Rabbi Joshua Lesser

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
“My rabbi is a gay man who was raised in a traditional Jewish community in a fairly conservative part of the country. He has been a model for how to have difficult conversations about deeply personal, painful things, and for how to speak my truth calmly and clearly. He has freed me from fear of difference, change and pain. He has taught me to make decisions based upon my values — not upon habits or fears — and to move forward with faith that I am doing the right thing, even in difficult circumstances.”
—AMY ROBERTSON (also nominated by one other)
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
