Chief Rabbi makes debut on popular diaspora podcast

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has been interviewed by one of Britain’s top broadcasters.

The exchange, now available to download, took place as part of an initiative organised between Jonny Gould’s Jewish State podcast, sponsors Lemon Soul and Northwest London Jewish day school, whose Year 6 pupil Maya Amit last year won a competition to produce the podcast.

Speaking to the 30-year veteran journalist, the Chief Rabbi said UK Jews are  “blessed to be in a country where antisemitism is fought from the government down and not left just to the Jewish community alone to deal with this threat”.

He added that “we should be ever mindful of the blessings and opportunities we have in this country and at the same time take the challenges head on”.

As part of a wide-ranging discussion, Ephraim Mirvis lauded King Charles III, saying “we’re blessed to have a monarch that goes out of his way to respect all faiths. The king was insistent I have a role in the coronation and we found a halachically acceptable way of doing it”.

When asked how much his duties take him away from learning Torah, the Chief commented:  “It’s so critically important to continue studying Torah. I’m in awe of those who take time out of their busy lives to study, so that they can stay rooted to their traditions and values that keep us Jewish”.

He added: “The chief rabbinate is highly hierarchical. It’s the Anglo Jewish way. The chief rabbi has the last word on Halacha and I’ve had many controversies during time as chief rabbi. If you’re a rabbi and everyone loves you, you’re not a rabbi and if you’re a rabbi and nobody loves you, you’re not a mensch! At the end of the day you’re treading on eggshells”.

• Jonny Gould’s ‘Jewish State’ with Jewish News is available here.