Reason to Believe: The Controversial Life of Rabbi Louis Jacobs

Louis Jacobs was a Talmudic genius, teacher, and author who was widely expected to become Britains next Chief Rabbi. However, he was refused an appointment as Principal of Jews College and rabbi to his former synagogue due to a book he had written challenging traditional beliefs. This caused a scandal in the British Jewish community, but Jacobs became a cause celebre, a beacon of reason, and won the heart and affection of the mainstream community. His congregation resigned en masse and created a new synagogue for him in Abbey Road, which became the go-to venue for Jews seeking reasonable answers to questions of faith. Jacobs was a prolific author of over 50 books and hundreds of articles on Judaism and won the Greatest British Jew poll.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 12 November 2020
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Louis Jacobs, a prominent Jewish scholar in Britain, possessed remarkable talents as a Talmudic genius, outstanding teacher, and accomplished author. He was widely regarded as the potential successor to the position of Chief Rabbi in the country. However, a controversy arose that caused a division within the British Jewish community. The Chief Rabbi refused to appoint Jacobs as the Principal of Jews College, the premier rabbinic institution in the nation, and prohibited him from returning as rabbi to his former synagogue. The reason behind this decision was a book Jacobs had written earlier, challenging the traditional belief in the origins of the Torah from a rational perspective. The British Jewish community was deeply divided, experiencing a scandal unlike any they had encountered before. The national media embraced the controversy, portraying Jacobs as a beacon of reason, a humble individual who would not be compromised. His congregation resigned en masse, and they established a new synagogue for him in Abbey Road, the fashionable heart of 1960s London. This synagogue quickly gained popularity among Jews seeking reasonable answers to their faith-related questions. Jacobs, known for his prolific writing, authored over 50 books and hundreds of articles covering various aspects of Judaism, ranging from fundamental religious beliefs to the complexities of mysticism and law. His profound knowledge and captivating storytelling earned him the affection and support of the mainstream British Jewish community. When the Jewish Chronicle conducted a poll to identify the Greatest British Jew, Jacobs emerged as the clear winner. He expressed his surprise and humility upon receiving the recognition. Reason to Believe, a book that delves into the dramatic and touching story of Louis Jacobs's life, also portrays the human drama experienced by his family, who were deeply wounded by his rejection.

\n Weight: 604g\n
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781472979384\n \n