Rabbi Jackie Tabick, who in 1975 became the UK's first female rabbi, is retiring nearly 50 years after her historic ordination.
She is stepping down as convenor of the Reform Beit Din after 11 years, during which time she has overseen an estimated 1,300 conversions in the UK and 300 in Europe.
Ordained at Leo Baeck College at the age of 27, she served for many years as a rabbi at West London Synagogue under the leadership of Rabbi Hugo Gryn before becoming the spiritual head of North West Surrey Reform Synagogue in 1998.
It had been a “real joy and honour” to head the Beit Din, she said. “I have always regarded my rabbinate as a time to try to reach out and to be as helpful as I can to others on their Jewish journey.
“Being with wonderful, inspired, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and committed people as they begin their ‘official’ journey as part of our people has been an absolute mitzvah, a chance to share this sacred moment in their lives.”
Tabick was awarded a PhD in 2014 for a thesis on conversion.
Rabbi Jackie Tabick
Rabbi Jackie Tabick's rabbinic ordination in 1975
As well as chairing both the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and the Council of Reform and Liberal Rabbis during her career, Tabick has been a strong advocate of interfaith dialogue and was a co-president of the World Congress of Faiths.
One of the younger colleagues who followed in her pioneering footsteps, Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, of Edgware and Hendon Reform Synagogue, said that Tabick was “an inspiration to us all".
Reflecting on Tabick's influence, Young-Somers said: "I was aware of how many battles that had been fought before me."
She added: I have learned so much from her. She paved the way for me and so many other women to say: ‘I’m going to be a rabbi’ and, of course, it was possible.”
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner of Bromley Synagogue, said: “It’s a rare and beautiful thing for someone to mix profound compassion, kindness and love, combined with such hard work. all driven by ideology and care.”
Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen of Manchester Reform Synagogue, said: “Her support has meant the world to me…Jackie modelled to me such compassion and leadership and as Beit Din convenor, she was always so true to the values of putting the people first when dealing with status and legal issues during such emotional times in people’s lives.”
Tabick will not quite be giving up all clerical duties. She plans another year with the European Beit Din and “hopes to runs services every now and then”.
