The Attractive Young Rabbi

A four-part comedy by Barry Grossman about the collision between the old and the new in the Jewish community of Hillfield, North London. This is an unusual comedy show in that it reputedly started with an unsolicited submission to the BBC Script Unit.

Abraham Fine, played by David de Keyser, is the Orthodox Rabbi of the community, but his settled existence is disturbed by the appearance of a brand-new Reform synagogue led by the vivacious Su Jacobs, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman. Jacobs is youthful and decidedly non-traditionalist, and sets out to introduce the Hillsfield community to the internet and the importance of cosmetics. Doreen Mantle plays Abraham's long suffering wife, Sadie, and it is through her that both old and new are gently ridiculed, whilst she keeps the peace.

:: Series 1

Originally broadcast on Radio 4 of a Friday morning at 11.30am with a repeat in the early evening comedy slot (6.30pm) nearly a year later. With Tracy-Ann Oberman, David de Keyser and Doreen Mantle.

TitleTx. DateRpt. DateDetails
The New Synagogue.12.11.999.8.00A single phone call turns the comfortable world of Rabbi Fine upside down.
TV Stars.19.11.9916.8.00Su is set to appear on television. Abraham is not impressed - or so it seems.
The Visitor.26.11.9923.8.00Great excitement and some confusion at the impending visit of an Israeli MP.
The Rivals.3.12.9930.10.00The rabbinical rivals are faced with the prospect of a closer relationship.

:: Series 2

A further six instalments in the comedy about the collision between old and new in the Jewish community of Hillfield. Originally broadcast on Radio 4 of a Friday morning at 11.30am with a repeat, except episode 5, in the early evening comedy slot (6.30pm) a year later. With Tracy-Ann Oberman, David de Keyser, Doreen Mantle and Henry Goodman.

TitleTx. DateRpt. DateDetails
Barmitzva.22.9.004.10.01Three rabbis, one party - and a possible recipe for disaster.
Direct Action.29.9.0011.10.01A man with a tape measure and a crisis for Rabbi Fine.
The Wedding.6.10.0018.10.01Everyone is looking forward to Hillfield's big wedding. But in which synagogue?
The Lift. 13.10.0025.10.01An intimate meeting - but not one Su and Abraham would have chosen.
Brief Encounter. 20.10.00Su is dumbfounded when Abraham is invited to a royal garden party.
Babies. 27.10.001.11.01The two rabbis are submerged in baby talk - while Melvin struggles with his conscience.

:: Series 3

The final six instalments in the comedy about the collision between old and new in the Jewish community of Hillfield. Originally broadcast on Radio 4 of a Wednesday morning at 11.30am.

TitleTx. DateDetails
The Eager Young Student.13.2.02Young Mikhail discovers it is not easy being a Jew
A Woman's Work.20.2.02Su is delighted to find a role model
Abraham's Brother. 27.2.02A faded photo spells trouble for Abraham
Crime Wave. 6.3.02A disappearing car and a little old lady set in motion a strange chain of events
Mixed Fortunes.13.3.03Abraham pulls off a coup. Su is not so lucky
A Very Nice Girl.20.3.02The two rabbis have a trying time