Rabbi Margaret Jacobi

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue

I have been the rabbi of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue since 1994. I grew up in a Liberal Jewish family, and was an active member of ULPSNYC (now LJY-Netzer). I studied medicine at Birmingham University and then started a career in medical research,  obtaining a PhD in physiology and working  for two years in St. Louis Missouri, USA.

Whilst in St. Louis, I decided to embark on my long-held aim of studying for the Rabbinate. My studies included two years at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Philadelphia. My final year,  at Leo Baeck College, included a thesis about medical aspects of the Talmud.

I enjoy the diverse challenges and opportunities which congregational work offers, especially in a multi-cultural city like Birmingham.  I enjoy working with all age groups, from toddlers, who are especially welcomed to the Synagogue's monthly Shabbat programme, to the oldest members.  I share with my community an ethos of welcoming anyone who wishes to identify with or explore their interest in Judaism.

I have maintained my interest in medicine and have published papers on Jewish medical ethics, most recently 'The Challenge of Genetic Research' in 'Aspects of Liberal Jewish Thought'. I am now working for a PhD on last chapter of Talmud Sanhedrin, about the world to come.

I am also the honorary Progressive Jewish Chaplain at Birmingham University and a member of the Faith Leaders' Group which builds links between the different faiths in Birmingham.

I have just become joint Chair of the Rabbinic Conference of  Liberal Judaism and am looking forward to working with rabbinic colleagues and lay leaders to continue the task of building a vibrant movement which can offer inspiration to Jews in the 21st century.

I am married to David, an optometrist, and have two young children. I relax by playing the violin and walking in the country.