What kinds of voices shape the people shaping the future?
At Voice of the People, we believe that meaningful change starts with listening; to each other, to our communities, and to the thinkers and leaders who challenge us to see the world differently.
As our council begins its two-year journey, it’s clear that their work is already shaped by the voices they carry with them. From bestselling authors and bold public intellectuals to spiritual leaders and advocates for justice, these names came up again and again as sources of inspiration.
We asked our council members who inspires them and their responses came from every direction.
They span generations, disciplines, and geographies. Some are rooted in Jewish life; others speak from outside it. All of them offer ideas that help our council members think more clearly, lead more courageously, and imagine a better future.
Out of dozens of suggestions, we narrowed the list to ten. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a glimpse into the minds that move our leaders.
As the visionary behind Voice of the People, President Herzog’s leadership is already shaping the future of Jewish global dialogue. Council members want to hear even more from him, not just as a head of state, but as someone who deeply believes in the strength of our diversity.
Journalist, author, and founder of The Free Press, Bari Weiss has become one of the most visible public voices defending the Jewish people in today’s cultural conversation. Her work on antisemitism, identity, and free speech has resonated especially with younger Jews searching for clarity and courage in a complicated world.
Co-author of Start-Up Nation and host of the Call Me Back podcast, Dan Senor connects geopolitics, economics, and Israeli innovation in a way few others can. Council members are eager to hear his perspective on resilience, strategy, and the story behind Israel’s global influence.
A former Knesset member and outspoken thinker on Zionism, education, and policy, Dr. Einat Wilf offers a fearless take on Israel-Diaspora relations. She’s admired by our council members for pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
Best known for her research on vulnerability and shame, Brene Brown is more than a bestselling author, she’s a guide for navigating leadership with empathy. In a community built on difficult conversations, her insights into courage, boundaries, and connection offer essential tools.
A rare combination of actor, neuroscientist, and Jewish educator, Mayim Bialik brings intellect and authenticity to every conversation. Whether on screen or in her podcast, she explores Jewish values, mental health, and spirituality with humor and honesty.
Israeli philosopher and public intellectual Micah Goodman writes and speaks on the tensions between identity, politics, and belonging. His work, especially around Israeli-Diaspora relations and Jewish peoplehood, has been cited as essential reading for this moment.
The mother of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Rachel’s powerful advocacy since October 7th has made her a moral compass for many in the Jewish world. Her unwavering voice for justice, hope, and unity left a lasting impression on council members who see her as a model of resilience.
With a voice that bridges faith, politics, and narrative, Yossi Klein Halevi is one of today’s leading Jewish writers. His work explores what it means to listen across differences, and how the Jewish story can be told with both compassion and conviction.
Outspoken, articulate, and bold, Noa Tishby uses her platform to defend Israel and educate the public about Jewish identity. Her clarity in the face of rising antisemitism has earned her widespread admiration, and several shoutouts from our council.
These ten names reflect the kinds of voices that resonate across our community, thought leaders whose work sparks conversation, challenges assumptions, and helps us imagine new possibilities. From bestselling authors to public intellectuals, activists to educators, they each represent a facet of the global Jewish conversation our council members are stepping into.
As the council begins its work, we’ll continue sharing the ideas, people, and perspectives that inspire us to think bigger, build deeper, and lead with purpose. The future of the Jewish people will be shaped by many voices and we’re proud to be amplifying the ones helping to shape what comes next.
