Rabbi Sacks Legacy launches Shavuot learning guide
Resources for adults and teens from charity honouring the ideas of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks available in English, Hebrew, French and Spanish
The Rabbi Sacks Legacy has launched a Shavuot learning guide aimed to enhance both individual and group learning for adults and teens.
Made available by the charitable trust which honours the life and teachings of former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, it includes source sheets and a study guide that provide step-by-step prompts to facilitate learning, allowing everyone to explore the deeper significance of the holiday.
The resources were curated by two members of the first cohort of Sacks Scholars, Dr. Mijal Bitton and Michael Rainsbury.
The source material for adults, prepared by Bitton, communal leader of the Downtown Minyan in New York City and Scholar-in-Residence at the Shalom Hartman Institute, is a “Shavuot reader” focusing on “What ties us to Judaism,” a collection of sources and guiding questions on notions of the covenant, inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Sacks.
Images of Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks.
© Blake-Ezra Photography Ltd. 2013
The study guide curated for teenagers was compiled by Rainsbury, head of adult education at the London School of Jewish Studies, and focuses on “Why Am I Bound By a Covenant I Didn’t Personally Agree To.” It draws inspiration from Rabbi Sacks’ various published works that centre around the Sinai covenant.
Joanna Benarroch, chief executive of The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, said: “Shavuot was a special holiday for Rabbi Sacks as it centres on learning – both individually and communally. Working together with Rabbi Sacks’ former students to create these Shavuot guides is an opportunity to continue studying his words and ensuring his legacy remains alive.”
All the materials are available in English, Hebrew, French and Spanish, can be downloaded from www.rabbisacks.org/shavuot-resources, and are intended to be printed before Yom Tov.
The Sacks Scholars initiative was launched earlier this year to provide high-level Jewish educational and leadership training to a selected cohort of 27 individuals who had known and learned from Rabbi Sacks personally during his lifetime.
Rabbi Sacks passed away in November 2020. At that time his professional initiative, the Office of Rabbi Sacks, transitioned to The Rabbi Sacks Legacy.
To learn more visit: www.rabbisacks.org.
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