Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris, the principal of London’s Leo Baeck College — the academy for training Progressive rabbis — has been awarded the title of professor.

Her promotion was approved by an ad hoc committee consisting of the college’s co-chair Professor David Simon and two external professors.

Earlier this year, Rabbi Professor Kahn-Harris, a Bible specialist, published her book Polyamory and the Book of Ruth.

Professor Simon said: “The award of an individual professorship – the most senior academic rank – in this way is a real mark of distinction, reflecting sustained excellence and achievement in research and publication as well as teaching and management, as assessed by a panel of independent peers.

“Appointees to institutional leadership positions, like Principal or Vice-Chancellor, are usually already professors, except in the case of small, specialised institutions like LBC.

“Once in post, however, the demands of day-to-day management and teaching make attainment of the benchmarks required for promotion difficult. This makes Rabbi Professor Deborah’s achievement the more commendable. “

Rabbi Professor Kahn-Harris said she was “deeply honoured by the recognition that my academic peers… have bestowed upon me by elevating me to their ranks.

“I stand on the shoulders of those who have come before me, particularly the two emeritus principals of Leo Baeck College, Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet and Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein. Through our scholarship the UK Progressive Jewish community continues the long tradition of having serious, engaged rabbi-scholars at the helm of our rabbinic training seminary, Leo Baeck College.”