THE POWER OF IDEAS

Words of Faith and Wisdom

Written by: Jonathan Sacks

Published by: Hodder & Stoughton

Price: £12.99

For over 20 years, the late Jonathan Sacks served as Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth before serving as a peer in the House of Lords until his premature death from cancer in November 2020.

He made many hugely respected significant contributions on faith and philosophy in a national context – and not just within the Jewish community – and shortly after his passing, the idea of a book bringing together some of his most significant articles and broadcasts was mooted. Drawn from a number of different contexts and covering a vast range of topics – all rooted in faith – his writing and words are now drawn together in a single paperback, following the publication of an earlier hardback. His thoughts on a range of subjects (from religion and politics to royal weddings) garnered respect not just in the UK but around the world.

The book is divided into five sections, covering his broadcasting on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, his Credo column in The Times, articles in a variety of other publications, speeches in the House of Lords and other public addresses.

The book is a tribute not only to his intellect but to his ability to communicate consistently and compellingly with a popular audience and offer fresh and fascinating insights on a wide range of subjects. The compilation of some of his broadcasts and articles ensures audiences will have a one-stop shop for some of his best-known words and also seeks to preserve his clarity of thought, very often underpinned by wisdom and kindness, for future audiences.

Such was the respect that he commanded that an introduction was written by the then Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) who paid a warm tribute and expressed the hope that ‘Rabbi Sacks’ voice of wisdom and hope will continue to illuminate, inform and inspire for generations to come.’

Endorsing and commending the work, Henry Grunwald OBE QC, Chair of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust added in a second introduction: ‘May the wisdom found in this collection and Rabbi Sacks’ remarkable canon of work stand as a testament to a life well lived, and a source of inspiration that will continue to guide us long into the future.’

Lynne McNeil