(Courtesy of Rabbi Sacks Legacy Project) The Rabbi Sacks Legacy has selected Rabbi Jeremy Bruce, a veteran Jewish day school educator, administrator and former student of the late world-renowned leader, to spearhead its expansion in North America and serve as the group’s executive director on the continent. Rabbi Bruce, based in Cleveland, joins the organization after 20 years in educational and administrative roles in Jewish day schools around the world.
Prior to joining the organization, Rabbi Bruce most recently served as principal of the Fuchs Mizrachi Stark High School in Cleveland, and before that as head of school at Hebrew High School of New England in West Hartford, Connecticut. Prior to immigrating to the United States, Rabbi Bruce was deputy head teacher at King Solomon High School and an adjunct lecturer at the London School of Jewish Studies, where he regularly taught Bible and Jewish philosophy. When the world-renowned rabbi and philosopher passed in 2020, the London-based Office of Rabbi Sacks transitioned to The Rabbi Sacks Legacy, refocusing its mission to perpetuating the teachings and vision of the late world-renowned spiritual leader and former chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. At its North American helm, Rabbi Bruce will spearhead the group’s dynamic portfolio of educational programming, targeting adults at the communal level, students at the day school level as well as the next generation of Jewish leaders on college campuses.
“Rabbi Sacks influenced Jews throughout the world, including North America, so it is very important to have someone like Rabbi Bruce reside in the region to lead our programs and services,” said Joanna Benarroch, the Rabbi Sacks Legacy’s chief executive officer. “Rabbi Sacks made it his mission to train the next generation of leaders to lead, equipping individuals like Rabbi Bruce with the tools to champion Torah principles not only to their students but also to the world at large. It is incredibly befitting that one of Rabbi Sacks’ students will lead our expansion perpetuating his wisdom and vision.”
Rabbi Bruce first met Rabbi Sacks in his teenage years and over the next two decades fostered a close personal relationship with the renowned spiritual leader. Rabbi Bruce began seeking out Rabbi Sacks for guidance when he was just a young Jewish student leader, crediting Rabbi Sacks with serving as his strongest role model and mentor even back then.
“I cannot overstate the impact that Rabbi Sacks had on the formation of my own rabbinic identity, and in his absence, it is my greatest honor to help spread his timeless wisdom and philosophy,” said Rabbi Bruce. “There is an entire generation of his students who have become the great people they are today only because of his unparalleled thought and leadership. It’s extremely humbling for me to assume this role in sharing my Rabbi Sacks’ wisdom and vision with future generations here in the United States and Canada.
“Over the next several months we will be unveiling a series of innovative and dynamic programs for the benefit of Jewish communities on the continent,” he added.
Rabbi Bruce earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Leeds, his master’s degree from King’s College London, and his rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Hamivtar in Israel. He resides in Beachwood, Ohio with his wife.
To learn more, visit www.rabbisacks.org.
