A Visionary Leader in the Heart of Miami's Jewish Community
Rabbi Julie Jacobs is embarking on her 20th year of service at The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David, where she currently serves as Senior Rabbi and Cantor. Her tenure has been marked by a unique blend of deep-rooted Jewish tradition and a modern, dynamic approach to faith and spirituality, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive community.
Rabbi Jacobs's visionary leadership has been pivotal in the community's growth. She conceived the idea of the Center for Jewish Life at Beth David and she now expertly oversees the Center's strategic direction and development, ensuring it remains a beacon of Jewish life and learning.
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Her commitment to Tikkun Olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world, is evident in her impactful initiatives. Rabbi Jacobs was instrumental in establishing the Tikvah Center at the Gordon School, Miami's first Jewish day school program for children on the autism spectrum. Her dedication extends to having served on the Miami Board of Autism Speaks, raising over $100,000 for the nonprofit in the past decade, and contributing her expertise to the Ethics Committee of the Cantors Assembly.
Rabbi Jacobs's academic achievements include a Bachelor's degree in Music in Vocal Performance from the Indiana University School of Music, a Diploma of Hazzan and Master of Sacred Music from the Jewish Theological Seminary, a certificate of Hazzan-Minister from the Cantors Assembly and her Rabbinical Smicha from the Jewish Spiritual Leader's Institute. Recently, she completed a clergy fellowship with Join For Justice, and will soon serve as Secretary to the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami.
Known for her compassionate and approachable nature, Rabbi Jacobs has officiated countless lifecycle events, including weddings and b'nai mitzvah, creating lasting bonds with families and individuals. Her personal touch and genuine care make her a beloved figure within the community.
In her spare time, Rabbi Jacobs cherishes moments with her family. Her husband, Orin, and children, Zev, Reya, Eitan, and Caleb, are all actively involved with the Center and the broader Jewish community.
Rabbi Jacobs looks forward to many more years of serving and leading The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David, continually being enriched by the lives of those around her.
If you want to make the world better, start by changing the world, not the people who live in it. Let's not cure autism. Let's cure the conditions of our environments that make it hard for people to thrive — wherever they are on the spectrum. And let's do it with love.
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I had been anticipating my daughter's college graduation for months. Like many parents, I imagined the day as a culmination of her hard work, perseverance, and growth. It was supposed to be filled with pride, joy, and kvelling. And it was. Until it wasn't.
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Our vision is for anyone who comes to the Center to feel they belong — whether they were born Jewish, chose Judaism, or neither. Your support keeps us going. We hope you'll join us in nurturing a community where all of us can thrive.
Center for Jewish Life at Beth David
2625 SW 3rd Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
305-854-3911
EIN: 59-0637812
