Maureen Lipman, Esther Rantzen and Baroness Neuberger are among the judging panel for the second JC Charity Appeal, which we launch today.

Over the coming weeks, readers are invited to nominate charities or specific charity projects which might not attract the support they deserve over the High Holy Day fundraising period.

The three selected by our adjudicators will follow the inaugural beneficiaries — Side by Side, a North London school educating children with special needs alongside mainstream pupils; Camp Simcha, supporting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families; and East London-based Drugsline.

Side by Side founder Rebecca Rumpler was “overwhelmed and immensely grateful” at her charity’s selection last year. “We are at a crucial stage in our development and the JC’s role has been profound,” she said.

This year’s judging panel reflects a broad cross-section of the community. From Manchester there is Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of the city council. From Stamford Hill comes Ita Symons, chief executive of the Agudas Israel Housing Association. There is also a judge from Redbridge — Ilford North Conservative MP Lee Scott. The panel is completed by Edgware Synagogue minister Rabbi David Lister, JC chairman Peter Levy and JC editor David Rowan.