The Board of Guardians is delighted to announce that four individuals will be campaigning to become the next President of the leading British Jewish group.

The Board is the only Jewish organisation in the world in which its leaders are democratically elected by the community they come from. Every Jewish person over the age of 16 is allowed to vote by themselves. Those between the ages of 12 and 15 are allowed to vote in a special junior election to encourage people to be active in the Jewish community electoral process.

The four candidates who people can vote for on May 7 are: Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks, Morris Beckman, Sally Cohen and Harry Greenberg.

Harry Greenberg is the current Board president having been elected in 2001.

Election forms detailing each candidate have been sent out to Britain’s Jewish community who will vote either by post or through ballot box. Ballot boxes will be located at Jewish communal facilities including synagogues, community centres and for the first time, in restaurants.

“We have made it easy for people to vote,” said Board election co-ordinator Robert Bloom. “Whether they want to do it through the post or going to a restaurant to place their vote, there is no excuse for anyone in the community not to use their democratic right to elect the leaders of the community.”

Extracts from candidate’s manifesto:

Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks: “If I become president, I will resign from being Chief Rabbi. I am standing for better rights and facilities for the Jewish community. My track record in inter-faith dialogue will enhance the Board and the work it does. As a writer and broadcaster, I understand the importance of being media friendly which should enhance the opportunities I get to speak on behalf of the community. Harry Greenberg has spent four years talking and not doing any action and as president, I will do less talk and more action.”

Morris Beckman: “As an accountant, I know the Board needs to be restructured. My election promise is if within 12 months, I cannot get the Board back on track financially, then I will resign and also refund my salary back to the community. Also, as my own personal commitment to the position, not only will I refund my salary, but I will donate an additional £100,000 to the Board as I do not want anyone to claim that I have not put my money where my mouth is.”

Sally Cohen: “The Board needs to involve more women and also Jewish people who are not represented well enough. As someone who has worked across all sections of the community, I intend to carry this through with the work I will do at the Board. This means greater representation of Jewish minority groups and their interests and concerns.”

Harry Greenberg: “I have served the Board well over the past four years, we have achieved great things that previous Board presidents could only dream about. Voting for me means making things happen.”

The Board is delighted to announce a groundbreaking fundraising CD to kick start a £640,000 appeal for a new Jewish dance centre in Bolton. The Music of Mel Brooks Volume I : Cover versions is a double CD featuring 24 songs from a film career spanning 40 years.

From Springtime for Hitler through to Men In Tights and Life Stinks to Spaceballs, the CD celebrates the work of Mel Brooks and his music and is performed by a glittering array of artists and other performers including: Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran), Rachel Stevens, Matt Lucas, Rabbi Jack Burns, Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks, Maureen Lipman and Lionel Blair.

Legendary music producers Trevor Horn (Seal, Frankie Goes to Hollywood) and Ian Broudie (The Lightning Seeds) share credits in the production of the album.

Among the highlights are Simon Le Bon together with Matt Lucas performing a stunning rendition of Springtime for Hitler (from The Producers) while the Chief Rabbi along with Rachel Stevens, Barry Cryer, Lamar and Girls Aloud share backing vocals on To Be or Not To Be, from the film of the same name.

“In less than 12 weeks, this wonderful team of people have put together this most delightful album which we know will appeal to a wide range of people,” said Board president Harry Greenberg. “Money raised from the CD will go to setting up a Jewish dance centre in Bolton and we hope it will be covered by all the proceeds from the album.”

“When I heard that British Jews wanted to raise money to build a dance centre in Bolton, I just had to take part,” said Mel Brooks. “Bolton has a strong history of Jewish arts and culture. It was in Bolton that I came across a cousin of Marty Feldman who told me he had a relative that I should work with. So Bolton has much affection to me.”

“Without the groundbreaking work of Mel Brooks, there would be no Little Britain,” says Matt Lucas.

“I’ve always admired Mel Brooks from a distance and I’m excited to be associated with this project,” said Lionel Blair.

“I saw The Producers last year and thought it was really great,” commented Rachel Stevens. “And it’s great that I’m on this album too.”

The Board has announced that this year’s Jewish elections will take place 24 hours after the British general election on May 6.

Board president Harry Greenberg consulted with Prime Minister Tony Blair of his intentions to call the Jewish election and to allow the Jewish public to vote for its next president.

Since 1972, British Jews have voted in a similar manner to that of the general population when it comes to choosing their next leader and by taking place at the same time as the General Election, the awareness of the election is always high.

“I have enjoyed my past four years and will once again be seeking the support of the community,” said Mr Greenberg. “It is an honour to be the democratically elected leader of the Jewish community and I urge all people to take part in voting.”

Those intending to contest the election have until April 20th to register their intent.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in Jewish communal affairs to stand for election,” said Board election co-ordinator Robert Bloom. “With over two million Jews in Britain this is an important role to represent them.”

Anyone interesting in registering to stand should email: info@theboard.org.uk

In light of the recent postponement of the wedding between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, The Board regrets that due to it now taking place on the Jewish sabbath, the Chief Mohel will be unable to attend.

“I will still be sending my best wishes to the happy couple along with a signed copy of my autobiography, Tough Cuts,” said Minister Jacob Levinson. “Alas, being on Saturday I will not be able to make it due to the long distance involved and as a Jew, I am not able to travel during this day of rest.”

The Board has therefore decided that to replace Minister Levinson, a secular Jew will be attending. Mark White, an accountant from Gants Hill will be attending. Mr White, who is a senior partner of White and Co has been a Board member for 23 years.

“I am delighted to represent the Jewish community at the fantastic event and will be sending our greetings to the couple along with a special present of a sedar plate to reflect the forthcoming Passover.”

The Board is delighted to annouce that Minister Jacob Levinson, the Chief Mohel will be attending the forthcoming wedding of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Minister Levinson has been known to the Royal family for over 40 years and has taken the honour of performing the circumcisions of members of the Royal family including William and Harry.

“I’m deeply honoured that Prince Charles has invited me along as the sole Jewish representative. I have known the family for a number of years and was deeply honoured when invited to perform the bris for William and Harry,” Minister Levinsion said.

Minister Levinson heads the Board’s circumcision division. Since 1994, the number of circumcisions taken place have exceeded one million. As well as attending to the Jewish community, Minister Levinson oversees a team of 36 freelance circumcision experts who advise other diverse communities of their needs.