Ben Thwaites

Director

Ben read Law at University College London before working at Herbert Smith until 2012. He spent four years in higher Jewish learning in Israel, and has been involved in community and leadership projects such as UCL Jsoc President, Ner Yisrael Youth Director, Har Etzion British Alumni Programmes Co-ordinator and informal educator for Immanuel College and Hasmonean. In his spare time, Ben continues to practice law and is the General Counsel for a number of Jewish charities, as well as running a family investment fund.

Rabbi Dr. Effie Kleinberg

Educational Director

Rabbi Dr. Effie Kleinberg serves as Senior Educator and Program Director at Forum for Jewish Leadership and affiliated Jewish Futures Trust organizations focused on developing the next generation of ambitious future Jewish leaders around the globe. Rabbi Kleinberg holds a Masters in Education, Semicha and a Doctorate in Educational Technology from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Kleinberg worked as a Jewish educator in North America before making aliyah. He currently resides with his family in Ra’anana, Israel.

Sandra Nagioff

UK Project Co-ordinator

Sandra grew up in Essex and has worked in the Jewish charity sector most of her working life.  She organised trips and events for the Community Security Trust and Norwood, working with Jewish community leaders such as Gerald Ronson, Richard Harrington MP and Richard Desmond.  Sandra currently lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and son and is crucial part of the FJL team bringing extensive experience in arranging and delivering FJL programmes.

Yocheved Back

Jewish Futures Project Manager

Yocheved has organized countless Israel trips, and she is passionate about making sure participants have the greatest experience. Although much of Yocheved's work is done behind the scenes, she is accompanying the program experiences every step of the way. Originally from Cleveland, Yocheved now lives in beautiful Ramat Beit Shemesh with her husband and five chidlren.

Partner Educators

As part of FJL’s international network, we work with a number of highly talented and experienced educators.

Chief Operating Officer, Windmill Hill Asset Management