Rabbi Saar Khai Shaked
Rabbi, educator and interfaith speaker
South Africa •
$1,501 - $5,000
About
I bring a perspective shaped by rabbinic training in Jerusalem, life in Israel and South Africa, and years of engagement with African traditional healing, education and interfaith peacebuilding. I have seen how deeply faith and identity can nourish us—and how painfully they can divide us. That experience shapes both my speaking and my listening: with respect for our differences, curiosity about what we do not yet understand, and the courage to ask difficult questions. Through stories, thoughtful teaching and open conversation, I invite audiences to explore their own convictions, encounter unfamiliar perspectives and find practical ways to live and work across differences.
Speaking Topics
Signature Programs (3)
How can we honour our own tradition while making room for people whose faith and experience differ from ours? Drawing on Jewish texts, the rainbow covenant and lived encounter in Israel and Africa, Rabbi Sa’ar explores difference, belonging and shared responsibility. For faith communities, educators and interfaith gatherings. An accessible talk with questions and discussion, or an interactive workshop shaped around the audience. Participants consider what their traditions ask of them, practise attentive listening and identify a concrete step towards cooperation. No previous Jewish knowledge is required.
Key Takeaways
- Explore the rainbow covenant as a source for responsibility across difference.
- Practise asking questions that invite understanding without erasing disagreement.
- Identify one practical opportunity for cooperation in your community.
Audience
Faith communities, educators, interfaith organisations and adult learning groups
Format
Duration
60-minute talk including Q&A; 90-minute workshop; longer formats by agreement
Delivery
What makes a life meaningful, and how can ancient teachings help with the choices we make today? An inviting encounter with Jewish sources on purpose, responsibility, prayer and everyday practice. Rabbi Sa’ar combines close reading with stories and conversation, making unfamiliar texts accessible while leaving room for different interpretations. Participants can bring their questions and connect the sources to their own lives. Suitable for beginners and experienced learners, including people of every faith and none. Sources and reflection prompts can be included by agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Read a Jewish source with attention to context, language and interpretation.
- Choose a question or reflective practice to carry into everyday life.
Audience
Adult learning groups, faith communities, retreat participants and interfaith study groups
Format
Duration
60-minute session including Q&A; 90-minute interactive workshop
Delivery
How do we build a community where people can belong without having to agree on everything? Drawing on rabbinic leadership, chaplaincy and interfaith experience, Rabbi Sa’ar explores the human work of leading across religious and cultural boundaries. For clergy, nonprofit leaders and community teams. Through discussion and practical exercises, participants consider listening, trust, difficult conversations and the gap between shared values and daily decisions. The session can be tailored to a specific community challenge, with an agreed focus and realistic next steps. This is facilitated learning and reflection rather than a promise to resolve conflict in a single session.
Key Takeaways
- Recognise tensions between belonging, conviction and difference in community life.
- Practise a listening exercise and agree a concrete next step towards cooperation.
Audience
Clergy, nonprofit leaders, interfaith organisations and community leadership teams
Format
Duration
60-minute talk with Q&A; 90-minute workshop; extended facilitation by agreement
Delivery
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