Lionel Blue, Britain’s First Openly Gay Rabbi, Has Died at 86

Lionel Blue, Britain’s first openly gay rabbi who served as a host on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day for over 30 years, died on Monday, December 19 at the age of 86. The news was announced on Facebook by his London congregation Beit Klal Yisrael, who called Rabbi Blue a “wonderful and inspirational man.” Blue also served as the European Director of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. From the BBC:

Rabbi Blue had struggled with his sexuality through his teens, leading to a nervous breakdown that saw him leave the Army. But after attending university, he rediscovered his faith and was ordained in 1960. Soon after, he came out publicly and throughout his life lent his support to organisations including Liberal Judaism UK and the World Congress of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Jews.

But perhaps it’s best to get to know Rabbi Blue, who was born in London’s East End in 1930, through his own words. In fact, Rabbi Blue recorded his own obituary prior to his death for the BBC, and it’s riveting and raw. In it he talks about his struggles in his youth when he had “rejected his body” and struggled with the tension between organized religion and his sexuality.

Over 100 people attended his funeral. Here are some of the shiva prayers, by his friends and colleagues and loved ones.

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