Sephardi leader Rabbi Dweck to chair Wingate Prize panel of judges

The head of Britain’s Sephardi community will chair the judging panel for the prestigious Wingate Literary Prize 2022.

The annual £4,000 prize run with JW3 is now in its 45th year, and crowns the book which translates Jewishness to the general reader.

Rabbi Joseph Dweck of the S&P Sephardi Community will be joined by journalist Stephen Bush, political editor of the New Statesman and chair of the Board’s Commission into Racial Inclusivity.

Also on the panel is novelist M.J. Hyland and Women’s Prize long-listed author and writer Jemma Wayne.

Previous winners of the prestigious prize include Amos Oz, Zadie Smith, Oliver Sacks, Otto Dov Kulka, David Grossman and Linda Grant.

Rabbi Dweck said: “It is my honour and pleasure to participate in the judging panel for this year’s Wingate Prize.

“The prize has showcased and recognised the rich and robust culture of Jewish thought, creativity and wisdom. It is a unique and beautiful way to recognise excellence and embrace Jewish diversity and its contribution to the literary world and is especially needed at this time.

“I know that the discussions between the panel of judges will be filled with stimulating ideas and perspectives, and we are all excited and eager to take part.”

The prize long-list will be announced late 2021.