Nathan Marcus Adler

1803–1890

Chief Rabbi

Nathan Marcus Adler was the first Chief Rabbi of the British Empire. He came to Britain from Germany, like many of the Jewish community of his time. He was one of the founders of the Jewish Board of Guardians in 1859 and the United Synagogue in 1870. He was also the key figure behind Jews’ College, London, which trained rabbis.

During his period in office Jewish practice began to take on an English style. Adler called religious ministers “Reverend”. He required them to dress in black gowns with white neck tapes, like Christian clergy. His Authorised Daily Prayer Book had a blue cover that made it look like the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer. It was a time when Victorian Jews aspired to be “Good Jews” and “Good Englishmen”.

Four Chief Rabbis are buried at Willesden. Near Adler lies his son, Hermann Adler, who was chief rabbi from 1891 to 1911. Joseph Hertz and Sir Israel Brodie are the 20th-century chief rabbis buried at the cemetery.

Adler created a particular practice of orthodox Judaism which is distinctive to Britain. It continues to this day.

Nathan Marcus Adler
© Alamy Stock Photo