Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi recently retired after 29 years as the rabbi of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue. She discovered the magic of the CBSO whilst a medical student in Birmingham in the 1980s.

Margaret has a long history of interfaith and communal involvement. She was a member of the Birmingham Faith Leaders’ Group, which helps bring different faith communities together. She worked with her congregation to forge links with local churches and mosques. The congregation also built partnerships with local Churches to support refugees and asylum seekers.

As the child of refugees, Margaret has campaigned for refugees and is involved in Jewish social justice movements, including Tzelem, a rabbinic social justice organisation in the UK.

In retirement, Margaret has found time to pursue her interests in music and exploring the countryside. She enjoys playing in an orchestra, singing in a choir and attending CBSO and Centre Stage concerts, as well as the many other cultural opportunities Birmingham has to offer.