Jacob Dov Bleich
USA- Rabbi Yaakov Bleich
- Early Life and Education
- Rabbinical Career
- International Involvement
- Controversy and Return
- Education and Personal Life
- Honors and Activities
Rabbi Yaakov Bleich
Yaakov Dov Bleich is a Ukrainian-American rabbi and public figure who served as the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine. He is the founder and head of the Association of Jewish Religious Organizations of Ukraine.
Early Life and Education
Bleich was born in Ukraine and studied at the Karlin-Stolin Yeshiva in Jerusalem from 1984 to 1986. After moving to Ukraine with his family in 1989, he was appointed rabbi at the synagogue of the Kyiv Jewish Religious Community in 1990.
Rabbinical Career
In 1992, Bleich became the Chief Rabbi of Kyiv and Ukraine. He played a significant role in the revival of Jewish traditions in Kyiv, establishing spiritual and secular Jewish educational institutions. He also founded the Association of Jewish Religious Organizations of Ukraine in the same year.
International Involvement
Bleich has held several prestigious international positions, including member of the Executive Committee of the World Jewish Congress since 1996, Vice President of the European Council of Jewish Communities since 2001, and Vice President of the European Jewish Congress. He is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Conference of European Rabbis.
Controversy and Return
In 2018, Bleich was expelled from his own congregation but continued to self-identify as Chief Rabbi. Despite being declared a "heretic," he returned to the synagogue, leading to accusations of a power struggle among Jewish leaders.
Education and Personal Life
Bleich received an MBA in Non-Profit Management from Harvard Business School in 2005. He is married to Bashy Wigder and has eight children.
Honors and Activities
Bleich has received the Order of Merit, 3rd Class (1999). He has collaborated with Ukrainian Orthodox and Greek Catholic leaders in holding memorial services for members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army.
