As the Jewish New Year 5779 quickly approaches, it's more difficult than ever before to predict what will happen in our rapidly changing world, and who will most impact Israel, the Jewish world and the world at large. Influence is also difficult to quantify. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for example, has been the powerful leader of the Jewish State for more than 12 years, and wields significant influence with a range of global leaders from US President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin. On the other hand, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, who led last year's list, retain huge influence over President Trump, perhaps the most powerful person on the planet. Who else will appear on this year's Jerusalem Post list of the 50 Most Influential Jews in the world? You will have to wait for Rosh Hashana eve on September 9 to see. The list will appear on www.jpost.com and in a special print supplement in Israel. The purpose of this diverse list is to stimulate a conversation and provide food for thought and discussion over the High Holy Days. As Israel's late president Shimon Peres once said: The job of a newspaper is to tell readers what to think about; not what to think.
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/REUTERS/ROBIN MARCHANT / GETTY IMAGES / AFP/ SIVAN FARAG/ SJ/WIKIMEDIA)Updated: