Lord Sacks helps celebrate Aish UK’s 20th anniversary

Former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks returned to the UK from a long lecture tour of the United States, to join HE the Israel Ambassador Daniel Taub, Chief Rabbi Mirvis and some 1,100 guests to pay tribute to Aish at a gala dinner celebrating 20 years of Aish’s educational contribution to the British Jewish community.

The event marking 20 years of AISH UK was held at a packed Alexandra Palace in the presence of leading communal dignitaries and HE the Israel Ambassador.

At the dinner Lord Sacks presented The Pioneer of Jewish Education Award to prominent businessman and educational philanthropist Joshua Rowe and his wife Michelle for their inspiring leadership at King David School in Manchester.

Mr Rowe presented Young Pioneer of Jewish Education awards to twenty young people who have excelled in promoting Jewish education at their school, University or in the workplace.

The evening, which raised around £1 million, championed the vital work of Aish in promoting the importance of ensuring that young people are offered meaningful and inspiring Jewish journeys, encouraging them to make Judaism an important part of their identity.

Speakers included the Rabbinic Directors of Aish UK as well as Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, H E Israeli Ambassador Daniel Taub and Aish supporter Steven Neerkin.

Commending the work of Aish UK, Emeritus Chief Rabbi The Lord Sacks, said, “Tonight has given us the opportunity to pay tribute to the work of one of the truly great charities in the world, to Aish. Aish go out unconditionally and non-judgmentally to everyone, creating light and setting souls on fire.”

Following the event, Chief Executive of Aish UK, Rabbi Naftali Schiff commented, “What a great success: this was a rare opportunity to remind our community of the urgency of the issues of intermarriage and assimilation. The statistics show that our efforts have an impact – these are exciting times.”