We have just published our annual Forward 50 list of the people who are making a difference in the American Jewish community.
What do you think about our choices? Weigh in in the comments section of this article below.
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I was surprised at the dominance of the Agriprocessor scandal in the list (as I doubt most in the nation are kosher). I was surprised by the lack of choices for "spiritual leadership". There were rabbis doing great stuff in the world- Dayle Friedman and David Saperstein, for example- but not many chosen for new ways of engaging people spiritually.
I am surprised you didn't include Phil Blazer who successfully negotiated the first national contract with Time-Warner for a free 24/7 Jewish TV Network--JLTV (channel 120 in NY and NJ soon to be all over AMerica and soon on DIrecTV)....He has been in the media biz for 40 years--and only now do we have a Jewish Television NETWORK!!!..Sue Liberman
I am thrilled to see that the general and even the Jewish media have slaughtered Rubashkin and his business and then go on to "honor" him with a place in the top 50. I am positive that he will be acquitted of all criminal charges and that most of the fines will be thrown out. Hechsher Tzedek is a meaningless and grandstanding effort to demean orthodoxy, hardly worth anyones attention. Is every donor to this rabbi's movement going to have to undergo a "hechsher tzedek" MRI before their contributions are accepted?
Thank you for the addition of Rabbi Morris Allen. I knew him in BBYO many years ago in Wisconsin and later at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He also welcomed me into his home and his synagogue when Beth Jacob was opening to show some artwork I had done commemorating Kristallnacht at an interfaith interface. It is exciting to see another midwesterner in the Forward 50. All too often we are considered the land that East and West coast people have to waste 3 hours flying over. It is a shanda fur da goyim however on what has been occuring in Iowa but it has shown what a great man with resolve can do in a struggle for what is decent. Kasher means more than a seal and a blessing. It must be a practice that is complete. From birth and life to slaughter, preparation and birkat hamazon. When something in this process fails it is our faith that is injured and "Emunah hee yesod v'shoresh kol hakedusha", "Faith is the foundation and root of all sanctity." It has not been easy to read about the issues at Agriprocessors, much less to coordiate and take on this inportant cause as Rabbi Allen has. But as much as "Siz shver tzu sein a yid" "It's hard to be a Jew", Rabbi Allen makes me feel proud to be one. Morris, what can I say, you are a mensch, there is no greater compliment.
Glad to see my friend William Daroff on the list. He well deserves to be there. But Sarah Silverman as a "top pick"?? That makes no sense.
Where is General Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff of USAF? He should have made this list.
I want to congratulate Forward for its excellent selection of 50 significant individuals in our Jewish community. In particular I applaud the nomination of Rabbi Denise Eger. She is responsible in California for forging breakthrus in dialog on the marriage equality issue not only among Jewish Rabbis in the Conference of Rabbis, but also amongst many interfaith clergy in the state. Her motto: Justice, Justice, Shalt Thou Pursue.
I think that all jews have to care for one another and not have hatred for others. How can you put someone who A person at the top of your list who lacks the Love for another Jew?
Mr. Aron Rubashkin should have been on the top of this list every year for all his acts of goodness and kindness that he has done all his life and with Hashem's help will continue to do for many more happy and healthy years. They far outweigh these allegations. Instead you choose to defame and shame an honorable and very respected member of our community. not to mention how his business enabled countless Jews to keep kosher.
I am so pleased to see the inclusion of Rabbi Denise Eger on the Forward 50. I first joined Congregation Kol Ami in 2003, and I had known Rabbi Eger for many years before that. She has truly been a Shomer Tzedek for our community. I have marched with her during the recent civil rights rallies, and have witnessed her lending her calming voice, imbued with a strong message from our Jewish tradition. There is no greater practitioner of "Tikkun Olam" and it is so fitting that The Forward has chosen to honor her this year. I know I speak for all of my fellow congregants when I say: Mazel Tov, Denise. Yasher Koach!
I am puzzled that the Forward continues to ignore one of the most powerful political and governmental Jews in America. New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who happens to be observant and very active, is perhaps the most powerful Jew in New York State government.
It's a shande that the Forward has still not recognized the amazing RABBI ELLEN LIPPMANN in your round-up of leaders. From her work at Mazon to Rabbis for Human Rights-North America, at the Women's Rabbinic Network and The Shalom Center, on LGBT civil rights, women's leadership, labor issues, relations between the Arab, Muslim and Jewish communities, peace, poverty, human rights and justice issues all over NYC and well-beyond, she remains one of the most outspoken, visionary, risk-taking rabbinic leaders in our country. Her huge minions (and minyans) of admirers and congregants---stretching well beyond the mere members of Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of Our Lives, the shul she founded more than a decade ago---know better and the Forward should get up to speed.
Here is some "vigorous debate" for the Forward concerning one Robert Wexler. He may be influential, but he is a corrupt Congressman who should be removed from office, rather than celebrated. He has demonstrated better than anyone that there is one set of laws for our elected officials, and another set of laws for the people. He has gamed the system with his fake Florida residency, paid no state taxes, laundered money, and associated with corrupt criminals who are on the lam. It's all documented at wexlersweb.com for any concerned citizen. And yet the Forward uncritically celebrates him. How about reserving your plaudits for elected officials that are ethical, than simply those that wield power, but do not respect the laws that they are sworn to uphold?
Here is some "vigorous debate" for the Forward concerning one Robert Wexler. He may be influential, but he is a corrupt Congressman who should be removed from office, rather than celebrated. He has demonstrated better than anyone that there is one set of laws for our elected officials, and another set of laws for the people. He has gamed the system with his fake Florida residency, paid no state taxes, laundered money, and associated with corrupt criminals who are on the lam. It's all documented at wexlersweb.com for any concerned citizen. And yet the Forward uncritically celebrates him. How about reserving your plaudits for elected officials that are ethical, than simply those that wield power, but do not respect the laws that they are sworn to uphold?
An unimpressive list, considering what would have made the Forward top 50 10 years ago. It appears to show a decline in vibrancy of American Jewry. In my mind, the only one who is really worthy of mention is the Olympic champion. This list is an eclectic collection of paranoid bloggers, failed comedians, and originators of gimmicky programs that have yet to stand the test of time. What happened to the Jewish community who could produce Jonas Salk, Albert Sabin (of polio fame) and Roger Koufax?
Where is Fred Zeidman?? Chairman of the Holocaust Memorial in Washington D.C. very influential Republican??
Paul Krugman won the Nobel prize and is one of America's most respected commentators. Tom Friedman, whose opinions on Israel I disagree with, has become the prophet of a new green economy and culture.
aaron rubashkin is an incredible person. I am disgusted with your choice of words for him. Yoy failed to mention him being famous for his incredible generosity to anyone and everyone. There are thousands of people who will attest to this.Any one who has met him will tell you that....It's incredible that even Jewish media is so biased and self-hating. I am proud to be a Jew and I am proud of how accessible MR. rUBASHKIN HAS MADE KOSHER MEAT. It is because of him that even those who don't live in completely Jewish communities have access to Kosher meat.Apparently one of the founding commandments of our nation seems to slip its importance in your eyes.Look in the mirror-Who is a better Jew-You or Rubashkin....I am sure if the govenment checked your books they would find much much worse things than what they are accusing Rubashkin of.Accussing is the key word but the sorry state of the liberal anti-semetic media is guilty until proven innocent.....Be asahamed of yourseff and be proud of the Jews who actually keep Torah law...A good Jew to me is not someone who is successful in politics Like debbi wasserman or Robert Wexler-They are a disgrace to what Judaism is all about.Yes it is hard for some of us to keep all the laws as stringently as others but lets not put down those who do-Lets admire them.....
It is disheartening to read through the Forward List and read through their list of ‘stars’. It was quite interesting how it seems that they built the list based on all the ‘stars’ who had assisted in the lynching of the Rubashkin family. That media has in recent years emerged as an outlet of promoting various agendas; is by now well known, but why promote your vendetta against the Rubashkins so openly. Is there no shame? Does the fall of Kosher observance evoke glee by the editorial staff of the Forward? Or is it that they are gleeful about the tzaros of ‘one of those’ Ultra Orthodox Jews? Any reasonable person (especially in the U.S.) would give someone the benefit of their day in court, but it seems that the Rubashkins trial has already been executed in the media. Shame on the Forward and their cohorts in the media, which has become a vicious hate machine on anyone that doesn’t fit their agenda.
What does a Forward 50 mean when it includes infamous as well as famous? It sullies the good work of people like Nigel Savage and Mik Moore to be on the same list as Aaron Rubashkin and Sheldon Adelson. Where have your values gone, Forward?
Sarah Silverman? Please tell me this is a joke...a foul mouthed comedienne makes your list of Top 50 Jews! Such Nachas
sarah silverman . . . are you kidding me? she has about as much relevance as britney & madonna (aka hadassah) Benjamin Shalom Bernanke seems to me to have more influence and yiddishkeit than my old congressman Barney Frank
Where's David Axelrod? And for that matter, George Soros?
Here is some "vigorous debate" for the Forward concerning one Robert Wexler. He may be influential, but he is a corrupt Congressman who should be removed from office, rather than celebrated. He has demonstrated better than anyone that there is one set of laws for our elected officials, and another set of laws for the people. He has gamed the system with his fake Florida residency, paid no state taxes, laundered money, and associated with corrupt criminals who are on the lam. It's all documented at wexlersweb.com for any concerned citizen. And yet the Forward uncritically celebrates him. How about reserving your plaudits for elected officials that are ethical, than simply those that wield power, but do not respect the laws that they are sworn to uphold?
The biggest missing name is DAVID AXELROD..He played a huge huge role in mounting and driving the grass-roots campaign by assimilating folks-on-the-ground-to-the-skyscraper-crowd. He silently and swiftly worked behind the scenes to get BARACK OBAMA into the White House. So, he rightly deserves a place at the TOP as the man-behind-the-man-who-bought-Change..
Sarah Silvermn? Debbie Wasserman-Schultz? Oy vey. If they are the answer, it must have been a stupid question.
Jooz need to be exterminated once and for all! The holohoax is a [word deleted] lie, but we need a REAL [word deleted] extinction! The wold will be a far better place when the last [word deleted] vampire breathes it's last foul breath!
its a shame and pitty that a respected jewish organization couldnt get accurate facts about the respected and honored rubashkin family, and went along with what goes on in the media, the rubashkins not only made kosher meat available to jews worldwide, they also generously supported jews all over the world.. the list goes on..if this organization has any self respect,they should right up an accurate and truthful description of one af thier nominies
i'm not sure anything or anyone on your list has any real, concrete meaning in the lives of most jews. it reminds of top 100 guitarist lists or best hotels lists. its all entirely subjective. and beyond the true needs and requirements of most american jews. really, who cares? as my father used to say, the best doctors are the ones who keep you out of the hospitals. tachlis.......if these people can actually change the conditions of poor jews or unemployed jews. good. otherwise, its just more bourgeois, elitist nonsense. and g-d knows we jews have enough of that already. how about putting together a list of jews involved in the defense of "illegal" immigrants, or who move to israel and encourage others to do likewise. or who help expose criminal behaviour within our gilded communities or who do legal work, pro bono, in defense of the poor. i suspect that this list would contain much more modest people. and would be of more value to all of us
This year's list just goes to show how far the Forward has fallen since its talent jumped ship. Eden, Goldberg and Newhouse have gone and now there's no discernment left in the house.
Your promoting of JStreet is a diservice to Israel and to the Jewish people of the USA. Placing him as a competitor of Airpac is laughable. What has that organization done to support Israel aside from your backing and its leftish view on how to solve the ME problem that so far has prooved a dismal failure and has put that wonderful nation in Harms way. My Fatherback in the 30's use to send me down to pick up the "Fovitz" at the local newstand in Chicago. The Forward of today is unknown to me.
This is an amazing list, but I was surprised that you did not include Rabbi Ellen Dreyfus from B'Nai Yehuda Beth Torah in Homewood, Illinois. She has been elected to Presidency of the Reform Movement. I am not sure of the exact title. You probably know better than I.She is very well known in the Chicago area and an outstanding person.
No category for Educators?! (Some of) Our kids are being influenced by great educators. This will hopefully have an affect on the next generation. Who are these people?
It is to your credit that you recognized the lasting importance of Rabbi Morris Allen's Hechsher Tzedek initiative. And he would be the first to emphasize the initiative rather than himself. As a member of his congregation, I may be biased, but can affirm that the beginnings of this effort were like all the other occasions on which we have seen him tackle injustice wherever he has encountered it. He simply goes where the facts take him and is exactly as he appears - startled and pleased at the success of this effort, but perhaps even prouder of the fact that nearly as many of us show up on Shabbat week in and week out as appear on Yom Kippur. In a world of fame seekers, he attends to the sick, the mourners, and his Monday night Talmud class with the same devotion, intelligence (and great Jewish humor) that has sustained us for 20 years. You chose an excellent model.
when I googled "DavidGrinspoon", there was a reference to "Forward 50" but I do not see him on the list. Can you clarify this for me? thank you.
You guys make me sick. In future, when people ask me “Why doesn’t Mashiach come”, I will send them this article.
and economicAccording to the folks at The Forward, Jews in the sciences, economics, and the arts don't count in today's America, At least a dozen American Jewish Nobelists don't count. In the arts, Phillip Roth, Spielberg, Kushner, Momet are trumped in influence by the likes of Weiner, Rosenberg and Stewart. What seems to count among contemporary Jews is glitz, schmutz and political correctness, mindlessly characterized as "Food", "Money", "Culture and Media". Let's just call the whole thing off.
Joshua Bolten should have made the list... I think he is great. Princton grad keeps some what kosher and is very jewish! If his politics were different maybe he would be more popular?
A lot of the picks (Sara Silverman, the J-Street founders, the rest of Obama's supporters) belong on a list of "top 50 Jewish traitors to their own people and Israel." It's very sad that so many use their influence to bring harm upon their own.
I would like to join the voices here asking about the value judgment, or maybe values judgment of being included on this list. Is the Forward 50 an accolade, or a popularity contest? In the world of journalism, we talk about news and views. The Forward 50 belongs in the realm of views, and the editorial stand on these people is conspicuously absent. The Forward should be making a clear statement with this list. Maybe you should give 25 roses and 25 thorns? Your inclusion of Rabbi Genack is even worse than your inclusion of Aaron Rubashkin. The OU enabled the Agriprocessors shande, when responsible, halakhic Kashrut supervision could have nipped in the bud, had Rabbi Genack and the OU taken their responsibility regarding accusations made 3 and 4 years ago more seriously. Rabbi Genack, like Aaron Rubashkin and his sons, deserves clear and resounding criticism and censure from the entire Jewish community. You say
Barney Frank?? Give me a break.....
I am surprised "The Forward" has yet to pick-up the story of Congressman Steve Cohen's bigoted comments toward Armenian-Americans, in which he suggested many of them are domestic terrorists. Those comments were made after he grabbed & shoved a journalist. If you go to YouTube and type in "Cohen Bigot," you will see the congressman's hypocrisy. At one moment, he's denouncing domestic hate speech and genocide in Darfur, then, in other scenes, he's engaging in hate speech and acting dismissive of the 1.5 million Armenian-Genocide victims of 1915. It is troubling. Call me: 818-500-1234
I've always thought the forward to be the voice of independent unbiased Jewish jouranalismhought, that balances its politics, and is not beholden to any community organization. Your list shows that you are slaves to your liberalism thought and you throw in some token conservatives to make it look good. American Jewish life is not Obama and Rubashkin 24/7. Where is Rabbi Sherman from artscroll who revolutionized Torah study even for your reform and consevative pals?How about standwithus.com for their campus advocacy for Israel? I guess prop 8 is more important than Torah, Israel, birthright, federation grants, etc.
I would like to see these top 50 doing something really useful, like arranging a bailout for Postville, Iowa. which has been devastated by the Agriprocessors issue. Now that you are sitting on your journalism laurels, do you care that there is rampant unemployment in Postville
I agree with Herbert Kaine that the only one on the list who deserves to be there is Dara Torres, the phenomenal 41 year old Olympian swimmer. I also agree with Anne that most of the list includes pro-Obama traitors to both America and Israel. I'm utterly ashamed of the 78% of American Jews who voted for Obama and very proud to be among the 22% who did not. Take that Ms. Pritzker, Mr. Emanuel, and Mr. Wexler, as if any of you care about the dire consequences of your actions. You make me ashamed to be a Jew! Shame on you! I think
Here is someone who should have been included in the top 50-she inspires me more than those you have listed "I would just love to be at GHA everyday," says Marla Gail Rosenberg. Marla was a student at GHA in the early 1970's. When she was in the 1st grade, doctors diagnosed her with leukemia and she had to leave school. "My teachers, Mrs. Vivian Frankel and Mrs. Trudie Bohm would come to my house every Sunday to tutor me," remembers Marla. "It made me feel so special." Marla went to Memphis, TN to seek treatment at St. Jude Children's Hospital. She underwent experimental treatment for ALL - Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and was truly one of the only children at the time with the disease to survive. But because the doses for the experimental treatment were not yet regulated, she had grand mal seizures and suffered brain damage. She has been disease free for 34 years now. But Marla doesn't let her condition hold her back. "She completed her schooling through special education," says her mother Rachael. "She tries really hard and is a very determined woman." Marla worked in the Early Childhood Department at the JCC for 17 years. She also volunteered at the Sophie Hirsch Children's Museum and currently volunteers at Weinstein Center for Adult Day Services. "We are trying to teach Marla to be very independent," says her father Jack. "She lives independently in a house with two other women and a caregiver; the service is provided through Jewish Family and Career Services. And she really likes living there." "We don't want her to be a couch potato; it's important for her to get out and be active," adds Rachael. "She's out about in the community 5 days a week and she enjoys spending time out of the house." One of the many places Marla visits is GHA. "From the day I came back to volunteer at GHA, I felt welcomed," Marla says with a smile. "I knew so many members of the staff and lots of the students. I want to get to know everyone at GHA." Marla really looks forward to her weekly Tuesday visits to GHA, which she's been doing for nearly a year now. "The teachers, the staff and the parents treat me with respect, kindness and warmth. I want to help them. They make me feel needed and useful," says Marla. "It makes me feel good in my heart!" Marla is very popular around GHA, which is apparent with all the hellos and hugs she got during the few minutes we sat down for this interview. "All the students and teachers give me friendly hugs," says Marla. "I want to help them and they seem to want to be with me." When Marla leaves GHA, she rushes home to tell her parents all the exciting things she did at GHA. "I visit students in classrooms, the library and the music room," says Marla of her busy day at school. "I love spending time with everyone." "Marla loves the kids," says Rachael. "All of GHA, its students, staff and parents have such big hearts. They really care about Marla. We can feel it and so can she. It's the biggest mitzvah that we can bring her into this setting at GHA." "I love my day at the Academy," says Marla. "It's the best day of my week!"
Excellent choices . The only inaccuracy is the title.It should be changed to "50 leaders in the assimilation of the Jewish people"! On 2nd thought the name Forward 50 says it all. Forward meaning breaking our ties with the past and moving away from Torah and God.
I wonder is Ms Pritzker could comment on her hotel hosting Ahmadinejad during his visit in NYC. Does Ms Pritzker support Ahmadinejad's vision. I also would like to see some Tikkun Olam performed by the Forward and its top 50 to alleviate the economic crisis in Postville, Iowa, since it had some share in causing it
I belatedly nominate Nate Silver, the boy genius who created the best polling website on the internet and whose election prediction was pretty much dead on.
While I am not shocked, saddened or appalled, I wish to note the following to the number of individuals who wrote in support of Aron Rubashkin: 1. The facts of the case against Rubashkin and Agriprocessors are quite clear. Perhaps a legal acquittal will occur, based on proceduaral technicalities (even O.J. got away with murder), but no amount of lawyer-speak will erase the moral stain that should haunt Rubashkin the rest of his living days. 2. Both the Torah and Talmud are quite clear on the issue of good and evil. Doing good deeds -- even and especially when they are only for Jews -- does nothing to mitigate or excuse evil acts. 3. I question whether products produced under such hideous health and working conditions can be considered truly kosher. I base this reasoning on the admonitions of God found in Isaiah 58. What holy purpose does kosher meat serve when it produced under the yoke of oppression and abuse?
Your 51nd person, Fr. Paul Ouderkirk, is a super great guy and really does what he can to bring support to the poor and humble Hispanic workers in the areas he has served as a Catholic priest. I worked with him East Texas and ever since we have been fast friends. I hope he gets financial help to covers some of his expenses. I know him to be untiring in his felt responsibility to help others. I also visited Postville before the raid and learned of the unsavory attitude of the local Jews to the workers and to the population of Postville in general. I was shocked to hear about the government raid and I wonder how so many undocuments workers could be working there. Aren't companies fined for hiring undocumented? I've heard of large fines for a company that hires undocumented workers and much greater fines for continued noncompliance. Did AgriProcessors have to pay any fines as a result of the raids? And what a terrible treatment the government imposed on those humble workers. You must know the details much better than I do but I was appalled at the descriptions given to me by Fr. Paul Ouderkirk. I went out to the kosher plant and circled around it and got an idea of its large size. My own dad worked in Chicago for Armour & Co. in the meat paking industry and his dad helped run a meat packer in Omaha....even buying cattle from one Sr. Franciso Villa (Panacho Villa)! I truly hope your new items help to bring peace and justice to the folks...especially the Hispanics...in Postville, Iowa.
It's a shame you included Matthew Brooks whose words were lies and actions reprehensible. He represents none of the positive traits that Jews are suppsoed to live by or the standards set for us in the torah and the Talmud. Shame on you
I think Howard Rich of NYC, who has and remains the leading proponent of term limits in political offices across the USA, should be included.
Your choice of Ilana Trachtman is validation that this is a serious list of accomplished people. "Praying With Lior" is, without doubt, the most amazing documentry. How she captured the hearts and souls of the Liebling family, and, especially, Lior is brilliant. My wish is that the film will be shown in every city so that the message it sends will be embraced by as many viewers as possible. Hooray for the Forwar to lead in Ilana's recognition of her great talent and understanding of a most important subject of our time.
For the first five mentioned, you have been able to show both your extreme liberal bias and your lack of concern about the future existence of the state of Israel, particularly in your choice of the head of J Street, a group that is willing to accede to the most outrageous demands of the Fatah-Hamas government.
Where is Mike Bloomberg or his sister Marjorie NYC Commissioner to the UN.
This is a very political and politically correct Leftlist. It is also quite disturbing to see on the list the founder of an organization , which claims to be Zionist, but whose main work is lobbying to put pressure on the state of Israel.
Sarah Silverman? Trash mouth of the year is more like it. The one woman I would not want my son to bring home! What kind of leader is she? Would you like your children speaking like that at your dinner table? Shame on you.
Liberal democrats and other democrats. With the exception of a few notable personalities (perhaps 10 in your list) you've proven how pathetic "great Jews" are in the way they represent Judaism. Why don't you promote more scholars and teachers who actualtt inspire others and who are true models of what Jews should represent? This list is as meaningless as any "top anything" list because there's no way you can get the most representative people without being politically biased - which you are.
Sir- you concealed journalists, such as Christian Orthodox eaters Thomas Frridman and Roger Cohen. ~1389, They will hit the road~ Truth could hurt. Sc. Ljubinko Jovicic