Drum roll… Forty Under 40: The countdown continues – 20 to 11!

Our Forty Under 40  initiative with the Jewish Leadership Council reaches its  penultimate week, with numbers 20 to 11.

Don’t miss next week’s issue when we conclude  the countdown!

20. Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum, 39

Praised for leading a “new era of inclusivity” in his community, Yoni joined the Hadley Wood Jewish Community in 2010 and has built a vibrant, growing community, uniting people from all nominations and levels of religious observance. A sought-after speaker and popular lecturer on Jewish law, the 39-year-old has recently achieved a doctorate in Jewish studies and is an executive member of the Rabbinical Council on the United Synagogue. Rabbi Yoni has recently been appointed the new rabbi of the independent Toras Chaim in Hendon.

19. Ella Rose, 26

Ella is a former national director of the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM) and ex-president of the Union of Jewish Students (UJS). The 26-year-old has played a “pivotal role” in the fight against antisemitism in the Labour movement and in revitalising the JLM. The previous winner of Jewish News’ Top 25 under 25 list, Ella has been a remarkable ambassador for the Jewish community, often in the face of relentless abuse. She is now public affairs manager at the Holocaust Educational Trust and a trustee of UJS, Yachad and the London Jewish Forum.

READ MORE:

• Drum roll… Forty Under 40: The countdown continues – 30 to 21!
• Drum roll… Forty Under 40: The countdown begins – 40 to 31!  

18. Amos Schonfield, 28

Amos is the founder of Our Second Home, a groundbreaking new youth movement, it uses residential experiences and leadership training to help refugees and migrants flourish in the place they call home. A former mazkir (national director) of Noam Masorti Youth and co-chair of the Zionist Youth Council, the 28-year-old represents Yachad on the Board of Deputies, having previously worked as the organisation’s youth & student outreach worker. He also recently co-created Vashti, a media platform to discuss Jewish issues on the left.

17. Arieh Miller, 32

Arieh is chief executive of the UJS, where he supports the elected president to fulfil their manifesto, while overseeing the organisation’s long-term strategy and fundraising efforts. The 32-year-old has a decade of professional Jewish experience, having previously served as executive director of the Zionist Federation for four years and worked at the Embassy of Israel as head of digital media and Jewish community relations. He is a community first responder with the London Ambulance Service and St Johns Ambulance.

16. Dan Sacker, 37

As adviser to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Dan has played a pivotal role in expanding interest in the former Chief Rabbi. Under his stewardship, a combination of innovative educational projects and effective relationships with key opinion formers and organisations have ensured Rabbi Sacks remains a global voice across traditional and social media platforms. Dan formerly worked as director of communications and public affairs for the Office of the Chief Rabbi and was chair of UJS. He is also the chair of governors at Hasmonean Primary School.

15. David Davidi-Brown, 37

David is the director of community strategy at the Jewish Leadership Council and supports delivery on shared community priorities, including mental health, well-being and social care for older people. The 37-year-old was formerly UJS chief executive, having held senior roles at JHub, the UJIA and Jewish Care. He has volunteered with KeshetUK and Limmud, and was a trustee of the Jewish Youth Fund for nearly six years. He is a Schusterman Fellow and alumnus of the Institute for Youth Leaders in Jerusalem.

14. Cantor Zöe Jacobs, 38

Zöe has transformed synagogue music as the first ordained cantor of the Reform Movement, having been ordained at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. As cantor of Finchley Reform Synagogue, she has orchestrated a musical community that includes a thriving choir and monthly Shabbat song sessions. The 38-year-old has instigated a biennial music conference called Shirei Chagigah, bringing people together
to learn about song-leading and take new skills back to their own synagogues.

13. Gideon Falter, 36

Described as a “Jewish hero” by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Gideon is one of Britain’s foremost leaders in the battle against antisemitism. As chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, Gideon oversees media, litigation and public policy strategies with hundreds of volunteers. The 36-year-old has given evidence to the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, organised a major rally outside the Royal Courts of Justice calling for zero tolerance law enforcement against antisemitism, and achieved the first UK conviction for Holocaust denial on social media.

12. Phil Rosenberg, 34

Phil is the director of public affairs at the Board of Deputies of British Jews and a leading voice for the Jewish community in the heart of government. The former Camden councillor focuses on policy formation, strategic relationships, high-level political advocacy and public affairs communications; recent achievements include successfully averting the 2019 General Election from clashing with the first day of Succot, swiftly resolving concerns around etrog import restrictions and working with the new Labour leadership to improve relations with the Jewish community.

11. Robin Moss, 33

Robin is widely regarded as the community’s most erudite and effective Israel educator. The 33-year-old’s outstanding record delivering Israel engagement and Jewish education for young people saw him promoted as UJIA’s director of strategy. Robin has overall responsibility for the development and direction of its Israel engagement work, overseeing its relevant staff and a multi-million pound budget, as well as managing UJIA’s impact measurement work. A former movement worker for LJY-Netzer, Robin also sits on the board of National Officers of Liberal Judaism and remains a keen Limmudnik.