Inspiring Jew from Today: Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis
Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis currently serves as the Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom, providing spiritual leadership to one of the world's oldest Jewish communities.
Born in South Africa in 1956, Mirvis grew up in a family committed to faith, education and social justice. His father was a rabbi who spoke out against apartheid, while his mother trained Black preschool teachers during a period of racial segregation.
After moving to Israel as a teenager and receiving rabbinic ordination in Jerusalem, he served communities in Ireland and Britain before becoming Chief Rabbi in 2013.
As Chief Rabbi, Mirvis is one of the most recognised Jewish leaders in Britain. He has championed Jewish education, spoken out against antisemitism and worked to strengthen relationships between different faith communities.
He has also developed a close relationship with King Charles through years of interfaith work and public service. In 2023, he was given a prominent role in the King's coronation, becoming the first Chief Rabbi to participate in such a ceremony.
To enable him to take part while observing Shabbat, special arrangements were made for him to stay overnight at St James's Palace and walk to Westminster Abbey. He later offered a blessing for the King during the ceremony, a powerful symbol of the place of Jewish life in modern Britain.
He is proof that a leader can remain deeply committed to Jewish tradition while earning the respect of a nation.