A light has gone out in the world with the passing of Sidney Brichto.

Sidney was an inspirational man: rabbi, scholar, activist, writer, thinker, facilitator, and many other things; but above all, mensch.

I got to know Sidney a few years ago, and he changed my life (in one sense, literally - he led grace after the meal at my wedding). He inspired me - and countless others - with his indefatigability and his ideas. He had a thousand ideas a day, most of them brilliant and unique.

And he was simply the best company imaginable - witty, warm and full of life. I simply cannot imagine a world without him.

Only last week he finished a piece for the JC, which I had asked him to write on the day I was appointed editor. We were due to publish it next week.

We wish long life to Cathryn and his family.