Tributes have been paid to Rabbi Lionel Blue, the broadcaster, journalist and first openly gay British Rabbi, who has died aged 86.
Rabbi Blue, who was a regular on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, died in the early hours of Monday morning.
Representatives from the liberal London synagogue, Beit Klal Yisrael, announced the news of his death in a statement on its Facebook page and paid tribute to him.
It said: “Lionel was a wonderful and inspirational man, who spoke with such wisdom and humour and whose words reached out far beyond the Jewish Community.
“He was a friend and mentor to many and his courage in coming out as gay in the 1970s paved the way for many other Jews, including many Rabbis.
The statement added: “We will not see his like again. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, wrote on Twitter: “Sorry to hear of the passing of Rabbi Lionel Blue. 2016 determined to continue taking the good ones. Hope @BBCr4today broadcast a tribute.”
Rabbi Blue, who lived in Finchley, read history at Balliol College, Oxford, before studying Semitics at the University of London. He was ordained in 1960 and was well-known for liberal teachings and supporting other gay members of his faith.
He was made an OBE for his services to broadcasting and was a regular contributor to Thought for the Day for more than 25 years.
