Portrait of Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks

In 2013, to mark the retirement of the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Nicola Green was asked to create a portrait of Jonathan Sacks to celebrate his legacy after 22 years in office.

Gaining incredible insight into the life and work of the Chief Rabbi Sacks, the artist was privileged to spend time travelling with him to interfaith meetings around the world, witnessing leadership events, educational ceremonies, and receptions in Jerusalem, Rome and Washington DC. 

Green’s observations were recorded in the form of notes, sketches and photographs, and the composition, colour, layout and technique of the portrait is a distillation of hundreds of moments, images and impressions. But ultimately, the final portrait was made using a simple, contemplative shot taken in the Galil, Israel.

The Portrait of Rabbi Sacks is a limited edition five-colour silkscreen print with water-based and metallic ink on cotton paper, each signed and dated by the artist.

This work is a celebration of Rabbi Lord Sacks’ 22 years in office, his intellectual and spiritual contribution to the UK and global community, and his thoughtfulness, spirituality, humility and grace. It was unveiled at a special ceremony celebrating the Chief Rabbi’s retirement on the 29th October 2013 at the Jewish Museum in London, and remained on display alongside a selection of photos and sketches as well as a commemorative book.

It was donated to the Jewish Museum by Laura and Barry Townsley and commissioned by members of the British Jewry; Barry Townsley, David Rubin, Jarvis Astaire, Lord Kalms, David Buchler and others.

“The most inspiring talk I’ve ever heard on the relationship of faith and creativity was an extemporised talk by Rabbi Lord Sacks. He talked about how creativity is not just literally an act of faith but is also a daily practice of faith. Although the chief is internationally known for his words, I was very struck by how all his words begin in silence and prayer, so this portrait is not just a portrait of the chief, but a meditation on prayer, silence, and communication with G-d. I hope that it inspires our own reflection on silence and prayer. The final point Rabbi Sacks made in his talk on faith and creativity was about risk, and the relationship between creative risk and the risk of faith. I want to thank Rabbi Sacks, and all his staff, for the risk they took and the faith they had in me.” Nicola Green