Immanuel Jakobovits, Baron Jakobovits

Immanuel Jakobovits

The Right Honourable Immanuel Jakobovits, Baron Jakobovits
Born	Immanuel Jakobovits 8 February 1921 Königsberg, East Prussia, Weimar Republic
Died	31 October 1999 London, England
Nationality	British
Occupation	Rabbi
Known for	Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
Spouse(s)	Amélie Munk
Children	6

Immanuel Jakobovits, Baron Jakobovits (8 February 1921 – 31 October 1999) was a prominent rabbi and the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth. He was a leading figure in Jewish ethics and medical ethics.

Early Life and Education

Immanuel Jakobovits was born in Königsberg, East Prussia, which was then part of the Weimar Republic. He was the son of Julius Jakobovits, a distinguished rabbi. The family moved to Berlin in 1928, where Jakobovits received his early education. In 1938, due to the rise of the Nazi Party, the family emigrated to the United Kingdom.

Jakobovits continued his studies at the Etz Chaim Yeshiva in London and later at the University of London, where he earned a degree in philosophy.

Career

Jakobovits began his rabbinical career in 1947 as the rabbi of the Brondesbury Synagogue in London. He later served as the rabbi of the Great Synagogue in Dublin, Ireland, and then as the Chief Rabbi of the Jewish community in Ireland.

In 1958, Jakobovits moved to the United States to become the rabbi of the Fifth Avenue Synagogue in New York City. During his time in the United States, he became known for his work in medical ethics and was a pioneer in the field of bioethics.

Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations

In 1967, Jakobovits was appointed as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, a position he held until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure, he worked to strengthen the Jewish community and was an advocate for Jewish education.

Jakobovits was known for his moderate and thoughtful approach to Jewish law and ethics. He was a prolific writer and speaker, addressing issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and genetic engineering from a Jewish perspective.

Honors and Legacy

In 1981, Jakobovits was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the Jewish community. In 1988, he was created a life peer as Baron Jakobovits, of Regent's Park in the London Borough of Camden, becoming the first rabbi to receive this honor.

Jakobovits passed away on 31 October 1999 in London. He is remembered as a leading figure in Jewish thought and ethics, and his contributions to the field of medical ethics continue to be influential.

Personal Life

Jakobovits married Amélie Munk in 1949, and they had six children. His wife was the daughter of a prominent rabbi, and she was active in Jewish education and community work.

See Also

• Chief Rabbi
• Jewish ethics
• Medical ethics
• Bioethics
• United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth