York welcomes Dr. Elisheva Salamo, the first female rabbi in 800 years

Rabbi Dr. Elisheva Salamo was appointed earlier this month by the York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC), which was founded in 2014 with the aim of providing a welcoming and inclusive home for all residents, students and visitors to the city who identify as Jews.

The appointment marks a significant moment in the city’s history, as Rabbi Elisheva will be York’s first resident rabbi since the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290.

Rabbi Dr. Elisheva said: “I am honored and privileged to become York’s first progressive female rabbi and to work with the existing community to develop our learning and worship program for all ages to encourage and inspire those who want a modern Jewish “Want to live life.” Harmony with our neighbors and interfaith friends.

“We share values ​​with so many and as our community grows we look forward to welcoming new members from York and wider Yorkshire as we continue to enjoy working with you and standing together in this city of refuge.”

The new rabbi’s arrival coincides with research by the University of York that sheds light on York’s thriving Jewish community in the 13th century, including the homes of several leading Jewish citizens and the site of the city’s first synagogue.

The new study, published this week, shows that York’s Jewish population rebuilt a community in York in the years after the Clifford’s Tower massacre in March 1190, when the city’s Jews sought refuge from a violent attack at Clifford’s Tower Anti-Semitic mobs and the pogrom left over 150 Jews dead.

York City Council’s Equalities Executive Member, Councilor Katie Lomas, joined the Lord Mayor in welcoming Rabbi Elisheva and York Liberal Jewish Community Chair Lilian Coulson to York Mansion House on Tuesday 5 September.

California-born Rabbi Dr. Salamo has previously worked in the USA, Switzerland and South Africa – and is an advocate for interreligious dialogue and social action.

In her new role, she will lead York’s Jewish community in worship, with her first formal engagements beginning in September and overseeing YLJC’s full program of High Holiday services and events during the period of Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of the reconciliation).

Lilian Coulson, chair of the YLJC, said: “After almost a decade of working together, YLJC is proud and honored to have become York’s recognized leading faith group within the city, an active member of the York Interfaith Group and the city’s partner.” York Council, York Minster, English Heritage and many other organizations for Jewish events, information and advice.