Rabbi Emily Reitsma-Jurman shares her story to celebrate 50 years of women rabbis in the UK

This year, as we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Tabick’s ordination and 50 years of women in the UK rabbinate, Rabbi Emily Reitsma-Jurman talks about her experience as a woman rabbi. 

For the past five decades, Leo Baeck College has been at the forefront of progress, ordaining over 70 women rabbis and shaping the landscape of Progressive Judaism. To mark this milestone, we have curated an archive of inspiring stories that highlight their remarkable journeys. In this blog post, Rabbi Emily Reitsma-Jurman reflects on rabbinical student life at LBC and her own journey since her ordination at Leo Baeck College in 2015.

Growing up in Canada, I never imagined I would find myself living and working in the United Kingdom. After learning about Leo Baeck College from my Rabbi (Larry Englander, who spent a Sabbatical teaching at LBC), I was convinced to make the move.

It was hard, at first, but with the support of Rabbis Deborah Kahn-Harris and Charles Middleburgh, I was able to find my feet and establish myself in London. It was Charles who first recommended me for a part-time role at Edgware and District Reform, and after a chat with Senior Minister Rabbi Danny Smith, I began working in that very special community. In 2015, I was thrilled to accept a position there as the first female Rabbi in their eighty year history. Being the first woman in the role led to some interesting conversations with members; from questions about whether I could officiate at funerals, to remarks on seeing a Rabbi in a dress and heels delivering a sermon.

In 2020 I accepted the role of Associate Rabbi at West London Synagogue and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m grateful to LBC for giving me a brilliant foundation on which to build a wonderful career.

We can only build the future of Progressive Judaism with the generosity of our supporters

Celebrate this foundational milestone with us and support the next generation of inspirational Progressive Jewish leaders by helping us raise £50,000 for 50 years of women in the UK rabbinate.

This year, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous supporter, we’re pleased to announce donation top-ups, so for every £4 you donate, they’ll add an extra £1 to celebrate this momentous occasion – find out more on the donation page

We also invite you to join us online on 14th May 2025 as we celebrate this extraordinary event with Rabbi Dr Jackie Tabick in conversation with Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris.