Third Cohort of Sacks Scholars Announced

The Rabbi Sacks Legacy is proud to announce the launch of the third cohort of Sacks Scholars – a unique initiative dedicated to exploring the enduring wisdom of Rabbi Sacks and empowering those who are sharing his values and vision with communities worldwide.

Following the tremendous success of the first two cohorts, the programme continues to bring together leading educators, academics, and community figures from around the world. Participants are carefully selected through a rigorous nomination and interview process.

This year’s Scholars – representing the US, UK, Israel, Canada, South Africa, Monaco, and Austria – will form a dynamic and diverse learning community. They will begin their journey with a week-long immersive retreat in Jerusalem in June 2025, benefitting from direct engagement with prominent leaders based in Israel. Over the course of the retreat, they will grapple with pressing issues such as education, leadership, the rise of antisemitism, and the evolving relationship between Israel and the Diaspora – all viewed through the lens of Rabbi Sacks’ thought.

Throughout the year, Scholars will continue their learning through monthly virtual seminars led by exceptional speakers and will receive tailored mentorship to support their development. Each Scholar will also create and implement a project that brings Rabbi Sacks’ ideas to life in new and impactful ways within their own communities.

Rabbi Jeremy Bruce, Director of the Sacks Scholars Programme, said: “Rabbi Sacks’ teachings are as urgent and important as ever, and the Sacks Scholars programme helps ensure that his messages continue to inspire, challenge, and guide those who carry his legacy forward.”

We are delighted to welcome the 20 members of this new cohort of Sacks Scholars:

Calev Ben-Dor (Editor, Fathom Journal, Israel)
Bram Bregman (Community Activist, Israel)
Rabbi Alex Chapper (Senior Rabbi, Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, UK)
Rabbi Amir Dadon (Senior Educator, AMIT Network, Israel)
Dr Netanel Fisher (Associate Professor, Bar-Ilan University, Israel)
Mickey Flaumenhaft (Director of Development, American Friends of Migdal Ohr, USA)
Basya Gartenstein (Community and Interreligious Relations Consultant, Austria)
Rabbi Dr Yehuda Jayson (Senior Educator, Bnei Akiva Yeshivot and Ulpanot, Israel)
Dr Dodie Katz (Senior Director of Jewish Day School Strategies, Tikvah, USA)
Rabbi Daniel Korobkin (Senior Rabbi, Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto Congregation, Canada)
Rabbi Daniel Kraus (Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Birthright Israel Foundation, USA)
Rabbi Yaakov Moser (Jewish Philosophy Lecturer, Mechinat Ruach Hasadeh, Israel)
CB Neugroschl (Head of School, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School, USA)
Josh Poyurs (Vice Head for Kodesh & Ethos, Yeshiva College, South Africa)
Rabbanit Jennifer Raskas (Community Scholar, Shir Hadash, Israel)
Rabbi Dr Mordechai Schiffman (Assistant Professor, Yeshiva University, USA)
Rabbi David Stein (Dean of Academic Affairs, Shalhevet High School, USA)
Rabbi Daniel Torgmant (Rabbi, Edmond J. Safra Synagogue, Monaco)
Dr Michelle Waldman Sarna (Psychologist at SAR Academy and Communal Educator, USA)
Davina Wanderer-Kriel (Jewish Philosophy Teacher, Pelech High School, Israel)