Lionel Blue (né Bluestein; 6 February 1930 – 19 December 2016) was a British Reform rabbi, journalist and broadcaster, described by The Guardian as "one of the most respected religious figures in the UK". He was best known for his longstanding work with the media, most notably his wry and gentle sense of humour on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He was the first British rabbi publicly to declare his homosexuality.

Career

Blue was born in the East End of London in 1930. His parents were Jews of Russian origin and his father worked as a tailor.

Blue was ordained as a rabbi in 1960. He published Godly and Gay in 1981.

After his split with Holman, Blue met Jim Cummings through a personal ad in Gay Times. They remained together until Cummings's death in 2014. He was involved with various gay charities, including the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group, and Kairos in Soho.

Illnesses and death

Blue was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 57; however, he successfully controlled his disorder with medication. During an operation in 1997, a surgeon discovered a tumour which tests proved to be malignant. He received radiotherapy and hormonal treatment to reduce any further growth. He was also diagnosed as having Parkinson's disease. Blue died on 19 December 2016 at the age of 86.

Books

  • To Heaven with Scribes and Pharisees (Darton, Longman and Todd,1975) .
  • A Backdoor to Heaven (Fount, 1985) .
  • Kitchen Blues (ISIS Large Print, 1986) .
  • Bolts from the Blue (Hodder & Stoughton, 1986) .
  • Simply Divine - with Reverend John Eley (British Broadcasting Corporation, 1986) .
  • Bedside Manna (Victor Gollancz, 1991) .
  • Tales of Body and Soul (Coronet, 1995) .
  • My Affair with Christianity (Hodder & Stoughton General, 1999) .
  • Sun, Sand and Soul (Hodder & Stoughton General, 1999) .
  • Kindred Spirits (Fount, 1999) .
  • Hitchhiking to Heaven – Autobiography (Hodder & Stoughton General, 2004) .
  • Best of Blue (Continuum, 2006) .
  • The Godseeker's Guide (Continuum, 2010) .

References

  • BBC Norfolk interview with Louise Priest, 25 October 2007
  • Sue Lawley's castaway is Rabbi Lionel Blue – Desert Island Discs, 4 August 1989
  • Blue's own radio obituary of himself – BBC Radio 4, 20 December 2016