The ORT UK NXT Lay Leadership project returned this week, with a fantastic dinner, discussion and networking event.

Our speaker panel, comprising Nicky Goldman (CEO, JVN), Kate Goldberg (CEO, Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation & the Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Philanthropic Foundation) and Daniel Levy (Chair & Life-Patron, JVN) discussed the answers to the evening’s questions:

‘What’s in it for you? Why do Jewish leaders give up so much of their time, money, and energy to charitable causes?’

The thought-provoking conversation, hosted by ORT UK Chair, Annette Kurer, gave participants insight into what drives the community to support specific charities and why being Jewish influences their actions.

NXT was created in 2020 to offer a leadership development programme, with access to high-level communal leaders, delivered through a Jewish narrative and framework. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme was suspended until this week. ORT UK hopes to continue following the updated schedule, including a mission to Israel in May 2022 to visit ORT’s schools and training programmes and other exciting projects across the country.

ORT UK’s CEO Dan Rickman said:

“It was amazing to welcome our cohort back to NXT. It’s been a while since they were originally recruited, but they all remain as enthusiastic, passionate and committed to the programme, despite the delay, the location changes and several other life events! Our speakers who have dedicated so much of their lives to helping British Jewry are continuing to give back and inspire and we were delighted to welcome Nicky, Kate and Daniel to the session. Huge thanks also to ORT UK trustee Yaron Tal for hosting us in his home. We’re already looking forward with optimism to launching the programme again in 2022, and invite anyone interested to get in touch.”

Photo: Yakir Zur Photography