UK’s First Openly Gay Rabbi, Lionel Blue Dies at 86

By: Michael “The Sizzler” Jacobs, Staff Writer

LONDON, ENGLAND  — Lionel Blue, the UK’s first openly gay rabbi who made history when he appeared on BBC Radio 4 for 30 years during the Today show’s “Thought for the Day” segment, died this morning at the age of 86.

Our friends at The Guardian called Lionel Blue “One of the most respected religious figures in the UK”

The news sent shockwaves throughout the United Kingdom.  In fact the London Synagoge Beit Klal Yisrael posted the following statement on Blue’s death on Facebook:

The funeral for Lionel Blue will take place at Cheshunt Jewish Cemetery located at Bulls Cross Ride, Broxbourne, in the woodland area at 12noon on Tuesday December 20.