Rabbi Lionel Blue

Rabbi Lionel Blue was born on February 6, 1930, in London, England, and passed away on December 19, 2016. He was a British Reform rabbi, journalist, and broadcaster, known for being the first openly gay British rabbi. Blue was educated at Balliol College, Oxford and became a prominent figure in religious broadcasting in Britain, particularly known for his contributions to the BBC Radio 4's 'Thought for the Day'. His work often combined humor with deep spiritual insight, making religious thought accessible and relevant to a broad audience. Throughout his career, Rabbi Blue wrote extensively, sharing his struggles with faith, his sexual orientation, and his humorous take on life's complexities. His writings and broadcasts brought comfort and laughter to many, making him a beloved figure in British religious and secular circles alike.

Books

U / Some of my best jokes are jewish