On leadership, community, and hopes for the year ahead
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, it feels like the right moment to reflect on fresh starts and new beginnings. Jeremy joined BNJC as CEO in February, and while many of you have already met him, we thought this was the perfect time to introduce him more widely.
Jeremy shared a little about his journey so far, his vision for BNJC, and his hopes for the year ahead.
How have your first six months at BNJC been?
From the start, I’ve been struck by the warmth I’ve received, which has been authentic, open and trusting. Our community cares deeply about Jewish life. Not just traditions and practices, but the absolute joy and connections built when celebrating them together. That sense of community is inspiring, and it’s shown me just how critical meaningful connections are to Jewish life. Those early conversations have helped me understand what matters most, and they’ve reinforced the real potential we have to build something special together.
What first attracted you to the CEO role at BNJC?
I’ve always been drawn to organisations that bring people together and create a sense of belonging. Previously, I have been involved in organisations that are designed to serve, whether in education, faith or social housing. What stood out about this role was the vision of creating a vibrant hub for Jewish life that also has its doors wide open to our wider community.
When I visited the site for the first time in January, I was struck by the spirituality of our spaces and the deep commitment of our team and the wider community.
Much of my career has been spent leading operationally complex, customer-focused organisations, often across multiple sites. The opportunity to bring this experience into a setting with such deep cultural and communal significance felt like the right step for me at this point in my career.
What’s your vision for the future of BNJC?
For me, our vision hasn’t changed. It is a shared vision, with our community at its heart. It’s the same vision that inspired the idea of BNJC before our doors even opened. We want this to be a central gathering place for Jewish life in Brighton & Hove, where everyone can feel rooted in community, proud of their identity, and able to celebrate, learn, laugh and connect.
BNJC needs to be humble, in listening to feedback and understanding how we can better serve our community. To make that possible, we need to work closer with the many Jewish organisations across the city. BNJC can only thrive if it reflects the diversity of Jewish life here, which is why building stronger partnerships with community leaders, volunteers, and congregations is so important. We also have a role to play in creating space for dialogue with other faith groups, local charities, and civic partners. By investing in those relationships, Jewish and interfaith alike, we can play our role in helping to strengthen the wider fabric of Brighton & Hove.
My hope is that BNJC becomes not just somewhere people visit occasionally, but a true home for Jewish life and community connection – a place of pride, joy, and belonging, for today’s community and also for our future generations.
You’re not Jewish yourself, but you do come from a faith background. How does that shape the way you lead?
Yes, I am a practising Christian and have experience in leading children’s groups, camps and retreats. My faith teaches me the importance of service, respect, and community – values that are central to the way I try to lead. I feel deeply honoured to be trusted to be the guardian of what we are creating here. I believe that different faiths can strengthen one another through dialogue and openness. I am extremely grateful to our community here for accepting me and helping me to learn about and explore Jewish faith and values every day.
For me, leading a Jewish organisation is about actively honouring Jewish life and traditions, while bringing those values of service and care into the way I work.
Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection and renewal. What does it mean to you personally, and what message would you like to share with the community?
Rosh Hashanah is a reminder that new beginnings are also a time for gratitude. It’s a chance for us to pause, reflect on the journey so far, and look ahead with real optimism. Over the past six months, I’ve really valued getting to know and appreciate BNJC, the team, the trustees, and so many community members. Those conversations have been not only insightful, but also a genuine pleasure and meaningful.
I want to thank Tony and The Bloom Foundation for their belief in this project and their continued support, our Board of Trustees led by Michael Davids for their thoughtful guidance and support, and also our founding CEO, Marc Sugarman, for his energy and dedication that he has given BNJC from the beginning.
As we step into 5786, my hope is that we continue to create opportunities for our community to build with optimism, kindness, and a shared commitment to strengthening Jewish life in Brighton & Hove.
And finally, what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with my family, following and watching live sport and music. Whether it’s a walk along the seafront, time away, or just relaxing at home – that’s when I’m happiest.