John D Rayner

John Desmond Rayner (1924–2005) was a prominent British rabbi and a leading voice in Progressive Judaism. Born in Berlin, Germany, he moved to the United Kingdom in the 1930s to escape the Nazi regime. He studied at Cambridge University and was ordained at Leo Baeck College, where he later served as a lecturer and principal.

Throughout his career, Rabbi Rayner was known for his scholarly work and his commitment to human rights and interfaith dialogue. He played a significant role in developing the ideology and liturgy of Liberal Judaism in the UK and was a respected author on Jewish theology, ethics, and liturgical reform.

His writings, which include several books and numerous articles, explore various aspects of Jewish thought and practice, aiming to make Jewish teachings accessible and relevant to contemporary life. His works continue to influence liberal Jewish thought and practice, both in the United Kingdom and around the world.

Books

An Understanding of Judaism