Welcoming Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Reform Movement, to Beth Israel

As president of our congregation, it is my honor and privilege to welcome to Beth Israel, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the new head of the Union for Reform Judaism!



We at Beth Israel feel a very special affinity with Rabbi Jacobs and his family because Rabbi Jacobs is the sister of our members Ami and Bill Minteer, and uncle of their three daughters -- Allyson, Rachelle and Sophie -- who grew up in our congregation.  We welcome all the Minteers, as well as Rabbi Jacobs’ mother, Sookie Jacobs, who came in from the Desert for this occasion, and the extended Jacobs family!

Lots of members of the Jacobs and Minteer
familes attended!

Rabbi Rick Jacobs was selected to head the Union for Reform Judaism because he is a Change Agent. He has called for urgent change in the movement. In a recent ordination address, Rabbi Jacobs charged the new rabbis:

“The Jewish community stands at a crossroads. The Jewish world that you are about to lead is awash in change and challenge…. This moment in Jewish history demands bold thinking and big ideas. It’s time to reinvent the architecture of Jewish life. It’s time to cast a broad net, to explore options rather than to rule things out.”

·   Rabbi Jacobs understands synagogues. He served Westchester Reform Temple as rabbi for 20 years

·    He is deeply committed to the State of Israel and to global social justice issues.

·    In his earlier congregation, in Brooklyn Heights, R. Jacobs founded the first synagogue-based homeless shelter in NYC.

·    He grew up in Tustin in a large suburban temple.

Let me tell you, Rabbi Jacobs, a little about us: Beth Israel is at a place of peace in the house, stability and engagement.

Emily Jennewein, Rabbi Jacobs,
Hillel Executive Director Michael
Rabkin and his daughter Jolene

·       We’re the largest and oldest synagogue in Southern California, concluding our 150^th anniversary.

·       A year in which we celebrated with large, inclusive events, and small, intimate, focused programs.

·       Many opportunities for our members to engage and re-engage in positive, pleasurable and meaningful ways, with other members of our congregation and with Beth Israel itself.

·       So, on that note of strength and optimism, stability, and peace in our house, we’re ready to start building our next 150 years together.



Ami Minteer and her brother,
Rabbi Rick Jacobs

So please join me in welcoming to Beth Israel Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism!



Marcie and Cantor Emeritus Shelly Merel and
Rabbi / Cantor Arlene Bernstein