Rabbi Yael Tischler during her ordination service on Sunday 5 July 2026 at Alyth. Pictures by Zoe Norfolk
Rabbi Yael Tischler is the newest member of our Progressive Jewish clergy after becoming the 220th rabbi to be ordained by Leo Baeck College.
A joyous service, held at Alyth, was led by LBC Lecturer Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen, Cantor Zöe Jacobs of Finchley Reform Synagogue and Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers of Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue, with Rabbi Yael ordained by Rabbi Kath Vardi of Menorah Synagogue.
The Movement for Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Josh Levy opened the Ark, while ordination certificates were presented jointly by Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, Principal of Leo Baeck College, and Dr James Traeger, Co-Chair of the LBC Board of Governors. Rabbi Deborah also gave the final blessings.
The occasion marked a bittersweet moment as it was Rabbi Dr Charles Middleburgh’s final ordination as Dean and Director of Jewish Studies at Leo Baeck College. Rabbi Charles led the Kaddish Yatom.
The College was also pleased to welcome incoming Director of Jewish Studies, Rabbi Dr Tali Artman-Partock, who delivered the ordination address which you can read here.
- A full recording of the ordination service will be available soon. Subscribe to the Leo Baeck College newsletter to stay up to date.
Rabbi Charley Baginsky, Rabbi Professor Deborah Kahn-Harris, Rabbi Yael Tischler and Rabbi Josh Levy