Ephraim Mirvis
Chief Rabbi of British Jewry, interfaith dialogue leader
Ephraim Mirvis (born February 10, 1956) is a British Orthodox rabbi who has served as the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth since 2013, making him the spiritual leader of British Jewry. Born in South Africa and educated in Israel, Mirvis brought extensive rabbinic experience and scholarly credentials to the role. Before his appointment as Chief Rabbi, he served in various rabbinical positions and was known for his commitment to Jewish education and community development. As Chief Rabbi, Mirvis has been a vocal advocate for interfaith dialogue and understanding, working to strengthen relations between the Jewish community and other religious groups in Britain. He has spoken publicly on contemporary issues affecting Jewish communities, including antisemitism and religious freedom. Mirvis is respected for his traditional approach to Jewish law and practice while also engaging with modern social issues. His leadership has positioned him as one of the most influential religious figures in contemporary British society, representing the concerns and perspectives of British Jews on the national stage.
Historical Figure
British
1956
Thinking about the name
Ephram
Hebrew origin
“A simplified variant of Ephraim, retaining the Hebrew meaning of 'doubly fruitful' with a more streamlined, American-friendly spelling. Ephram feels grounded and practical while still honoring biblical tradition, making it accessible to families who want religious meaning without the complexity of traditional transliterations.”