The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks was awarded a posthumous honorary doctorate by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Monday in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the Jewish people.

Rabbi Sack’s brother, Eliot Sacks, accepted the award on his behalf, and his wife, Lady Elaine Sacks, was also present at the ceremony.

Rabbi Sacks served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from 1991 to 2013 and was a visiting professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem from 1998 to 2004.

Conferring the degree of Doctor of Philosophiae Honoris Causa, Hebrew University President, Prof. Asher Cohen, said: “Leaders inspire. They show us the way forward and light up the path for those who follow.

Rabbi Sacks

The late Rabbi Lord Sacks

“Our honourees are all driven by a pioneering spirit and a deep sense of mission, whether in the field of academia, business, civic service or philanthropy, and their contributions are boundless.”

Lady Elaine Sacks said: “It was both moving and inspiring to be present as the Hebrew University bestowed this honour in memory of my dear husband, acknowledging the impact his legacy continues to make.

“My family and I were deeply touched by this very meaningful gesture.”

Also honoured at the ceremony was the seven-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, legal scholar Lee Epstein, Israeli artist Sigalit Landau, and other academics and philanthropists.

An honorary doctorate is awarded to people distinguished by academic leadership, creative achievement, or activities of notable benefit to humanity, the State of Israel, or the Jewish people.