Israel Finestein

Israel Finestein QC MA (1921–2009), an English barrister and Deputy High Court Judge, was a leader and historian of British Jewry.

Early life Israel "Shmuel" Finestein was the youngest of nine children of a Kingston upon Hull Jewish tailor, who had emigrated from Chervyen (near Minsk) around 1905. He grew up speaking Yiddish as well as English. After Kingston High School, a Hull grammar school, County, Crown, and then deputy High Court Judge in the family division.

Historical work As an amateur but scholarly historian, he interpreted and reassessed Anglo-Jewry in the Victorian and Edwardian period. His works cover the Emancipation of British Jews, key figures like Sir Moses Montefiore, Jewish education, and also recent leadership of the community.

He was twice President of the Jewish Historical Society of England, 1973-5.

Community leadership Finestein studied and worked with the central institutions of British Jewry established in Victorian times;

Charitable work Finestein's interest in Jewish education brought him to be a charity trustee of The Jew's Free School, Jew's College and British ORT.

He was also a Trustee of Jewish Care, and Chair of the Jewish Museum 1989-92.

Personal life Israel Finestein was predeceased by his wife of almost 60 years Marion née Oster, leaving no children. and Colin Lang. Hull was the only local community about which he wrote. He received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Hull.