Group behind ‘Jewish Nobel’ to hold London ceremony in honour of Lord Sacks

The Genesis Prize Foundation (GPF) has announced plans to honour its 2021 nominee, the former Chief RabbiLord Jonathan Sacks, who died three weeks before the end of the award’s public voting.

Tens of thousands of people voted for Sacks, a prominent scholar, theologian, ethicist, and philosopher, before he passed away on 7 November last year. The prize, known as the ‘Jewish Nobel,’ later went to film director Steven Spielberg.

Now, the Genesis Prize Committee said they were “recognising the immense contribution of Lord Sacks to inspiring the next generation of Jews, his unique role as teacher of Jewish values and advocate of inter-religious dialogue”.

It said it planned to “honour the life and impact of this extraordinary Jewish leader at a special event in London on 14 November 2021, shortly after the first anniversary of his passing,” adding that “many UK luminaries and distinguished leaders of the global Jewish community are expected to take part”.

As part of the event, the Foundation will produce a documentary about the life and impact of Lord Sacks and is also currently in discussions with the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust about supporting other significant initiatives aimed at celebrating and sustaining his legacy.