Our Rabbi

In the tradition of Congregation Beth Israel, Rabbi Jacobs arrived at the beginning of July, 2023 for a year of teaching, leading and guiding the community. His career, since student days at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem and New York, was highlighted in Great Neck and Long Beach NY, Havre de Grace, MD and Johannesburg, South Africa. Other work included Executive Director of the Leo Baeck Institute—the NY based library, archive and research center for the history and culture of German-speaking Jewry.

In Johannesburg, Rabbi Jacobs took a leading role in creating SACRED, the South African Centre for Religious Equality and Diversity, and served as Chairman of the The South African Association of Progressive Rabbis. Reform by affiliation since childhood, and active in World Union for Progressive Judaism events in Germany and Israel, he brings a half century of experience in interpreting Judaism to add depth and meaning to contemporary living.

You can contact Rabbi Jacobs at rabbi@congregationbethisrael.org.