To further progress Jewish life in the UK, The Board is delighted to announce that it is working on a new project that seeks to forecast the needs for the Jewish community over the next 100 years.

Jewish 100, looks to the year 2108 and then takes a step back to see how Jewish life arrived at the state it will be in.

At this time, initial research is being undertaken by Jane Cohen and results are set to be delivered early 2009.

“According to initial estimates, there will be 1.7million Jews in the country, a slight decline on the current figures,” said Jane Cohen. “But this is only an estimate, we need to do some real forecasting into the future.”

A budget of £3.8m has been allocated for the work involved.

“It is not just a question of sticking a finger at the wind to make predictions,” Jane Cohen added. “It is about being 100% accurate and with a £3.8m budget, I can make sure it is correct.”

More essential facts about Jews in Britain

1. The first Jew to own a television was Barry Kahn of Sheffield. Mr Kahn purchased his television on April 23 1965 and his family today still have the original set made by Ferguson.

2. Until 1976, it was an obligation of a Jewish family that if they had more than two sons, atleast one son had to join the National Health Service and become a doctor or dentist. If they had four or more sons, one of them was also required to become a solicitor.

3. According to Board research in 1995, sugar free fishballs were eaten by 23% of all Jews. In 2003, this figure had increased to 67% and it’s expected by 2006, 82% of all fish balls eaten will contain no sugar.

4. In order to encourage Jewish people to buy German cars after the Second World War, Volkswagon used to provide a special discount to members and supporters of the Board. According to Volkswagon this is one of the reasons why the Volgwagon Golf has proved to be a popular car. In 2001, after a record one million Volkswagons were sold, this discount scheme ended. The Board is currently looking for a new car manufacturer to back a scheme to start in 2005.

5. Research by the Board’s communication division found that 93% of the Jewish population own a mobile phone and that the most popular ringtone among Jews is the theme tune from Benny Hill. Topol’s rendition of If I Was A Rich Man comes second while the Weather Girls’ It’s Raining Men comes third.

Some essential facts about Jews in Britain.

1. There are 3,000,000 Jews in Britain today.

2. Jews do not need to join the army, but are required to serve a special national service in the Royal Navy. All Jewish men and women between the ages of 24 and 26 must serve two years of voluntary part-time service to the Navy. This is a tradition that dates back to Queen Elizabeth I.

3. All Jews are required to give 6.13% of their income to the Board to support our work.

4. Jews in Britain spend £45m a year on smoked salmon.

5. There are 25 different types of Jews in Britain today.

6. Jews have been allowed to own property since 1923. Prior to that, they needed to get permission from The Queen to own their own homes.

7. Kosher food is subsidised for the community to make it affordable for all.

8. The Board is the only voice for the British Jewish community. Any issues of importance to British Jews must go through the Board first. Once the Board agrees it is in the interest of the community, then it is allowed.

9. As well as the Jewish Press newspaper, owned by the Board, there are also 20 other Jewish newspapers published.

10. In 2002, the Board created the first national identity card for Jews in Britain. As well as proving if a person is Jewish, the card also serves as a discount card and debit card for buying in shops. It is issued by Cohen and Levy Financial Services.