’ ideas, historical example, and personal reflection). It may be 900–1,200 words.

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6. How do I submit my essay?

You will email a Microsoft Word document or share a GoogleDoc of your essay to [email protected]

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7. What are the three required parts of the essay?

1. How Rabbi Sacks approaches the question + your own view
   
2. A supporting example from Jewish or world history
   
3. A personal life reflection relating to the topic
   

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8. Where do I find Rabbi Sacks’ sources?

Start at rabbisacks.org → “Themes” and “Covenant & Conversation.” You may also use Rabbi Sacks’ books, articles, videos, and published lectures.

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9. Do I need to agree with Rabbi Sacks’ opinion?

No. You are welcome to agree, disagree, or expand - as long as your reasoning is thoughtful and respectful.

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10. What counts as a “historical example”?

Any clear moment, person, or event from Jewish history or global history that helps support the message or lesson in your essay.

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11. Do I have to share something deeply personal in the “personal story” section?

No. The story can be simple - a moment of learning, a conversation, an experience, a challenge, etc.
It should just show how the topic matters to you.

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12. Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT to write or help with the essay?

You may use AI only for brainstorming or organization, not for writing full sentences or paragraphs.
All essays will be checked with AI-detection software. Essays that appear AI-generated will be disqualified.

13. Can someone help me edit my essay?

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Yes - light editing is allowed (clarifying grammar/flow). But the ideas and writing must be completely your own.

14. How will the essays be judged?

Essays are judged on:

• Depth of engagement with Rabbi Sacks’ thought
  
• Clarity of argument
  
• Quality of historical example
  
• Personal reflection and originality.
  
  Strong writing helps but content and insight matter most.
  

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15. What happens after I submit?

Judges review all essays. Top 10 finalists are invited to a short 15–20 minute interview (February–April 2026) to discuss their essay and ideas.

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16. What is the purpose of the finalist interview?

To confirm authenticity, and to allow finalists to explain their ideas in their own voice. It is not a test - just a conversation.

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17. What are the prizes?

• 1st Prize: $1,000 + Koren Sacks Humash + 2 Rabbi Sacks books
  
• 2nd Prize: $500 + Koren Sacks Humash + 2 Rabbi Sacks books
  
• 3rd Prize: Set of Rabbi Sacks books

18. Will the winning essays be published?

Yes. Winning essays will appear on the Rabbi Sacks Legacy website and may also be shared on social media and school networks.

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19. When will winners be announced?

May 2026, around Yom Ha’atzmaut, via website, email, and social media.

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20. What is the main goal of the contest?

To give students the chance to enter the conversation Rabbi Sacks modeled - connecting Torah, ethics, history, and personal identity in a thoughtful and meaningful way.