Forward Shortlist 2021

They range in age from 23 to 71, and are spread across the United States from Los Angeles to Long Island. They are fathers and daughters, writers and readers, activists and community builders. They love Passover — and coffee. They are, in a word, fascinating. After 26 years of producing the Forward 50, an annual list of the “most influential American Jews,” we’re trying something different. A shorter list — the Forward Shortlist. Some lesser-known names. Different criteria. Meet seven American Jews who fascinated us this year.