Dean of LSJS made first head of new role promoting Rabbi Sacks’ teachings

Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, has been named as the first holder of the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought, a role established by the Zandan family of Austin, Texas.

Rabbi Zarum, a long-time student of the late Lord Sacks, who was once principal and then president of LSJS, said: “It is the honour of my life to spread the teachings of Rabbi Sacks, may his memory be a blessing, and to take the opportunity of this new appointment to focus further on teaching, writing and sharing in this wonderful tradition of ours.”

Dr Peter Zandan, a member of the American family who have funded the new chair, said: “We very much want to keep Rabbi Sacks’ work and impact growing through our support of LSJS and the work of Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum — a leader who will represent, communicate and build on the work of Rabbi Sacks for future generations”.

LSJS has also announced that Michael Rainsbury is to become the new head of adult education at the college. He trained as a teacher at LSJS and has been a formal and informal educator in the UK and Israel.