Rabbi Mirvis is also a very strong friend and supporter of Israel.

I didn't rate his predecessor highly but Dr Rabbi Sacks has been a great credit to the whole community by presenting Jews as a welcome and valued member of the national community. He looked, sounded and appeared every inch a bona-fide head sitting with conviction amongst UK's many faith communities. Whatever readers of ynet may think about the status of Jews in Europe, he presesented us first and foremost as citizens of the UK and stood in very high esteem. As a gay man I would not have expected the Chief Rabbi to endorse gay marriage, I don't support it myself. I think all couples, gay or straight, should have civil partnerships. Marriage should be a considered a sacrament of interest only to those of a religious frame of mind. Religious marriage is subject to all the laws pertaining to any given religion, but should have no status in UK law.

... and that's the problem - You can't serve two masters and be loyal ,...

Aside from the fact that the old 'divided loyalties' claim is a classic anti-semitic trope (so classic it's actually been included as a typical example of antisemitic behaviour within the EU definition of antisemitism: http://www.european-forum-on-antisemitism.org/working-definition-of-antisemitism/english/), the fact is, as a US citizen, it's absolutely no damned business of yours whatsoever who becomes Chief Rabbi in Britain, and here in the UK, we have no problem with this choice.

This fellow split clearly knows nothing about Judaism and even less about British Jews who are still primarily Orthodox,if only in the breach,and ZIONIST. If the new Chief Rabbi were not a friend of Israel,he'd be disloyal to us and would get a frosty reception in most Synagogues.He'd be OK in Reform 'Synagogues',though. THREE CHEERS FOR ISRAEL!!!

Here is your loyalty sample, your representation in British Armed Forces,,,, let the numers talk ,... FORCES RELIGIOUS PERSONNEL Christian - 183,000 Muslim - 305 Hindu - 230 Buddhist - 220 Sikh - 90 Jew - 65 Just 65 Jews including 1 rebbe out of 350 000 observing Jews living in Her Majesty Kingdom. I bet there's more British Jews in IDF than BAF ,... Please spare me that 'anti-semitic' crap it doesn't work anymore ,...

Your comment that if he were anti-Israel he would be welcomed in Reform Synagogue" is so far beneath contempt as to be not worthy of comment - I believe that it is the ultra orthodox who visit and fawn at the feet of the latter day Hitler from Teheran, not Reform Jews. The fact is that he has been appointed Cheif Rabbi of the United Synagogue, not of all of the Jews in England, just like the Chief Rabbi of Israel certainly does not represent all Israelis.

I am not sure where you found those figures, however even using your own figures as a percentage of the population, there is no difference in the numbers of Jews serving to other religions. According to the British Census there are 266,740 Jews and you say 65 Jews in the army (0.02% of the Jewish Population). There are 2.7 million Muslims and you say 305 serve in the army (0.01% of the Muslim Population). There are 1.5 million Hindus and 230 serve in the army (0.015% of the Hindu Population).

I am a modern orthodox Jew in London. Whilst I have little respect for Reform or Liberal Judaism your your comments are correct. The United synagogue is one form of orthodox Judaism in the UK and not a particularly pleasant organisation in point of fact.

in his place. He really should do some research and THINK before making an idiot of himself in print.

Interesting that searching for numbers I came across the same problem in United Kingdom simular to those in other countries like Russia, Poland, Hungary, to name few prior to WWII that when it comes to national census the orthodox Jews will do everything to avoid to be counted. Another detail, just like in other countries they procrate over 4 times faster than the rest of the population. British birth rate oscillates around 1.6 child per family in Orthodox family is 6.9 and like everywhere else 3/4 of them won't work or serve ripping off welfare system,... My sources: note that they underline observant Jews with those non - observant there's more than 350 000 http://jewishness.bellevueholidayrentals.com/jews_in_great_britain.html Second source ,... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4440360.stm By the way, even your numbers prove that they are not better than Muslims and Hindu when it comes to serve your adopted country. Comparing with their financial status and an influence power you own to Brits much more than them.