What would you say about how to change the world?
Why does Judaism value education so much?
How are educational values embedded in our tradition?
It’s not possible to improve on the eloquent words of a master writer and teacher, the Former Chief Rabbi of the U.K.
Rabbi Sacks writes a series of articles on the Torah portion of the week entitled “Covenant & Conversation”.
I encourage you to get acquainted with his writings; they will stir you.
When I read something written so beautifully, that exquisitely states Judaism’s mission of perpetuation through education, all I can hope for is that others like you will read it too.
Education has been the key to our survival, and that notion is at risk.
We’ve often gone for the glitz and forgot the substance.
I’m not bemoaning the loss of old ideas, worn out ways of doing things, or suggesting that we return to unsuccessful models.
But I am saying that whatever we do, we must do it in the name of education.
In today’s world, ‘content is king’.
How fitting for us at this time. We have permission to offer our teens real substantive content.
If we focus on this, we will guarantee a healthy future.
This must be our unified message.
“The Mesopotamians built ziggurats. The Egyptians built pyramids. The Greeks built the Parthenon. The Romans built the Coliseum. Jews built schools.”
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks continues: …..”that is why they alone, of all the civilizations of the ancient world are still alive and strong, still continuing their ancestors’ vocation, their heritage intact and undiminished.”
Click, Read, Learn….may your efforts continue our tradition.
Reclaiming Judaism 
July 9th, 2014 at 9:14 AM
[…] “There Is Only One Way to Change the World, and That Is By Education” Rabbi Dr. Jonathan… […]
January 17th, 2014 at 8:51 AM
Indeed. It is important to find the “right fit” for your child — where they will blossom, as Jews. That is why I support the American Hebrew Academy — a wonderful choice for high school.
The Academy seeks to educate the whole student, mind, body and soul.
The curriculum combines humanities and the arts, natural sciences and mathematics, social sciences, technology, physical education and sports. It incorporates the texts, traditions, history, practices and beliefs of the Jewish people. This enriching curriculum is taught within the setting of a liberal, pluralistic Jewish boarding school for grades nine through twelve.
At the American Hebrew Academy, the culture and values of the Jewish people create the living environment for the school community that nurtures and challenges each student to maximize his or her academic, personal and spiritual development. We seek to produce young adults whose strength of character and Jewish identity become lifelong resources for personal growth, commitment to the creative continuity of the Jewish people, and the improvement of the world in which we live, while preparing students for admission to the finest colleges and universities and positions of leadership in the Jewish community.
January 15th, 2014 at 12:02 AM
[…] It's not possible to improve on the eloquent words of a master writer and teacher, the Former Chief Rabbi of the U.K. Rabbi Sacks writes a series of articles on the Torah portion of the week entitl… […]