The Board’s annual walking and coach tour of Jewish London attracted 250 people on Boxing day Monday, despite heavy snow showers, the first in London since 1953.

As well as walkers from Britain, the tour attracted tourists from the USA, Canada, Germany and Botswana.

The three hour tour hosted by Dame Janet Cooper takes visitors along a 16 mile journey of Jewish London including a visit to the famous Jewish castle - Lipski House.

“We start from the East End where many Jews first came when they arrived in the country and then we start looking at other areas where Jews now live and show some of the historic buildings where Jews have lived,” said Dame Janet.

“We were also delighted to be able to visit Lipski House, the first castle ever owned by a Jew,” said Dame Janet. “We also had tea and bagels with Gary Rosen, a relative of Mr Lipski.”

A highlight for many was the Jewish Free Hospital in Stamstead which was established in 1984 and provides free medical care and support to all residents of the borough of Stamstead, both Jewish and also non-Jewish.

Doctors and nurses turned out to greet the tourists and a five piece steel band played Hava Nagila.

Among the tourists this year was Ricky Moss from Boca Raton.

“My family come from England and it was great to see places where they used to live,” said Mr Moss. “I never knew how big Jewish London was and it was great to meet up with other Jewish people and see how their cultural life in this country is different from the one in our country.”

The Board, like other organisations will be operating a limited service over the festive season.

We will be back to normal opening hours as from the first week in January 2005.

The Board is delighted to announce it now has a mailing list where members of the community can subscribe for free (*) and get updates from the Board.

To subscribe, click here.

The Board’s mailing list will contain useful information as well as special discount coupons for a variety of products and services.

Subscribe today, it’s free and in your interest.

As Rabbi Bobby Evans says: “The Board has invested much time and effort into doing this for the community and every Jew should support everything the Board does. The Board does exciting projects and you need to know about them as well as support them.”

(*) While, it is free at present, the Board does reserve the right to start charging to cover this additional service to the community. If the Board does charge, it will become mandatory of every Jew to pay.

As part of its annual obligation to recognise Jewish people in Britain for their contribution to the arts, health, accountancy and food, the Board has released the following shortlist of people who have been nominated for a Board Jew of the Year Award.

The awards, which will be given out in February 2005 recognise the talent and ability of Jews in Britain.

Please note: usually the Board includes the legal profession, but after the 2002 investigation into award fixing, the Board has taken the decision to exclude those associated with law this year. This was part of a two year ban and a fine of £25,000 on the individual concerned. We hope to include them again in 2005.

From the shortlist of 10, three awards will be given out.

The 2004 Jew of the Year shortlist:

1. Matt Lucas - writer, actor, comic

2. Nigella Lawson - writer, broadcasting

3. Dr Jonathan Sacks - broadcaster, freelance writer

4. Lord Winston - medical expert

5. Sir Robert Graham - accountant

6. Emily Louise Grimshaw - convert to Judaism

7. Jim Cohn - chef

8. Michael Howard - political leader

9. Robert Cowan - musician

10. Natasha Kaplinsky - broadcaster

“We are delighted to announce another great shortlist of Jews that the Board wishes to publically recognise,” said Board chairman of Awards committee Lady Sally Marks. “Every year the Board looks closely at Jews in Britain so that we can recognise those who have done something special. Each of the 10 shortlisted are special in their own unique way and we look forward to revealing the three award winners in February.”

The annual Jewish Awareness Day which aims to educate and inform the British public about Jewish people and life took place on Sunday to great success with over 80 events happening up and down the country.

From Jewish Ice Skating in Durham and Yiddish breakdancing in Corwnall to Kosher cooking and Jewish comedy. The day showcases the integration of Jewish people in Britain since 1924 and is supported by the Government.

This year marks the 10th year the event has happened under the auspices of the Board.

The main event in Sheffield attracted 124,000 people and was attended by former British Home Seretary David Blunkett and opened by Hollywood star Al Pacino, fresh from his lead role as Shylock in Merchant of Venice.

“I enjoy having relations with the Jewish community and supporting and coming to such events as this,” said Mr Blunkett. “I can see at first hand the wonderful work the Board does. I never cease to be amazed at the variety of projects and depth of its work. British Jews and indeed the wider British community has much to be proud of in what the Board has achieved.”

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.

For the 17th year running, the Board will be attending the annual Limmud conference in Nottingham and will be running several sessions including:

United community - How the Board unites all British Jews

So you think your funny? Don’t laugh at us, laugh with us

The importance of being important. Why Jews need the Board

Members of the Board including President Harry Greenberg and Chief Executive Jane Gould will be leading the sessions which sees them once again in the heart of the Jewish community. Also attending this year, is Board British Jewish Tourism director Morris Franks.

As always, the Board has a suggested donation of £12 to attend each session. All proceeds this year will go towards putting on the Board’s annual black tie social event. In 2003, £6,500 was raised.

“People may ask ‘What does the Board do’ and in our sessions we will explain clearly what we do and how we do it for the benefit of the community, as without us, British Jewry wouldn’t be the same. As a public facing organisation, we are committed to reaching out to the community and through our support of Limmud, we can show our commitment,” said President Harry Greenberg.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to get out of our office in London and meet members of the community all over Britain as well as the rest of the world,” said CEO Jane Gould. “Limmud also allows us to let our hairdown a bit and people can see for themselves that Board people also know how to party.”

Sacha Baron Cohen, the popular entertainer has agreed to join the Board in the honorary position of chairman of the Arts and Culture Division.

“We are delighted and privileged that Sacha is going to be involved in this exciting and fast growing division of the Board,” said President Harry Greenberg. “We are sorry that former Chairman Bruce Elias had to stand down, but in Sacha we have someone who can build on the strong foundation created by Bruce.”

“I have known Sacha for many years both as a personal friend and also as his dentist,” said Mr Elias. “After three years in the role of Chairman of the Arts and Culture Division, it is time to hand it over to someone who can move it forward and Sacha was my next choice after Harvey Goldsmith turned it down.”

Since the mid 1990s, Sacha Baron Cohen has been a popular entertainer known for his comical characters Ali G, Borat and Bruno.

“When Bruce and Harry called me up and suggested that I should be the new chairman, the first question I asked was ‘How will this help my career?’ and then I asked ‘Why did Harvey Goldsmith tell you to get lost?’,” Mr Cohen jokes. “Then I realised it was a great honour, albeit unpaid and a chance to finally meet and schmooze with members of the community who I have always admired and respected like Professor Albert Jacobs and Sally Goldman.”

With the 33-year-old Mr Cohen on the Board, the average age of the voice of British Jews is now 68.

“Having Sacha on the Board will show that the Board is certainly in touch with the younger generation,” Mr Greenberg added. “The Board has always admired his work and I personally can confess to having enjoyed Borat’s Throw the Jew Down The Well song.”

Among his plans for the future of the Arts and Culture division are a Jewish Fashion Show and a benefit gala evening for the Carlisle Yiddish Theatre.

“New York had Second Avenue as the home of Yiddish Theatre and in Britain we had the Carlisle Yiddish Theatre which until 2001 used to put on regular shows.,” Mr Cohen said. “Having closed down in 2001, it is one of the goals of the Board to help raise funds to bring back this historical theatre, not only for the 120,000 Jews who live in Carlisle but also for the nation.”

Following its open policy of connecting with the community, the Board is delighted to announce an association with football club Golders Hotspur which will see a “football kiddush” at every Saturday home match from February 2005.

The north London club which has a Jewish fan following of 204,000, will be hosting the special kiddush in the Jacob Katz suite. A selection of drinks and finger food including sugar free fishballs will be available for a suggested donation of £25.

The “football kiddush” is the brainchild of Board sports director Jacob Minsky who hopes it will connect the Board with members of the Jewish community as an average of 86,000 Jews attend each Golders match.

“We know more Jews are going to football matches than ever before and Spurs is the most popular club for Jews, so it makes sense to team up with the club,” Mr Minsky said. “We are always looking at ways to connect with the community and find out at a grassroots level what people expect from the Board. You can’t get any more grassroots than Golders Hotspur.”

A suggestion from a member of the Jewish community that all Jewish groups and organisations should declare the salaries and benefits of their senior staff and executives in public has gained approval from the Board of Guardians of British Jews.

“This is a voluntary obligation but we hope that many of them will follow our guidelines of accountability,” said Board president Henry Greenberg of the suggestion which it aims to see being practiced from March 2005.

The draft proposal recommends that any staff or executive member of a Jewish group who is paid more than £65,000 a year should declare their income as well as any other payments they get in connection with their work.

“British Jews have a right to know where their money goes,” Mr Greenberg says. “It is not good enough to hide what people are earning, it is important that costs are open for inspection and scrutiny.”

Among those who are set to offer their details on a voluntary basis is the Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks.

“Having spoken at great length to his department, they have agreed that the Chief Rabbi will reveal full details of what he earns, not only in his role as Chief Rabbi, but also from his other activities which include numerous freelance articles as well as other speaking engagements,” Mr Greenberg added.

“We fully support this initiative,” a Chief Rabbi spokesman said. “Accountability in the community is important. People have a right to know what their money is being spent on and in the Chief Rabbi, we wish to be the first to support this. Many have always asked and wondered how a Chief Rabbi is paid and through this we are able to provide details.”

The Board is delighted to announce that £240,000 was raised at a special gala screening of Closer on Sunday night at London’s Kensington Jewish community centre.

The film, which stars popular actress Natalie Portman is due to open in Britain next month and board members and their guests has an opportunity to attend the official Board screening.

“We are grateful to Natalie Portman and Closer writer Patrick Markber for allowing the Board to benefit from the proceeds of this screening,” said Board president Henry Greenberg.

A special statement from Natalie Portman who could not attend the screening was read out.

She said: “The Board is at the forefront of representing the British Jewish community and it is only appropriate that the Board should benefit from the proceeds of this screening.”

Mr Greenberg added:

“As everyone knows, the Board is committed to getting Closer to the community, so it is very apt that we were able to screen Closer. The money raised will be used towards the good work we are always doing for the community.”

The Board is preparing research into Jewish eating habits to be delivered to the Stamstread Beth Din.

We have decided it was time to raise some important kosher issues with our religious courts and to make it easier and better to keep kosher.

One question we are asking is:

“Would you like an opportunity to eat sirloin steak?”

Up until the 1940s, kosher sirloin steak was offered but after this, butchers have not been offering sirloin steak and the Beth Din has not supported moves to bring it back.

The result today is that butchers are not trained to make sirloin kosher which needs special skills in order to remove sciatic nerve and fats from this cut of beef.

The Board is interested in the general promotion of kosher food and as the Board has a commitment to subsidise the cost, it is useful to us to know the Jewish public’s view on sirloin steak.

If the Stamstead Beth Din decides to allow its butchers to be trained in preparing sirloin steak, we will consider adding this to our subsidised range of kosher foods.

After nearly 60 years of no Jew in Britain being able to buy kosher sirloin steak, the Board advises all Jews to voice their approval for this and bring British Jewry in line with other Jewish communities who can buy kosher sirloin steak.

The Board is delighted to announce that it is to start publishing a free weekly Jewish newspaper in Manchester starting January 2005.

The Jewish Week is a joint venture between the Board and local businessman Alan Jacobs and aims to appeal to the 360,000 Jews who live in and around the Manchester area.

The Jewish Week will publish a minimum of 60 pages in colour and become the voice of Jews in Manchester. It will also inject fun into the local community being a tabloid style newspaper and aims to appeal to 18-40 year olds. Initial print run will be 200,000 copies.

“Manchester is one of the most dynamic Jewish areas around and we felt it was time to offer the local community a free newspaper,” said Board director of communications Jake Riley. “As well as a comprehensive births, deaths and marriages section, The Jewish Week will offer campaigning reporting as well as great features and sport coverage.”

The new paper is the first regional Jewish newspaper to be published by the Board. It currently owns the national weekly Jewish Press which has a circulation of 500,000 and plans to move into other British regions.

As well as births, deaths and marriages, the paper will also cover international news, kosher cooking and a kids section.

“We can also announce that Rebecca Cohen, the New York-based Agony Aunt is joining our team as resident problem solver. It is a real scoop for us to get Rebecca and readers will get no nonsense advice from her,” Mr Riley added.

While there is currently a weekly Jewish Telegraph published in Manchester, Mr Riley explained the reasoning for The Jewish Week.

“Having expressed interest in buying the Jewish Telegraph on numerous occasions, we were unable to agree on a deal with the current owners. We recognise the potential of Manchester especially now the BBC is moving here and look forward to the opportunites being offered.”

One unique aspect of the paper will be its coverage of the ex-pat Canadian Jews.

According to the latest Board census of 2002 there are around 100,000 Canadian Jews living in Manchester.

“With such a high number of Canadians, it’s important to reflect their needs and interests, something the Jewish Telegraph has never done,” Mr Riley added.

Editor of The Jewish Week will be Mark Goldberg, a former deputy editor of the Jewish Chronicle while publisher will be Emma Jones previously sales director of the London Jewish News.

“In Mark and Emma we have two dynamic people with a strong conviction to Jewish publishing,” Mr Riley commented. “We are delighted to have them involved.”

At a fund raising evening in Doncaster at the Reformation synagogue on Thursday, the Board was delighted to welcome Conservative Party leader Michael Howard to address members of the local community.

With a Jewish population of 67,000 the event was a sell out that attracted 1400 people to the evening and raised £62,000 which will be used for setting up a new community swimming pool.

Welcoming Mr Howard, Board member Ellie Roberts said: “We are delighted to have you at the heart of our community as someone with a Romanian connection, coming to Doncaster means much to us. Many Jews from Romania first settled in Doncaster when they left as a result of the 1883 pogroms. For over 100 years, Doncaster has welcomed Jews and now we welcome you.”

Mr Howard spoke of Conservative plans for the future and his own committment to the Jewish community.

“The Board works hard for all Jews and speaks with one voice. Doncaster is a vibrant and growing Jewish community and its values are those of all people across Britain. I want every Jew in Britain to see me as a friend to them. Your hopes are my hopes, your problems are my problems.”

Mr Howard also revealed details of how some of his family settled in Wales and another part of the family settled in Doncaster.

“The Welsh side were not the most frum, judging by my cousins in Doncaster. But we talk on a regular basis and attend each others simchas,” he said.

Mr Howard also engaged in a series of questions and answers and Doncaster member Sean Clarke led a toast to Mr Howard and wished him the best.

The following edict has been issued by Board treasurer Sir James Newman. All Jews in Great Britain are reminded of their duty and obligation to follow the edict.

“As we all know, the Board does wonderful work on behalf of all the community. In order for the Board to function the way it always has means everyone must pay their annual levy to the Board.

The levy was created in 1977 in honour of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and helped to pay towards the Jewish celebration of her ascent to the throne. Since then levy funds has been used to benefit the community including free plane travel, subsidised knee replacements and building a network of 28 Jewish community centres.

The levy comes with two offers to those who pay by direct debit. A 10% discount card that can be used in Kosher supermarket chain Kosher Surprise as well as free banking at Banc de Shalom.

But despite the great value this levy offers, there are some members of the community who try to avoid paying it. And we must name and shame them.

There are no exceptions and these people are schnorrers. They are happy to enjoy the benefits the Board has arranged for them such as the annual Jewish Pride Festival in Liverpool and hernia check-ups but try to avoid paying the levy.

Today, I issue the following edict against Esther Norris and her family of Flat 87, 623 City Grove, Sale, Cheshire.

Despite two reminders, Esther Norris has failed to pay the annual levy. As a result, all Jews in Britain should avoid this schnorrer. Anyone found to communicate with her will under section 25 of the Board rules, be fined £1500.

Esther Norris can be accepted back provided she pays the £30 annual levy along with a handling charge of £5.

Failure to pay will result in being reported to the Equifax credit agency as well as losing synagogue benefits including burial rights.

Let this be a warning to the community. While, some consider this to be guilt tripping to pay the levy, we consider it to be a duty and obligation to make a payment to the Board.

Schnorrering against the Board is totally unaceptable and action will always be taken against those who attempt this.”

Should the Jewish area of London - Stamstead Green, home of around 850,000 Jews be given its own mayor?

That’s the question the Board is set to raise at a meeting with South East London Stamstead Green residents at 8.30pm on January 25th 2005.

“The area of Stamstead has mainly been Jewish since 1876 when Queen Victoria first admitted Jews into London,” said Board elder and head of the Mayor committee Jacob Letts. “Given that it is a mainly Jewish area, the board is asking residents if they would like to have their own Mayor for this area. Other Jewish parts of Great Britain have always been offered the opportunity to have a Jewish mayor and we need to ask Stamstead Green residents their view on this.”

Residents are welcome to attend the meeting which will take place at the Stamstead JCC. Light refreshments will be provided including fishballs, crisps and latkes. Those with any allergies are advised to notify the Board is advance so we can accommodate their request.

As from Kislev 25 5766 (25 December 2005), British Jews should only spell the festival of Chanukah as Chanukah.

The move comes after three years of in-depth research by the board’s religious committee and consultation with all the main synagogue bodies including Orthojews, Reformation and Labour Jews. Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks of the popular United Synagogue has also welcomed the move.

“Over the years, we’ve seen Chanukah spelt many different ways, leading to confusion both inside the Jewish community and to the wider world,” said Board President Harry Greenberg. The move to standardisation will mean no more spelling mistakes and no more confusion.”

The changes will take place one year from now, which will allow Britain’s three million Jews to prepare for the change.

Leader of the Board, Rabbi Dovid ben Shimon, commented, “I welcome and applaud this move, which should help towards unifying the community even further.”

The Board will set up a special Chanukah helpline for anyone who is worried about the change and what it will mean to them. “People are frightened by change – but change is also good,” added Board President Harry Greenberg. “I know it will be tough for some people but it is needed to ensure the future of Chanukah.”

The Board, through its affiliation to the Jewish World League, is aiming to also regulate the spelling of Chanukah on an international level. A special motion at the 93rd Jewish World League Conference, to take place in January 2005, is proposed.

by: Elaine Goldstein, Board Culture Deputy

It’s not every day that the Chief Rabbi takes part in a panto, let alone stars in it. But that’s exactly what pantomime goers both young and old were treated to, at the unique evening in aid of the Board’s Sukkah Building appeal.

Dr Jonathan Sacks took on the role of the green giant and gave an excellent performance while John Palmer was superb in his portrayal of young Jack who lands in hot water when he swaps the family cow for a bag of magic beans. Co-star Andrew Sachs, better known as Fawlty Towers’ Manuel gave a hilarious performance as Jack’s mum, Old Mother Rivke.

This cross-communal event featured not just the Chief Rabbi representing the United Synagogue but also participants from across the religious spectrum. Barbara Ellis from the Hull Reformation Synagogue and George Smith from Newcastle Labour Congregation provided entertaining support as two clowns, who always appeared on stage.

The stage set was donated courtesy of West End producer Cameron Mackintosh, and the surprise of the night came when Producers stars Nathan Lane and Lee Evans joined the cast on stage for an impromptu performance of Springtime For Hitler, with the lyrics changed to Springtime For Jack and Rivke. At first Dr Sacks looked a bit bemused but quickly got into the spirit of the song. We suspect he knew all along what was going to happen.

The event raised £225,000 to help with the Board’s building appeal, which will go towards funding the new communal Sukkah, which can accommodate up to four thousand people and be the biggest Sukkah in Europe.

Board President Harry Greenberg told the audience: “As the only voice for Jews in Britain, it’s important that our voice is loud and strong. The Appeal will mean that British Jews can be proud to know that our Sukkah will not only be the biggest in Europe but also the best, with many purpose built features including air conditioning and state of the art surround sound.”

The Board of Guardians of British Jews has a number of committees which are sometimes referred to as “divisions".

These committees consist of board members and are chaired by a head of each committee.

There are currently 29 committees ranging from culture and sport through to finance and education.

These committees are responsible for promoting the good work of the Board within the Jewish community as well as to Government.

Among the most popular committees are:

Cultural Issues
This committee seeks to promote Jewish culture in the UK. The Board can be proud of it as over the years it has promoted the following: Jewish Culture Week, Jewish Arts Week, The Dover Jewish Festival and Manchester Jewish Month.

Over the course of a year there are on average 20 different Jewish culture event going on each night.

The most successful of all the Board sponsored events is the annual Jewish Culture Week. The week showcases the best in British Jewish arts and entertainment. In August 2004, a record 500,000 people went to the week which featured such popular British Jewish icons and figures as pop band The Jue, experimental artist Don Jacobs and book author Hazel Ishag.

Sporting Issues
This committee is responsible for the annual Jewish Football Cup Final which takes place every October. With over 20,000 active players and 225 teams, the Jewish leagues represent the most popular Jewish sport in Britain.

In 1974, the Board lobbied to allow Jewish people to be allowed into cricket grounds to watch the sport. Up until then, Jews had been banned from watching the popular sport. Lead by former Sport chair Ian Woolf, the Board successfully got the Government to allow Jews in.

This year’s annual Chanukah panto will be taking place tonight Monday 6 December in central London.

A full review of the show, Jack and the Beanstalk which marks the West End theatre debut of Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks will appear on this website tomorrow.

Jack and Beanstalk also features popular husband and wife charity fundraisers Flora and James Myers.

“We are delighted that the Chief Rabbi was able to give up his valuable time to take part in this year’s Chanukah panto,” said Board president Harry Greenberg. “He didn’t miss one single audition and I think people will discover another unique talent of the Chief Rabbi.”

Among the honoured guests at the panto will be Board leader Rabbi Dovid ben Shimon along with members of his family who have travelled as far as Loughton in Essex and New York to join in with the event.

A special message from British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be read out by Board vice-president Amy Lester.

All tickets for the show sold out within 24 hours of going on sale in July. A special DVD box set from the show will go on sale in February 2005 with all proceeds going to the Board.

After much deliberation, the Board is delighted to announce that Rachel Stevens, a popular entertainer has been selected for November’s Postive Image Award which was revealed at the weekly Guardians session meeting on Sunday 5 December 2004.

Rachel, from north London is better known among the younger generation for her musical prowess being a founder member of S-Club 7 as well as a successful singer and actress in her own right.

She was nominated by Guardian representative Lloyd Goldman and seconded by Emily Fox.

The awards recognise a member of the community who has either been successful or has made a positive contribution towards Jewish life. Rachel has fulfilled both and has had hit after hit.

Board President Harry Greenberg said: “My fellow Guardians are delighted at the wonderful work that Rachel does. Last month saw her as the only Jewish performer on the Band Aid singer. Rachel has constantly shown herself as a supporter of tzedakah being involved with numerous fund raising events.

Earlier this year Rachel had a starring role in the wonderful British Jewish comedy Suzie Gold which was officially endorsed by the Board.

This year has possibly been the most successful for Rachel, a great several, many top chart hits and her work with charity.

We strongly endorse and support the work of Rachel and urge our three million strong community to fellow our lead.”

As well getting a certificate and £100 John Lewis gift voucher, Rachel will be entitled to a VIP ticket to the Board’s annual dinner and dance ball. The next one is October 2005.

December 2004 award will be announced the first week of January 2005.

From Jane Gould, chief executive, The Board of Guardians of British Jews:

Thank you for visiting our new website.

Each month as part of our new policy, I will be writing to explain more about the work the Board does. There have been some members of the community who fail to understand the work we do. By having this monthly update, I hope you understand more about us, how we are set up and what we are doing for you.

If you have any comments or thoughts about our new site, then please contact our web team and let them know what you think. All views will be forwarded to me.

Here at the Board, I would like to reflect on some of the work we have done in 2004.

It was a great year for us and indeed British Jews.

January 2004 saw the annual Jewish Arts Festival take place. Over one week in London, we hosted 80 events that attracted 150,000 people. Among the highlights were: Lionel Blair’s stand up comedy, David Baddiel in conversation and Rabbi Michael’s Kabbalah sleep-in.

March 2004 saw us joining other Jews from around the world at the bi-annual World Jewish Review in Stockholm, Sweeden. Another great event that saw 3,000 people from around the world gather and discuss issues of importance to Jews.

June 2004 was my birthday and I was grateful to the warm support of the community with cards and presents.

October 2004 - The Board announced Project 2025. This project looks at the Jewish community in the year 2025 and what we need to do to prepare for it. Among the highlights, the population will rise to nearly 4,500,000.

December 2004 - Launch of our new website.

Once again, thank you for supporting us and letting us show you what we have done for you.

With around three million Jews in Britain today, the Board represents all of them, both religious and secular.

Through the Board, all Jews are able to live together and respect each other.

It was the Board in 1972 that put an end to the ongoing internal fighting between the Jacobs and Ellis tribes of Jews living in Walsall. Between 1940 and 1972, the two Jewish tribes had fought a long and bitter war of words over land rights that was eventually solved by the Board. Today these two tribes which number 30,000 people get along in peace.

Jews have been living in Britain since 1597. In 1650 there were 10,000 Jews by 1880 there were 300,000 and today that number is three million. It is predicted that by 2025, the Jewish community will increase to 4,500,000 making it the largest Jewish community outside of the USA.

According to the Board’s report on Jewish wealth, in 2002 the Jewish community was worth a combined £200 billion making it the wealthiest community in Britain.

The average Jewish wage is £61,300 a year.

There are around 25 different types of Jews. The main groups include:

Orthojews - These are the orthodox community which numbers one million followers. The leader of the orthodox community is Rabbi K Cohen III.

Refomation Jews - The reformation Jewish community number 500,000 followers and was the first Jewish community to settle in Britain when Jews first came from Poland in 1576. There is no leader of the Reformation Jews, rather is is an elected body of 20 who run it as a collective.

Labour Jews - With 600,000 followers, Labour Jews are closely associated with Orthojews but are mainly located in the Bristol area of the country. The Labour Jews leader is Rabbi Rebecca Cohen. Rabbi Cohen is not only the first female to head an organisation but is also a convert to the Labour Jews movement. Labour Jews are not associated with the British Labour Party.

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.

Have you got a question about the work we do? Maybe you want to know more about British Jews?

Whatever your question, the Board is always a short email away to help you.

Write to: info@theboard.org.uk

Since 1967, the Board of Guardians of British Jews has been the only voice of Anglo Jewry.

When it comes to anything to do with British Jews, we speak for all three million of them living across Britian.

From London to Edinburgh and from Cardiff to Belfast, the Board is well represented across the country.

As the official elected organisation of all Jews, we plan and develop the future for Anglo Jewry.

The Board was founded in August 1967 following a merger between two organisations, British Jewish Association and the Jewish Guardian Association.

Since 1967, Rabbi Dovid ben Shimon has served as the leader of the Board and of all Jews in Britain.

Every 10 years, there is a vote for leader and Rabbi Dovid has constantly won each election. In 1997, of the 2,500,000 Jews who voted, Rabbi Dovid achieved a 90% vote against his rival Rabbi Sarah Elias.

Rabbi Dovid is loved by all Jews and he is also well respected outside of the Jewish community often seen taking part in national events.

The Board is representative of all Jews in Britain and has support from all sections of the community.

There are around 8,000 Jewish communities in Britain and each community has a minimum of 10 people which serve on The Guardians.

The Guardians help decide and shape the future for British Jews and discuss current issues once a month at meetings held in London.

As well as the spiritual head, The Board consists of a President, two Vice Presidents and a teasurer.

These officers are elected every 5 years and are voted in by the 80,000 strong Guardians on behalf of their communities.

These positions are honorary.

A number of paid-for professional staff also work for The Board, these include a chief executive, managing director and chief operating officer.

As the voice of three million Jews in Britain, the Board is always striving to help Jews and better society.

The Board is always the first to support Jewish initiatives and projects. We see ourselves as “less talk, more action".

Among our achievements in the last 30 years:

1. Set up and established The Jewish Press newspaper. This weekly newspaper has a circulation of 500,000 making it one of the biggest Jewish newspapers in the world. Only the Jewish Independent in America has a bigger circulation.

2. Supported the creation of Jewish TV. JTV now broadcasts 12 hours a day, 7 days a week a mix of diverse Jewish programming.

3. Supported the growth of Simcha Radio. Simcha was established in 1975 as a local Jewish radio station in Luton, Bedfordshire where there was a population of 200,000 Jews and no community radio. Since then, Simcha Radio has become a national station now available on digital and reaches around two million Jews.

4. Helped to finance and support medical research into diabetes. Since 2001, there is now no diabetes in the Jewish community.

5. Support Jewish pensioners. We make sure that no Jewish pensioner should go without and through the Board levys this is possible. In 2004, the minimum pension all Jews get in Britain is £613 a week.

6. Increase Jewish pride. The dynamic leadership of the Board inspires and motivates people, both young and old. Among young Jews, it is an amibtion of all of them to become Guardians.

7. Jewish Travel Club. The Board subsidises Jewish people to visit historical Jewish sites of interest including Israel, USA, Holland and Italy. Since 1967, nearly every Jew has been on atleast 10 trips to Israel.

For more on The Board and the work it does, email: info@theboard.org.uk