Julia Babette Sarah Neuberger

Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger

Wielding great influence on British Jewry

In 2008, The Jeruselem Chronicle declared 'the top spots' on their second annual list of those who 'wield the greatest influence on British Jewry'. Neuberger is listed at number 19. The criteria for being listed is described as 'those with a vision for Jewish life in this country and who did their utmost to bring it about using either money; persuasion; religion; culture; political or social leadership; or simply inspiring through word and deed'. In order for someone to be listed in the top 20, it was generally necessary to demonstrate influence in more than one of the spheres.

The article describes how...

'Her appointment last June as the government’s independent volunteering champion has embellished a diverse CV. The 58-year-old was Britain’s second woman rabbi and the first to have her own congregation. She was chief executive of healthcare think-tank the King’s Fund and represents the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords, where she speaks on health issues. In her latest role, she recently lent support to a World Jewish Relief initiative which reflected her desire to see “genuinely useful opportunities for volunteers” and for charities “to present clear ‘asks’ — where are the skills gaps, how can people make a difference, and so forth”'..

Others included in the list were Lord Levy (number 9), Ron Prosor (number 10), Daniel Finkelstein (number 11), Trevor Chinn (number 14), John Mann (number 17), Jonathan Freedland (number 18), Lord Janner (number 20), Prime Minister Gordon Brown (number 29) & Poju Zabludowicz (number 30)

Affiliations

• British Council
• SDP, former member
• British American Project for the Successor Generation
• Media Standards Trust