The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Appoints Jonathan Cannon as CEO

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy is proud to announce the appointment of Jonathan Cannon as its Chief Executive Officer. With more than 30 years of experience as an educator, mentor and strategic advisor, Jonathan brings a rare blend of visionary leadership, Jewish values, and a lifelong dedication to the transformative power of education. His appointment marks a major milestone in expanding the reach of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ teachings.

As CEO, Jonathan will lead efforts to bring Rabbi Sacks’ moral voice, timeless wisdom and educational vision to communities, institutions, and individuals in North America, across the Jewish world, and beyond.

With this appointment, Joanna Benarroch will take on the new position of President of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, where she and Jonathan will partner in leading global efforts to perpetuate the work, ideas, and teachings of Rabbi Sacks.

Joanna said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Jonathan Cannon to the professional team and look forward to working alongside him as we continue to advance and expand the impact of Rabbi Sacks’ enduring legacy.”

Jonathan is completing his seventh year as Head of the internationally renowned Ramaz School in New York City. Under his leadership, Ramaz has embraced 21st century skills-based education and put student-centered learning at the forefront of Limmudei Kodesh and General Studies. He has been recognized for introducing some bold new initiatives – including an unprecedented post-COVID mission of 500 high school students to Israel. As well as his work in schools across four continents, Jonathan has been a thought leader in how best to adopt technology in educational and communal settings and has led professional development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Andrew Klaber, Chair of The North American-based Rabbi Sacks Legacy Corporation, said: “Jonathan Cannon is a highly respected figure who brings with him deep educational leadership experience, a strong connection to Rabbi Sacks’ teachings, and a proven ability to build trusted relationships within and beyond the Jewish community. This is a transformational moment for our global impact.”

On accepting the position, Jonathan said: “Rabbi Sacks has long been a guiding voice in my life. It’s a true honour to help carry his legacy forward in this role. His religious and ethical guidance is needed now more than ever, and I’m excited to work with the outstanding professional team and lay leaders – as well as educators, communities and institutions – to bring his teachings to an even wider audience and into the heart of Jewish life.”

Lady Elaine Sacks added: “Education was at the very core of my dear husband’s mission. He believed in the power of ideas to inspire and shape the future. As a longstanding friend with a deep commitment to education, I believe Jonathan Cannon’s appointment is one he would have especially welcomed.”

Jonathan will assume his new role in mid-August. His appointment comes as The Rabbi Sacks Legacy prepares to mark the fifth yahrzeit of Rabbi Sacks with a year of major educational initiatives, including the launch of the new Koren Sacks Humash and the annual Global Day of Learning.