Forward.com

I was very surprised to see that you omitted Daniel Pipes, one of our foremost scholars of Middle East studies. He's a very important force on think tanks and has done much to clarify what's really going on our college campuses and in the Middle East in general. Also, David Horowitz is very important now as well. He's done tremendous work on monitoring our nation's universities. He is a reformed leftist and currently runs the Center for Popular Culture among other important endeavors, and he needs to be up there on that list.

Mostly people I never heard of

Where is Eric Cantor?

Where is the second charity/service provider in America -- which proved itself so relevant during the war last summer -- United Jewish Communities and the federations?

Any list that does not include Dennis Prager, or Jay Schottenstein is totally inadequate and short-sighted.

As always, balderdash. Dilettantish crap, exuding all the liberal extremes so that you can't recognize the word religion anywhere except for 'revision'...

It is nice to see that Chabad's contribution to world Jewry was included.

In your list the paragrpah that describes Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow contains the following "..... In "Knocked Up" (written and directed by Apatow), Rogen plays a pothead couch potato who unintentionally impregnates a beautiful blond shiksa and..." Shame on The Forward for using this derogatory term. "Skiksa" comes from the Hebrew and is the female gender form of the noun "Shaketz," which means an abomination. It is not used Biblically nor in later or even modern Rabbinic writings to describe a non-Jewish woman. It is offensive and beneath the high standard of journalism that you usually adhere to.

Only self-hating intermarrying Jews need to apply! The Forward sucks!

You showed that money has influence and power. You missed a man of ideas, which can also be powerful and influential. Rabbi Sherwin T Wine,was the founder of Humanistic Judaism in North America. From the Birmingham Temple in Farmington Hills, MI Humanistic Judaism has congregations all over the US, Wat Center and West. It has taken Jewish history, culture, and ethics and mixed these with rational thought and reached thousands of Jews and those mixed couples who want to pursue a modern Jewish way of life. Humanistic Judaism finds resonance in Israel as well. Visit the Society of Humanistic Judaism www.shj.org and find out where the future of American and Israeli Jews is going. Rabbi Wine, if not in the top 50 deserves to be in the next 10.

The Forward lists the usual suspects of politically correct Jews who seek to give back land to Arabs and lesbian rabbis who mock our religion. It is time for you so-called national newspaper to give it a rest and return to the roots laid out by Seth Lipsky and his predecessors who saw the world for its reality not for some comic book fantasy that your current naive editors imagine.

Seriously? DJ Handler's "stylin'" sounds are making a bigger impact than the research of Stephen Cohen? Or activism of R. Jill Jacobs? Its on par with Regina Spektor? You've got to be kidding. What exactly was the process for this selection, a confetti toss?

Where are Elie Wiesel, Stuart Eisenstat and Nathan Lewin???

There is except for Arnold Eisen not one serious scholar or thinker among this list. There is not one of the many first- class scientists or researchers the Jewish community has a great abundance of. There is also a strong tendency to mistake 'media notoreity' with real achievement. You could have done better.

How did you leave out Stuart Eizenstat, Susanah Heschel, the Kristals, father and son, two members of the Supreme Court and I shall stop. The above are eminent leaders and Jewish. How about the Editor of the "Forward?"

out of 2000 chabad rabbis , why is there only one? Rabbi Cunin is an amazing personality, but so is tons of others who help the jewish world any way they can

Oh my. The uhm... "playa haters" are out in force today! olin: DJ Handler was one of the more inspired choices. One of the few (only?) Sephardic Jews on the list, he's an activist in his own right. An ROI120 2007 participant, he engages and inspires young Jews with his musical collaborations with artists like Y-Love (who raps in Aramaic!), his annual Sephardic Music Festival in New York and his unparalleled new Jewish music Web site Shemspeed.com. This year he's organized events across the US, in Jerusalem and in the UK. Oh and he does all of this without any financial help from the organized Jewish community. Oh yeah, he's also frum and married to a nice Jewish girl. Like I said - an inspired choice - one that even Steven Cohen, who has written in the Forward about "Continuity Beyond Communal Walls," would approve of.

Where is Joseph Lieberman, Stuart Eiznstat

The fact the you placed Regina and Shemspeed and not Matisyahu shows you are not doing your research. Matisyahu played to enthusiastic crowds in over 50 cities this summer, reaches across the world with his Jewish message. He has played five continents, recorded with some of music's biggest stars, and commands a huge following. Not to mention that he has now stated he is on his own spiritual path and feels unbound by chabad.

<p>I confess, I am an uncircumcized goy who reads the Forward for decades now, more than the NY Times and WashPost combided, Why? Because it reminds me of two types of Jews to whom my parents always steered me: (1) those survivors of a double Holocaust-- Hitler's and Stalin's-- hence eminently serene, wise and humane and (2) the open-hearted American Jews in NYC that took me in, as a refugee kid from East Europe, lost in the American way of life and even allowed me to be elected president of three different Synogogue Youth Centers in Queens by their young people (two giving me awards for bringing Hebrew and the Jewish faith back to their youth, but all were forced to ask me to quit because of SYO rules...but we remianed close). I cannot tell you how the FORWARD helped me morally and psychologically orient myself as issues totally disoriented me. We may have disagrred on a lot, but never did we part on the intellectual underpinnings that allow me to say that Jews are a repository of what is best in Western Culture. 50 years...MAZELTOV for the next 500 as elsewhere left turns right for profit; but the FORWARD remains a solid monument to truth, honesty that that infamous 6 Jews arguing 7 opinions as it passes on from the hands of one generation to another. God bless you.</p> <p>Daniel E. Teodoru </p>

In your interesting 50 list you completely neglected the field of arts, performing arts, such as music and theatre, movies and television. Where are James Levine, Perelman, Tilson-Thomas or Spielberg, for instance? Many of them are more influential and are doing more for Judaism and Israel than some of the names on your list.

You missed Joe Lieberman?! You missed Dennis Prager?! You missed Elie Wiesel?! But you included the producers of Knocked Up?! Oh, well, I guess what is important to some (like values) isn't so important to others....

Should have made the cut, like them or not: 1. Stephen Schwartzman, head of the Blackstone Group who announced that he pays a 15% marginal tax rate on about $1 billion in annual income. 2. Sacha Baron Cohen 3. Larry David.

I wonder what the list would have looked like in 1930's Europe. It didn't make any difference then as the SS herded the Jews into the cattle cars and it won't make any difference in the near future when the radical Muslims proceed with their plans to nuke Israel and exterminate the rest of the Jews. It is indeed very sad that nothing has changed in the face of Holocaust II.

With Foxman and Dershowitz in their late sixties, who's going to take over as the noisiest, most counter-productive Zionist shouter on the block? David Horowitz will be furious he didn't make the list, but he's furious about almost everything these days, and he too is in his late sixties. Is it too much to hope that one day America will get self-appointed spokesmen SOME of whom reflect the skeptical, post-Zionist temper of today's Middle Amwrican Jewry, hitherto hushed into silence-- instead of those who channel Avigdor Lieberman, Bibi and the ghost of Ariel?

I count 49, unless one includes those entries with double names, in which case there are about 52 persons chosen. That's a quibble. My real gripe is that Matt Stone, one half (the Jewish half) of the genius team that produces South Park (a nasty, ferociously humorous but deeply serious animated show.) Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, does a more daring, better job at taking on Islamic terror and its affects on America, especially American culture. Maybe you don't watch South Park, but I think you should. It's a national treasure. Check out their two parter about the Danish Cartoon imbroligo. It's priceless. And spot on. Allan Goldstein allangoldstein.com

Mazel Tov to all who were selected for this lofty list. Next year, I hope that you will consider including Rabbi Denise Eger of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA (www.kol-ami.org). Rabbi Eger's trailblazing efforts for marriage equality in both California and nationwide, are nothing short of amazing. Shabbat Shalom!

Shmuel Rosner of the daily Haaretz is worth mentioning as "the most influencial Israeli journalist in America". I know many people here (I'm in NJ) who would not miss any piece he writes. The top article of the last week was his brilient response to the Ann Coulter scandal. Maybe you can add him next week. Or is it a problem because you see him as your competition? I wonder.

What about Noam Chomsky? Isn't he radical left enough for you?

You have undertaken a very herculean job to limit your list to 50. One of the leaders of the Los Angeles community is Rabbi David Wolpe, the charismatic, articluate rabbi of Sinai Temple. Not only is he a great speaker and writer, but he has created some wonderful and innovative programs for young people. My husband, Rabbi Jacob Pressman,a retired pioneer of the Conservative movement, and I are great admirers of Rabbi Wolpe.

While I might not agree with all of your picks, particularly those self hating apologists/appeasers who would seemingly delight in the destruction of the State of Israel, your inclusion of Michael Weil is most assuredly well deserved. Beside his fabulous work in Israel as an urban planner, he has been a Godsend to all of us here in New Orleans.

Where are Larry and Laurie David?

Went through the entire list, read through most of them....but, MUST go back and REALLY read each one....incredible what most of these people continue to do....some more than others. It is such a wonderful read and gives the average (Jewish) reader a sense of pride knowing that there are many that DO care, and hopefully many, many more that were not on the list. Also, take pride that there are several that I even know personally and that is a fulfillment.

Uh... Bill Gurolnick? I hate to break it to you, but Sherwin T. Wine is, you know, no longer with us. He died in a car accident in Morocco that also badly injured his domestic partner. I don't think the Forward 50 includes dead people. And Zelda Wise? Aren't you just the loveliest person here? With all the kvetchers and complainers, yours is a refreshingly pleasant comment.

Any list that totally ignores the Orthodox community, and includes one Chabadnik and a self hating Jewish author, should be consigned to the circular file upon delivery.

I applaud your Philanthropy choices but feel you may have stopped short of the “seed” of giving. Ricky Shechtel, of the Ricky and Andrew J. Shechtel Philanthropic Fund based in New York, had a vision, designed a curriculum and provided funding for a unique Jewish youth philanthropy program called the Jewish Community Youth Foundation based in Princeton, NJ. This program begins with 8th graders and engages the teens through 12th grade with a progressive, educationally based curriculum. I encourage you to consider the extraordinary impact such an early start in philanthropic education in the Jewish community may very likely make for generations to come. Maybe next year?

Where is philanthropist Jay Schottenstein who funded the Artscroll Talmud which created a revolution in Jewish learning? He also funded the archeological dig of the Hasmonian Water tunnels at the Western Wall and is funding the new Israeli Antiquities Authority Campus to be built alongside the Israel Museum.

O think, you miss Sarah Silberman.

Reading the Forward's 50 has been a solid, substantive tour of where vital energy in the overall Jewish community is now coming from. I had wanted to learn who had initaited the Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and where Michael Steinhardt would be focussing his ground-breaking Philanthrop next. In the future, the Forward should create a Forward Junior fifty, highlighting the activities of under 40s. Young innovators need early recognition (and ofter very modest funding) to persist in their idiosyncratic contributions to the Jewish World (especially when money to support their new families becomes especially necessary). If I can propose several (Nigel Savage for the Jewish environmental organization--Hazon; Catie Lazarus (your correspondent) for innovative use of comedy benefits to provide funds and attract savvy, younger spirits to Jewish causes-- then The Forward can find many, many others worthy of our attention and support. This list must include younger Jewish artists, dancers, choreographers, conductors and musicians.

I do not know all of your "winners" but I know for a fact that June Walker is a perfect choice and an amazing woman. Norman Podorhetz was an excellent choice as well. Dennis Prager should have been listed too. DW

The new Reform siddur, "Mishkan T'filah", is a huge improvement over the 'un-daven-able' "Gates of Prayer", and Rabbi Elyse Frishman certain deserves recognition for her significant work in creating a more traditional siddur for the Reform movement. However, readers should be aware that, years ago, Prof. Joseph Rosenstein published "Siddur Eit Ratzon", a contemporary version of the traditional siddur that incorporated features that are now touted as innovations of "Mishkan T'filah". In four-column format, "Siddur Eit Ratzon" (newsiddur.org) presents the traditional Hebrew text (with some alternatives to deal with issues that the tradional texts present to modern Jews); transliteration; an English translation that, while not always word- for-word literal, conveys the underlying meaning and intent of the Hebrew; and kavvanot and scholarly, theological and philoshopical discussions to help the davvener gain meaningful perspectives and deeper understandings of the prayers. Where the "Mishkan T'filah" continues the Reform practice of ignoring troublesome passages such as the second paragraph of the Shema, the "Eit Ratzon" helps the davvener grapple with difficult texts. If you like Rabbi Frishman's "Mishkan T'filah", you'll probably love Prof. Rosenstein's "Eit Ratzon". And, if you find that "Mishkan T'filah" falls short of what you expected in a contemporary siddur, "Eit Ratzon" may be what you were looking for.

I think the choice of Rabbi Morris Allen is great. He is truly an activist, with regard to many issues other than the one described here. He cares deeply about his close-to-home community of congregants, multiple human rights issues, and Israel.

Howard Stern?

How could you leave Milwaukee Brewer power hitter and nice Jewish boy, ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Ryan Braun off your list? This is the first time a member of the tribe won that honor.

Rabbi Morris Allen belongs in IDEAS AND ACTIVISM, not under religion. What he has started is a movement that reaches far beyond Jewish observance. He's asking all of us to look at what kashrut _really_ means and how we can support true tikkun olam.

Personally, I found the list fascinating for who it did and did not include. I was very interested to read all of your comments about who you thought should be added. As my expertise is in Jewish philanthropy, I have written a post in my journal assessing the Forward's choices: "Assessing the Forward 50: What We Can Learn from Top American Jewish Philanthropists." I also included as honorable mentions, the commenters' additions of Jay Schottenstein for the Schottenstein Talmud and Ricky Shechtel of the Jewish Funders Network. You can find the post here: http://thenewjew.wordpress.com/2007/11/16/assessing-the-forward-50-what-we-can-learn-about-top-american-jewish-philanthropists/#more-377. Stop by and let me know what you think. Shabbat Shalom, Maya Norton The New Jew: Blogging Jewish Philanthropy www.TheNewJew.wordpress.com

Thank you for this eclectic, fascinating group of do-ers. I would like to nominate for Forward 50 2008 two of the most 'forward thinking' Jews I know-- Beit T'shuvah's Rabbi Mark Borovitz and his wife, CEO/Founder Harriet Rosetto. (http://www.beittshuvahla.org). They are unique mavericks and activists who have put the realities of addiction in the Jewish community and faith-based recovery on the map. Pls see the Rabbi's memoir, The Holy Thief, as well. Thank you

I found it very difficult to believe that from the amazing, unheralded activists who care deeply about Israel, American Jewry, and Palestine you have chosen who you have, especially in terms of politics and culture. It just made me feel sad. I have in this last year talked and met with so many far more worthy writers and activists. It' shocking that The Forward would note celebrities and not even give a nod to the real others who work perhaps more subtly and quietly but no less importantly.

You leave out important Orthodox figures like Richard Joel and Rabbi Kenneth Brander

June Walker! OY VEY. I find this choice so poor. Have you run out of possibilities? Were you mandated to have a little old lady on the list? Did you really scour Central Park and come up short? She heads up an organization that has totally lost its relevance and lives by virtue of the endowments of prior generations. She has done nothing to revive the organization.

Tad Taube is definitely a great pick. Adelson, Delshad, Brog, Dershowitz, Lauder and Podhoretz deserve recognition for impacting Jewish life in America and worldwide. The rest are weak choices. If they reflect Jewish leadership in America, then we're in trouble. Most troubling is George Soros( runs away from his Jewish idendity). Remind Mr. Soros he can run but the world still sees him as 'The Jew who' (fill in your own blank). He is responsible for bringing negative attention to the Jewish community.

I would like to nominate someone for the Forward 50, 2008. What is the process and who is the person I should speak to?

Other comments mentioned some people you missed who clearly deserve to be listed more than many who you did list- another name you didn't list this time under Political Movers is: Morton Klein. Unfortunately events have proven Mort to be right regarding Israel and the US being delusional regarding the existence of a real peace partner. He also works tirelessly on behalf of Israel and the Jewish People as head of the ZOA both in and out of Congress. Please include him next time.

What happened to the funny articles from Catie Lazarus?