The Chief Rabbi is attending the Platinum Jubilee thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral as part of the national celebrations.
Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is taking his place alongside members of the Royal Family other faith leaders, and Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl at the historic gathering on Friday.
The service is being broadcast live on BBC One and includes a number of the Queen’s favourite Bible readings, anthems, prayers and hymns.
It ends with an anthem specially composed for the occasion by Judith Weir, the Master of the Queen’s Music, setting new music to words from the third chapter of the Book of Proverbs.
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The Queen
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby had been due to conduct the service but was forced to pull out after he tested positive for Covid on Monday and was also diagnosed with pneumonia.
Archbishop Welby announced that he was “deeply saddened” not to attend.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, is taking his place.
While it is unusual for Orthodox Jews to enter a church, it is permitted when an invitation is extended by a monarch.
After the service, Rabbi Mirvis is attending a lunchtime reception at the Guildhall organised by the City of London.
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The Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
As well as attending the ceremony, Rabbi Mirvis has written privately to the Queen to extend his warmest wishes on behalf of the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth.
He has issued a prayer calling for the Queen to enjoy “many more years of blessing”.
In an address due to be recited across the UK and the Commonwealth, the Chief Rabbi called for the Queen, the Prince of Wales and the wider Royal Family to enjoy good health and strength for years to come.
Rabbi Mirvis is set to speak in the Thought For The Day slot on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday morning. As part of the broadcast he is expect to talk about the biblical concept of the “Yovel” (Jubilee) from which the modern notion of a Jubilee is derived.
Ms van der Zyl said: “It’s the honour of a lifetime to attend the Platinum Jubilee service at St Paul's Cathedral and reception in the Guildhall. The Board of Deputies was established to pay homage to King George III and has a long and proud history of royal service.”
