Rabbi Danny Newman is the Jewish Chaplain and Advisor on Antisemitism at King’s. He brings almost three decades of experience in Jewish student leadership, pastoral care, community building and helping people navigate complex and sometimes polarised questions. At King’s, he supports Jewish students and staff in all their diversity, contributes to the pastoral and spiritual life of the whole University, and offers thoughtful guidance on antisemitism, inclusion, academic freedom and freedom of expression.

Danny read Jewish Studies at St Anne’s College, Oxford, where he became the first person in the University’s history to graduate with a BA in the subject. After graduating, he served as President of the Union of Jewish Students, supporting Jewish communities on campuses throughout the UK. Before training as a rabbi, Danny worked as a corporate lawyer, including at Slaughter and May, and subsequently in corporate finance and private equity.

In 2009, he founded HaMakom: A Jewish Path to Wellbeing, Wisdom and Awakening. As its Executive Director, he has helped thousands of people engage with Jewish meditation, mindfulness and spiritual practice through residential and day retreats, teaching and community.

Danny studied at several Orthodox yeshivot in Israel and was ordained at Leo Baeck College in 2017. He has served as a community rabbi at Masorti and Progressive Jewish communities across London. At the heart of his work is a commitment to careful listening, honest conversation, deep spiritual practice and creating spaces in which people can meet difference with curiosity, courage and compassion.

He lives in North London with his wife and two sons and is a proud Arsenal supporter.