A four-part comedy by Barry Grossman about the collision between the old and the new in the Jewish community of Hillfield, North London. This is an unusual comedy show in that it reputedly started with an unsolicited submission to the BBC Script Unit.
Abraham Fine, played by David de Keyser, is the Orthodox Rabbi of the community, but his settled existence is disturbed by the appearance of a brand-new Reform synagogue led by the vivacious Su Jacobs, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman. Jacobs is youthful and decidedly non-traditionalist, and sets out to introduce the Hillsfield community to the internet and the importance of cosmetics. Doreen Mantle plays Abraham's long suffering wife, Sadie, and it is through her that both old and new are gently ridiculed, whilst she keeps the peace.
:: Series 1
Originally broadcast on Radio 4 of a Friday morning at 11.30am with a repeat in the early evening comedy slot (6.30pm) nearly a year later. With Tracy-Ann Oberman, David de Keyser and Doreen Mantle.
| Title | Tx. Date | Rpt. Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| The New Synagogue. | 12.11.99 | 9.8.00 | A single phone call turns the comfortable world of Rabbi Fine upside down. |
| TV Stars. | 19.11.99 | 16.8.00 | Su is set to appear on television. Abraham is not impressed - or so it seems. |
| The Visitor. | 26.11.99 | 23.8.00 | Great excitement and some confusion at the impending visit of an Israeli MP. |
| The Rivals. | 3.12.99 | 30.10.00 | The rabbinical rivals are faced with the prospect of a closer relationship. |
:: Series 2
A further six instalments in the comedy about the collision between old and new in the Jewish community of Hillfield. Originally broadcast on Radio 4 of a Friday morning at 11.30am with a repeat, except episode 5, in the early evening comedy slot (6.30pm) a year later. With Tracy-Ann Oberman, David de Keyser, Doreen Mantle and Henry Goodman.
| Title | Tx. Date | Rpt. Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barmitzva. | 22.9.00 | 4.10.01 | Three rabbis, one party - and a possible recipe for disaster. |
| Direct Action. | 29.9.00 | 11.10.01 | A man with a tape measure and a crisis for Rabbi Fine. |
| The Wedding. | 6.10.00 | 18.10.01 | Everyone is looking forward to Hillfield's big wedding. But in which synagogue? |
| The Lift. | 13.10.00 | 25.10.01 | An intimate meeting - but not one Su and Abraham would have chosen. |
| Brief Encounter. | 20.10.00 | Su is dumbfounded when Abraham is invited to a royal garden party. | |
| Babies. | 27.10.00 | 1.11.01 | The two rabbis are submerged in baby talk - while Melvin struggles with his conscience. |
:: Series 3
The final six instalments in the comedy about the collision between old and new in the Jewish community of Hillfield. Originally broadcast on Radio 4 of a Wednesday morning at 11.30am.
| Title | Tx. Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The Eager Young Student. | 13.2.02 | Young Mikhail discovers it is not easy being a Jew |
| A Woman's Work. | 20.2.02 | Su is delighted to find a role model |
| Abraham's Brother. | 27.2.02 | A faded photo spells trouble for Abraham |
| Crime Wave. | 6.3.02 | A disappearing car and a little old lady set in motion a strange chain of events |
| Mixed Fortunes. | 13.3.03 | Abraham pulls off a coup. Su is not so lucky |
| A Very Nice Girl. | 20.3.02 | The two rabbis have a trying time |