Rabbi Pauline Bebe shares her story to celebrate 50 years of women rabbis in the UK

This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Tabick’s ordination and 50 years of women in the UK rabbinate, Rabbi Pauline Bebe shares 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, the first French woman rabbi, Rabbi Pauline Bebe reflects on the evolving role of women in the Progressive Jewish world since her own ordination at Leo Baeck College in 1990.

When I think about Leo Baeck College, I can still smell the fragrance of the old books when I was studying, sitting on the library’s floor. It was like being in a dream, entering its library, late at night; with no time limit, no one around, and enveloped by the atmosphere of the night’s calm. It was like having a quiet discussion with all these past giants who were sharing some of the secrets of their souls.
I remember the sage teachers, that still inspire my rabbinical work today.

Rabbi John Rayner’s precise and clear way of analysing codes; while articulating English words which made it easier for me as a foreigner. His eyes literally laughing when telling a joke. I remember the envelopes on which Rabbi Friedlander wrote the outline of his philosophy classes on their backsides in three words, and then looking for it during the entire class, while continuing to teach and shmooze – only finding it victoriously only at the end of the lesson. I remember the case studies of Rabbi Hugo Gryn filled with humour and inspiration, and the conversations with Rabbi Lionel Blue. I cannot quote all the teachers, may their memories be a blessing, but every one of them helped shape my journey as a rabbi in France.

Leo Baeck College was a haven of peace that allowed me to recharge spiritually for my fight for recognition in France. It was amazing that among our teachers and fellow students, being a woman was not an issue. I remember Rabbi Magonet fighting for women’s equality in France; when it was so natural in England. My time at the college gave me the force to become the first woman rabbi in France.

Finally, if we have today our French rabbinical seminary, it is in no small part thanks to French colleagues who were ordained at LBC. Without the moral support and richer experience of LBC, I could not have created the École rabbinique de Paris. As it’s Rosh Yeshiva, I aim to continue promoting this special relationship between our seminaries, as we together train spiritual leaders who will make Judaism thought and life flourish in Europe.

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.