Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Named In Newsweek's "50 Most Influential Rabbis" List

Founder of the National Jewish Outreach Program Recognized for touching More than 1,105,000 Jewish Lives through Innovative Programs and Classes Nationwide

New York, NY (PRWEB) April 23, 2009 -- Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald was named #35 on this year's Newsweek's "Top Most Influential Rabbis In America" list. The list is compiled by Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO Michael Lynton, News Corporation Executive Vice President Gary Ginsberg and JTN Productions CEO Jay Sanderson. The threesome began compiling the annual roster in an effort to provoke global conversation about the role of religious leaders in today's world. Buchwald also appeared on the list in 2007 and 2008. http://www.newsweek.com/id/192430

"I am honored to be included on a list that highlights many of the great Jewish leaders of today," said Rabbi Buchwald, "I am hoping that the list alone inspires Rabbis and Jewish leaders everywhere to remember our shared goals and continue to work tirelessly to inspire love of Judaism in every Jewish soul."

The list takes into account a range of criteria, evaluating the influence, media presence, leadership status and "impact" of those considered. Rabbi Buchwald is one of the leaders in the movement of Jewish return in America, with his National Jewish Outreach Programs, Shabbat Across America/Canada and Read Hebrew America/Canada campaigns attracting over 60,000 participants annually.

In 2008, NJOP spearheaded several new and on trend approaches to outreach, including leveraging social media, quickly becoming the most influential Jewish presence on Twitter (Twitter.com/JewishTweets). NJOP also launched a Jewish Treats daily email (JewishTreats.blogspot.com), and developed original video content and targeted blogs to reach American Jews, ages 25 45.

About NJOP
The National Jewish Outreach Program was established in 1987 by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, and has become one of the world's largest and most successful Jewish outreach organizations. NJOP offers free programs at more than 3,670 locations across North America and in 37 countries worldwide. Through programs such as SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA/ CANADA and READ HEBREW AMERICA /CANADA, NJOP has successfully reached more than 1,105,000* North American Jews, and engaged them in Jewish life. For more information visit www.njop.org .

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