Delphine Horvilleur (born 1974) is a French rabbi, writer, and public intellectual. She is noted for being one of the few women ordained as a rabbi in France and for her contributions to contemporary religious and cultural discourse.
Early life and education
Horvilleur was born in Paris, France. She studied philosophy at the University of Paris VIII, obtaining a master's degree. She later pursued rabbinical studies at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in New York, where she was ordained as a rabbi in 2007.
Rabbinical career
After ordination, Horvilleur returned to France and joined the Liberal Jewish Movement of France (Mouvement Libéral Israélite Français, MLIF) as a rabbi at the synagogue in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. She has been active in promoting inclusive religious practices, interfaith dialogue, and feminist perspectives within Judaism.
Publications and media presence
Horvilleur is the author of several books, including:
- Comment les rabbins font la loi (2015) – an exploration of halakhic decision‑making.
- L’Ecume des jours (2019) – a collection of essays on contemporary Jewish life.
- Le droit d’être juif (2021) – discussing Jewish identity and citizenship in modern Europe.
She writes regularly for French newspapers and magazines such as Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Le Parisien, addressing topics ranging from religious ethics to secular politics. Horvilleur also contributes to radio programs and podcasts, providing commentary on religious and societal issues.
Academic and civic involvement
Horvilleur lectures at various universities and theological institutions, including the Sorbonne and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS). She serves on advisory boards related to interreligious dialogue and has participated in governmental commissions concerning religious freedom and secularism in France.
Recognition
In 2020, Horvilleur was awarded the Prix du livre engagé for Le droit d’être juif. She has been recognized for her efforts to modernize Jewish practice and promote gender equality within religious leadership.
Personal life
Horvilleur resides in Paris with her family. She is known for integrating contemporary cultural references into her sermons and public talks, aiming to make Jewish teachings accessible to a broader audience.
