The Abraham Effect exists to inspire every Jewish student attending a non-Jewish school in the UK to increase their Jewish identity and commitment to Jewish continuity.
To achieve this, we are committed to providing motivational in-person sessions at schools, immersive heritage trips and cutting edge online education.
Meet Our Team
Rabbi Jonny Hughes
Founder & CEO
Rabbi Jonny Hughes was born to a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father and grew up with virtually zero Jewish identity. As a teenager, he was a footballer on the books of Swindon Town FC and Reading FC. He discovered his Jewish heritage while at law school at University College London. This led Jonny on a spiritual journey where he studied for eight years at a yeshiva in Jerusalem, after which he was awarded rabbinical ordination.
Having served as a community rabbi for nearly 12 years across diverse Jewish communities in Hendon, Richmond and Radlett, Jonny is also the author of two widely acclaimed books on Jewish law. He is married to family psychotherapist, Chana, and they have 5 children.
Jonny created The Abraham Effect to work with secondary schools in the UK to support young Jewish people to develop their Jewish identity and commitment. Jonny is a popular and engaging international public speaker and BBC broadcaster and guitarist who has built a network of connections with schools and is passionate about providing Jewish pupils access to inspiring, motivational and informative talks about Judaism and its relevance in the modern world.
Jonny works with many schools across the UK and has been appointed as Jewish Tutor at Eton College and Jewish Chaplain at Harrow School. At these schools and many others, Jonny has provided Holocaust education and support with combatting antisemitism, as well as pastoral care for students.
Chana Hughes
Educator and Marketing & Literature Manager
A proud mother of five children, Chana Hughes is a graduate of Hasmonean High School, Gateshead Seminary and King’s College, London. She began her career as a teacher before marrying Rabbi Jonny and serving as the Rebbetzin (female spiritual leader) at synagogues in Hendon, Richmond and Radlett for over a decade. Currently, Chana also works as a psychotherapist for the NHS as well as privately. She helps adults and young people with depression, anxiety and other mental health related issues, as well as couple and relationship difficulties.
Hannah Salomon
The Abraham Effect Manchester
Hannah Salomon directs The Abraham Effect in Manchester. She has run the JSOC programme in Manchester for 12 years. With connection, identity and Jewish faith running through the veins of the programme, the mission is to empower our next generation of Jewish leaders as they grow into young adults.
When she isn’t volunteering at the schools, Hannah enjoys her legal work, sports, reading and spending time with her family.