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. Oberman is Reform Rabbi Su Jacobs, the attractive young rabbi of the title, and clashes with de Keyser's Orthodox Rabbi Abraham Fine, a very traditional rabbi.

It has been frequently repeated on BBC 7, where it is described as a 'gentle comedy'.

Episode list

Series 1

1. The New Synagogue (aired November 12, 1999) - A single phone call turns Rabbi Fine's comfortable Jewish community upside down.
2. TV Stars (aired November 19, 1999) - With Rabbi Su set for the small-screen, Rabbi Abraham takes a different route.
3. The Visitor (aired November 26, 1999) - When an Israeli MP arrives, sex, politics and religion make it an awkward visit. Guest star Warren Mitchell.
4. Episode Four (aired December 3, 1999) - Rabbi Su's announcement sparks fury from her rival Abraham.

Series Two

1. The Bar Mitzvah (aired September 22, 2000) - Three rabbis at one party sparks a recipe for disaster.
2. Direct Action (aired September 29, 2000) - A man with a tape measure spells trouble for Rabbi Fine.
3. The Wedding (aired October 6, 2000) - Everyone's looking forward to Hillfield's big ceremony, but in which synagogue?
4. The Lift (aired October 13, 2000) - Rabbi Fine and Rabbi Jacobs find themselves stuck in a lift together.
5. Brief Encounter (aired October 20, 2000) - Feeling snubbed over Rabbi Abraham's Royal invite, Rabbi Su finds a new boyfriend.
6. Babies (aired October 27, 2000) - The rabbis are submerged in baby talk, and Melvin struggles with his conscience.

Series Three

1. The Eager Young Student (aired February 13, 2002) - Young Mikhail discovers that it's not easy being a Jew.
2. A Woman's Work (aired February 20, 2002) - Happy Rabbi Su finds a role-model, but Rabbi Abraham would settle for a haircut.
3. Abraham's Brother (aired February 27, 2002) - A faded photograph and a private film show spell trouble for Rabbi Abraham.
4. Crime Wave (aired March 6, 2002) - It all begins with a disappearing car and a little old lady.
5. Mixed Fortunes (aired March 13, 2002) - Su prepares to take Jeremy home and Abraham prepares to talk to a newspaper.
6. A Very Nice Girl (aired March 20, 2002) - As Rabbi Abraham struggles after his collapse, Rabbi Su meets a hospital doctor.

External links

• The Attractive Young Rabbi at BBC Online
• Episode guide at epguides.com