On Monday 24th June, 800 people gathered in central London to pay a special tribute to the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks and the outstanding leadership he has given during his 22 years in office. Attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales who addressed the audience to speak about his admiration for the Chief Rabbi.
The evening also featured a video of tribute message from current and past Prime Ministers and Archbishops.
Former United Synagogue vice-president Keith Barnett, who chaired the dinner, said: “We are honoured by His Royal Highness presence, which is indicative of the esteem in which the Chief Rabbi is held, not only in our community but in the nation as a whole.”
The toast to Her Majesty the Queen was given by Vivian Wineman, the President of Board of Deputies of British Jews.
The toast to the President of the State of Israel was given by His Excellency, Daniel Taub.
HE Daniel Taub making the Toast to the President of the State of Israel
The ceremony also included the presentation of a Sefer Torah by Stephen Pack, Honorary President of the United Synagogue and President of the Chief Rabbinate Trust.
The dinner was jointly sponsored by the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Chief Rabbinate Council and the United Synagogue.
A copy of the Chief Rabbi’s latest pamphlet “A Judaism Engaged with the World”- Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks recounts his personal journey of discovery and faith, is downloadable here:
www.rabbisacks.org
Photo credits: John Rifkin (top), Justin Grainge (bottom).