I have learned much from Rabbi Sacks’ writings -- and have often quoted him in my sermons. He was the author of over thirty books, including a commentary on the siddur (the Jewish prayer book) that is a fine popular introduction to Jewish liturgy and to the phenomenology of Jewish prayer. (I hope to be sharing some insights from his commentary each week during the coming month.)
Due to the pandemic, Rabbi Sacks’ funeral was semi-private. Nonetheless, eulogies were delivered in England and elsewhere. To read them and other tributes and to learn more about this great Jewish leader, I encourage you to go to the late Rabbi Sacks’ website: rabbisacks.org.
How might we honor Rabbi Sacks’ memory?
I can think of no more natural or fitting way than to engage in Jewish learning in his memory.
On-going Jewish learning throughout one’s life is the birth-right and the mitzvah par excellence of the Jew. This can and does take a variety of forms. Different people will undoubtedly focus on different areas of study. For some, taking that first step, starting one’s study, is the biggest challenge of all, so I encourage everyone to try different forms of learning to see what is most appealing. The Book of Proverbs teaches us that “d’racheha darchei noam” -- that is, paths of Torah learning must be pleasant. If they aren’t, they won’t succeed in drawing one’s heart and soul, which is vital for the learning to continue.
As we all know, there are many challenges associated with living through a pandemic. However, accessing good Jewish learning is not one of them. Wonderful opportunities to learn -- that are no further than our computer screens -- abound.
I. For one thing, try out our TA adult ed opportunities: I teach A Taste of Daf Yomi (daily Talmud study) on Monday mornings; I alternate teaching Torah on Two Feet with Rabbi Gordon on Friday mornings; and I teach Pirkei Avot almost every Shabbat after morning services. Check out our website for details.
In addition, beginning on November 24th, I’ll be teaching Mahloket Matters, a course on conflict resolution prepared by the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. (This course is offered on Tuesday evenings or Thursday mornings.) For more learning opportunities, see here for the text of our Adult Learning and Spiritual Practices booklet for 2020-2021.
II. Another option to consider is to reach out to the various educational institutions and other organizations that, in the wake of the pandemic, have begun offering great learning opportunities on-line.
A great example of this is the Hartman Institute. I participated in their stimulating, rich and varied programming this past summer. Recently, they expanded their on-line offerings. They now offer “Hartman@Home” which has been exploring key civic issues appropriate to explore during an election season. If you haven’t already registered, sign up now for lectures and classes exploring questions of Judaism and democracy, ethics, peoplehood, Jewish identity, and more. New sessions have begun and continue, free of charge, through December. If you've already registered, sign up for new sessions here.
Also, my alma mater, the Jewish Theological Seminary is focusing more and more energy on providing high-quality learning opportunities for the entire community. Check out their on-line educational offerings here.
III. Finally, let me recommend an approach that very directly honors Rabbi Sacks’ memory. Before his passing, Rabbi Sacks prepared a year’s worth of “Covenant and Conversation,” a set of reflections on issues raised by the weekly Torah portion. You can sign up to receive these each week in your email in-box, in time to read them before Shabbat.
Recalling Rabbi Sacks’ life-long mission to promote Jewish learning and growth throughout the Jewish world, let us all resolve to find one particular way, our particular way, to study Torah during the coming year. And in doing so, let’s do our part to make, of Rabbi Sacks’ memory, an enduring blessing.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Carl M. Perkins
