Warren Goldstein. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Warren Goldstein

Chief rabbi of South Africa

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein of South Africa is the youngest person ever appointed to that post (at age 32, in 2005) and the first to be native born. The dynamic leader holds a doctorate in human rights and constitutional law.  A prolific author and commentator, Rabbi Goldstein has enviable reserves of energy, launching trailblazing programs such as the Global Shabbat Project, which encouraged all Jews around the world to observe one Shabbat, Sinai Indaba, an annual Torah convention of the foremost international Jewish leaders and thinkers, and Generation Sinai, a highly successful parent-child learning initiative. Notably, he spoke at Nelson Mandela’s memorial ceremony.  His ingenuity, persistence and tireless efforts have resulted in Jews around the world becoming more connected and more engaged in their Judaism.