Also knighted was Andras Schiff, the Hungarian-born pianist, who is renowned for his interpretation of works by Bach and Beethoven.
Anthony Seldon was knighted for services to education and modern political history.
Sir Anthony, who was married in West London Synagogue, has written more than 25 books on contemporary history, politics and education, and is headmaster of the independent school, Wellington College.
"When my PA told me I had the letter, I said 'pull the other one' but when I realised it was real I felt overwhelmingly proud.
"It was also sad because my dad was not alive to see me get it."
British ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould was appointed CMG in the Order of St Michael and St George for his work in promoting trade between Israel and the UK.
He said: "This award is a huge honour. It is a reflection of the wonderful progress that has been made in building the partnership between Britain and Israel in the last four years, and the importance that Britain attaches to that partnership."
Martin Lewis, the founder of the popular financial advice website, Money Saving Expert, and a regular JC columnist was made an OBE for services to consumer rights and charitable services.
He said: "I'm extremely proud. There are not many times you can get a few letters after your name without having to study for it, so it's absolutely delightful to have this honour."
Pensions and investments expert Dr Ros Altmann, who has also written for the JC, was appointed a CBE for her work in the retirement field.
"I hope that it will help others see that standing up for ordinary people and highlighting social injustice can be recognised," she said.
"I do believe that my religious Jewish values have given me the strength and determination to help others. It is part of our heritage, isn't it?"
Jonathan Shalit, the founder and chair of talent agency ROAR Global, became an OBE for services to the entertainment industry.
"Naturally, I'm delighted and thrilled. There aren't many who get recognised in this way in my industry," he said.
Mr Shalit's agency represents celebrities such as Charlotte Church and Myleene Klass, and the Britain's Got Talent winners.
Journalist and author David Landau was appointed an OBE for his services to advancing British-Israel understanding and peace in the Middle East.
London-born Mr Landau is a former editor-in-chief of the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, and more recently Israel correspondent for the Economist.
He said: "I've always felt lucky growing up in victorious postwar Britain and living now in the reborn Jewish state, helping it, as a journalist, reach peace with its neighbours. "For me, this award powerfully and poignantly vindicates that feeling."
Producer Judith Dimant was recognised for her services to theatre by being made an MBE.
Mrs Dimant joined the Complicité theatre company in 1993, working with director Simon McBurney and touring with the company's productions around the world.
She said: "I've had an extraordinary 21 years working with Complicité, creating amazing theatre.
"I'm honoured to be awarded an MBE and am thrilled to accept it particularly for all the committed people who have worked so hard alongside me over the years."
