Jonathan Cannon to lead Rabbi Sacks Legacy as new CEO
Veteran educator to drive global expansion of teachings ahead of fifth yahrzeit
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy has appointed leading Jewish educator Jonathan Cannon as its new chief executive, in a major move to expand the global impact of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ teachings.
Cannon, who has spent more than 30 years in Jewish education across four continents, will assume the role in mid-August after seven years as head of the Ramaz School in New York City. His appointment coincides with preparations to mark the fifth yahrzeit of Rabbi Sacks, including the launch of a new Koren Sacks Humash and the annual Global Day of Learning.
“Rabbi Sacks has long been a guiding voice in my life,” said Cannon. “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.”
In a newly created leadership structure, Joanna Benarroch will become President of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, working in partnership with Cannon to oversee strategic initiatives across North America, the UK, Israel and beyond.
“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,” Benarroch said.
Lady Elaine Sacks also praised the appointment, saying: “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.”
Images of Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks.
Cannon’s three-decade career includes headships in Washington DC and Hong Kong, and extensive consulting work with more than 60 Jewish schools worldwide. He also led a flagship educational leadership programme at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, in partnership with the Avi Chai Foundation and Legacy Heritage Fund.
During his tenure at Ramaz, Cannon introduced innovative curriculum reforms centred on skills-based learning and spearheaded a 500-student post-COVID solidarity mission to Israel.
“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 relations within and beyond the Jewish community,” said Andrew Klaber, Chair of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Corporation in North America. “This is a transformational moment for our global impact.”
Cannon, who lives in Maryland with his wife Gilly and their family, received the inaugural Chief Rabbi’s Award for Educational Excellence, presented by Rabbi Sacks.
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy said his appointment comes at a pivotal time as the organisation accelerates efforts to “bring Rabbi Sacks’ moral voice, timeless wisdom and educational vision” to new audiences worldwide.
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