For long stretches of its one hundred and fifty year history, the Jewish Chronicle held a monopoly of the Jewish press in Great Britain. Even when it faced competition it remained pre-eminent and lived up to its title ‘The Organ of Anglo-Jewry’, a position of privilege that carried with it the burden of public duty. The paper provided an indispensable medium between British Jews and the wider society, interpreting matters of Jewish interest (as understood by the paper), and offering a response that amounted, virtually, to the view of Anglo-Jewry. If a significant portion of Jewish opinion dissented from its news coverage or interpretation of events, this was usually reflected by the letters page or in opinion pieces. Barring a few extraordinary episodes in its history the Jewish Chronicle succeeded in maintaining a consensual position, and it was this which gave it such commanding authority. It is a testament to the paper's influence that critics and opponents have made repeated attempts to undermine it by setting up rivals or buying it outright. Such was its weight, and so great its responsibility, that one editor was removed by the paper's directors for fear of the damage which his editorials were doing to the reputation of British Jews.

By interpreting the world to the Jews in Britain and representing them to the majority society, the Jewish Chronicle played a fundamental role in shaping Anglo-Jewish identity.