“To defend a country you need an army, but to defend a civilization you need education.” –Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Rabbi Jonathan Cannon is determined to carry on the message and philosophy of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the late chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of Great Britain.
“His religious and ethical guidance is needed now more than ever,” said Rabbi Cannon of the noted author, philosopher and theologian.
A Potomac resident, Rabbi Cannon was recently appointed executive director of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy organization.
The London-based nonprofit was established to perpetuate the teachings and values of Rabbi Sacks, who passed away in November of 2020 at age 72.
“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,” said Rabbi Cannon, who will begin his tenure with the organization in mid-August. “Rabbi Sacks has long been a guiding voice in my life. It’s a true honor to help carry his legacy forward in this role.”
Rabbi Cannon’s appointment comes as the organization prepares to commemorate the fifth yahrzeit of Rabbi Sacks with a year of major educational initiatives, including the launch of the new Koren Sacks Chumash and an annual Global Day of Learning.
As CEO, Rabbi Cannon will lead efforts to bring Rabbi Sacks’ voice and educational vision to communities and institutions throughout the Jewish world and beyond.
For more than 35 years, Rabbi Cannon has worked in Jewish day school education, most recently as head of school at the Ramaz School in New York City. From 2001 to 2013, he served as head of school at Rockville’s Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School.
In addition, Rabbi Cannon has worked as a consultant and advisor with more than 60 schools around the world to guide innovation and support leadership transitions.
He has also led professional development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
“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,” said Joanna Benarroch, who worked with Rabbi Sacks for 24 years in the Office of Chief Rabbi and will assume the newly created role of president of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy.
Said Andrew Klaber, chair of the North America–based Rabbi Sacks Legacy Corp.: “Jonathan Cannon is a highly respected figure who brings deep educational leadership experience, a strong connection to Rabbi Sacks’ teachings, and a proven ability to build trusted relationships within and beyond the Jewish community. This is a transformational moment for our global impact.”
Rabbi Sacks’ widow, Lady Elaine Sacks, agreed.
“Education was at the very core of my dear husband’s mission,” she said. “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.”
For 35 years, the late Deborah Brodie, aka Bubbie Cookie, amassed a collection of over 200 Jewish ritual objects, which she used to teach her Hebrew school students with special needs.
In a recent talk at Beth Tfiloh, Elisha Wiesel called on Jews to cultivate joyfulness in their faith and sense of community.
Conceived by Columbia resident Benjamin Kintisch, "Life Review: The Hospice Musical" offers a thought-provoking and occasionally amusing perspective on mortality.
A junior at Roland Park Country School, Katie Grossman writes about a recent experience that spurred her to take action to fight antisemitism.