The Attractive Young Rabbi


The Attractive Young Rabbi was a BBC Radio 4 comedy series of three series from 1999 to 2002, written by Barry Grossman. Starring Tracy-Ann Oberman, David de Keyser and Doreen Mantle, the series was about two rabbis in "Hillfield", in north west London. Oberman is Reform Rabbi Su Jacobs, the attractive young rabbi of the title, who clashes with de Keyser's Orthodox and very traditional Rabbi Abraham Fine, with Doreen Mantle as the latter's wife, Sadie, trying to keep the peace between them, and Henry Goodman and Jonathan Kydd as Melvin Livingstone and Brian Franks, chairmen of their respective synagogue councils.
The theme tune was written by Max Harris in klezmer style. The series has been frequently repeated on BBC 7, later BBC Radio 4 Extra, where it is described as a 'gentle comedy'.

Episode list

Series One

  1. The New Synagogue – A single phone call turns Rabbi Fine's comfortable Jewish community upside down.
  2. TV Stars – With Rabbi Su set for the small-screen, Rabbi Abraham takes a different route.
  3. The Visitor – When an Israeli MP arrives, sex, politics and religion make it an awkward visit. Guest star Warren Mitchell.
  4. The Engagement – Rabbi Su's announcement sparks fury from her rival Abraham, because her fiancé turns out to be his grandson.

Series Two

  1. The Bar Mitzvah – Three rabbis at one party sparks a recipe for disaster.
  2. Direct Action – A man with a tape measure spells trouble for Rabbi Fine.
  3. The Wedding – Everyone's looking forward to Hillfield's big ceremony, but in which synagogue?
  4. The Lift – Rabbis Fine and Jacobs find themselves stuck in a lift together.
  5. Brief Encounter – Feeling snubbed over Rabbi Abraham's Royal invite, Rabbi Su finds a new boyfriend.
  6. Babies – The rabbis are submerged in baby talk, and Melvin struggles with his conscience.

Series Three

  1. The Eager Young Student – Young Mikhail discovers that it's not easy being a Jew.
  2. A Woman's Work – Happy Rabbi Su finds a role-model, but Rabbi Abraham would settle for a haircut.
  3. Abraham's Brother – A faded photograph and a private film show spell trouble for Rabbi Abraham.
  4. Crime Wave – It all begins with a disappearing car and a little old lady.
  5. Mixed Fortunes – Su's bringing Jeremy home to meet her parents doesn't turn out as expected, while Abraham has a newspaper interview.
  6. A Very Nice Girl – As Rabbi Abraham recovers from his collapse, Rabbi Su meets a hospital doctor.