To make available on a single website the entire intellectual legacy of Rabbi Jacobs for the benefit of all (laypeople and academics). To promote theological scholarship, learning, debate, dialogue and practice with particular emphasis on Judaism.
RABBI JACOBS’ PLACE IN JEWISH − THEOLOGY AND THOUGHT
Rabbi Jacobs has had a significant impact on British (and indeed world) Jewry over the past 50 years, espousing a belief in a form of Judaism which whilst traditional (but non-fundamentalist) at the same time acknowledges and is able to coexist with historical and scientific knowledge. This led him shortly before his death to being voted by readers of the Jewish Chronicle the greatest ever British Jew.
Rabbi Jacobs was a prolific author of books, articles, essays, reviews as well as being one of the most accomplished preachers of his time. Later in life a number of videos were made with Rabbi Jacobs discussing his works and beliefs. By publishing online all of this content (some of which has never been published before) on a single website we will be providing unique access to one of the most important collections of work on Jewish theology and practice of the twentieth century.
Michael Fischer who has produced a bibliography of Rabbi Jacobs’ works writes “Louis Jacobs is generally regarded as one of the greatest scholars and rabbinic figures of 20th century Britain, if not the world. During a period of 60 years he has left an unmistakable mark in the academic world while also writing books and articles for more general readership”.
OUR OBJECTIVES
• To publish all Rabbi Jacobs writings’ (including books, articles, essays, reviews and sermons) together with video footage on the website.
• To make all text easily searchable [and researchable] so that strands of thought and guidance on issues spanning the years can be brought together.
• To promote the use of the website to encourage and further theological scholarship, education and dialogue with particular emphasis on Judaism.
• To promote the teaching and practice of Judaism in a non-fundamentalist manner reconciling tradition with modern thought and scholarship.
• To host and promote events on Jewish theology and the social and political aspects of the development of Judaism in the UK and worldwide to forge links with other organisations interested in promoting a traditional but non-fundamentalist Judaism.
• To publish major collaborations on Jewish theology.
THE QUEST
Rabbi Jacobs saw his work as a continuing “Quest” for the truth and not as a finite resolution of the tension between traditional Judaism and modern thought and scholarship.
Rabbi Jacobs’ contribution to Jewish theology and practice must neither be lost or forgotten nor become the province solely of academics but rather must serve as the basis for ongoing thought, scholarship and education and indeed for modern thinking Jews wishing to practice traditional Judaism. By becoming a Friend and/or contributing, you can help continue the Quest.
CONTRIBUTE to louisjacobs.org
Friends have ambitious plans. The web site is growing with thousands of pages available, the number of Friends and our reach expands with subscribers all over the world. Every pound of contributions goes towards the project. No funds are taken for Administration, apart from audit.
All donations very gratefully received. We are registered for Gift Aid. Go to our contact page to make a donation.