In honor of our forthcoming 40th Anniversary Gala, The Algemeiner set out to establish an annual list ... entitled the JEWISH 100, of the top 100 people positively influencing Jewish life.If that isn't over the top enough, here is their video describing the Jewish 100:
Throughout millennia of tumultuous Jewish history, our people have been inspired and led by a select few. Icons revered by the Jewish community have included powerful military leaders, prophets, visionaries, scholars, innovators, pioneers, kings, saints, politicians and righteous gentiles. What they all share in common, is their appreciation of the unique contributions of the Jewish people in serving as a voice of moral conscience for mankind and their willingness to make sacrifices for its continuity.
Our list aims to capture a glimpse of the top 100 people alive today that embody this spirit. For some it may come through their role in a position of influence or power. For others, it is through serving as a role model embodying Jewish values or qualities. Others will be listed for serving as a source of Jewish pride, or for bringing new and innovative ideas to Jewish expression; others yet may have stuck out their necks to advocate for Jews and Israel at great personal sacrifice. Some who will be listed, though rarely heard from in public, nonetheless have a significant influence on the important Jewish or Israel related events of our time.
Notice the photo used when they say the word "scholars."
Does this mean that I am one of the honorees?
Well, it is possible they are referring to Rashi, not me.
Maybe. Or maybe not.
Because at the very moment this is being posted, I am attending the Jewish 100 Gala dinner - incognito - to be there when Elder of Ziyon is announced as one of the "Jewish 100" for the year.
No joke! I received this in the mail last week:
This may be one of the few times that an anonymous person has received such an honor.
To put it mildly, I was blown away when I found out I was an awardee. I mean, they have a real red carpet for the awardees to walk on (an honor which I am skipping, thank you.)
And I thought being ranked #1 in Technorati was a big deal.
This is an amazing honor, and since I can't do it at the dinner, I'd like to thank the Algemeiner Journal for giving it to me.
A report on the gala will be forthcoming!