Prior to training for the Rabbinate, Debbie Young-Somers read her first degree in Religious Studies at Lancaster University (BA 1st class Hons), and was a Buber Fellow at the European Centre for Jewish Studies in Stockholm, Sweden. She has an Advanced Diploma in Jewish Education and both a BA and MA in Hebrew and Jewish studies from the Leo Baeck College.

Professionally she has worked as the Reform Students Chinuch (Education) Fieldworker and the Youth and PR Officer for the Council of Christians and Jews. She was also the Chair of the International Council of Christians and Jews Young Leadership Council, and has worked with the Three Faiths Forum, and various youth-dialogue projects.

For the last three years she has been Interfaith Intern at the West London Synagogue of British Jews. She is also the Jewish consultant on an innovative new curriculum for 16-18s known as ‘AFAN’: ‘All Faiths And None’– see www.afan.uk.net

Debbie is married to Gary and in her spare time tries to enjoy crafting, cycling, photography, theatre and the cinema. Gary generally wishes she had more spare time.

Please click here to watch Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, as she meets with the Arch Bishop's advisor at Lambeth Palace and leads a 'Sex and the City' inspired conversion session.

Rabbi Debbie has three key areas of responsibility:

• interfaith work;
• building community, particularly with young people and young adults; and
• co-ordination of Jewish Preparation, our conversion course.