Today we’d like to introduce you to Rabbi Julie Jacobs.
Hi Rabbi Julie , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was a child, I loved to sing. I also loved speaking with people and my parents told me I would often go up to strangers and start talking to them or singing to them. I always had a deep desire to help people, and it really didn’t matter how. Synagogue life became a refuge for me in my teen years. There, where I sang with the choir and connected with my clergy, I felt safe and comfortable. It wasn’t until I after college, where my focus was vocal performance, that I decided to go to the Jewish Theological Seminary for graduate school in order to combine my love for singing with my desire to help others. I began serving the Center for Jewish Life at Beth David as the cantor in 2005 and in 2014 I was asked by the board to serve as both Rabbi and Cantor. Fast forward to now, I lead our community in both strategic planning and spiritual direction.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe the road for me has been pretty smooth. With the support of my family and community, I try to see struggles as opportunities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There are so many things that fill my days. I would say, foremost I am a sound presence for others. Whether it be as a counselor, a singer, a teacher or a mentor. I am most proud of founding the Tikvah Center, our day school program for children on the Autism Spectrum. Also, I am proud that I have learned from teachings in Judaism to stay calm in the chaos and for being a good wife and mother. I am not sure what sets me apart from others. I would say, maybe, that I have an approachable disposition and I enjoy working with people of all ages. There aren’t many Rabbis in town who direct the school musicals.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There are many truths. We have to be open to understanding that not everyone or everything is how we see it. I learned also, from my children with Autism, that it is very important to be mindful of someone else’s story and not be quick to judge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centerbd.org
- Instagram: centerforjewishlifebd
- Facebook: Centerfor JewishLifeBD
