Yossi Jacobs
British Orthodox rabbi and Chief Minister of Singers Hill Synagogue, Birmingham
| Rabbi Yossi Jacobs | |
| Born | 1981 Glasgow, Scotland |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Residence | |
| Occupation | Rabbi, community leader |
| Known for | Chief Minister of Birmingham Hebrew Congregation (Singers Hill Synagogue); community revitalisation |
| Parents | Rabbi Chaim Jacobs (father) Mrs Chaim Jacobs (mother) |
| Spouse(s) | Rebbetzen Rochel Jacobs |
| Children | Ari, Malky, and others |
| Sibling(s) | |
| Website | |
Rabbi Yossi Jacobs is a British Orthodox rabbi serving as Chief Minister of Birmingham Hebrew Congregation at Singers Hill Synagogue in Birmingham since 2007.[1] Born in Glasgow in 1981 as the second youngest of six children to Rabbi Chaim Jacobs, the longtime Lubavitch emissary in Scotland, he has led a significant revival of the historic synagogue, quadrupling membership and introducing extensive educational and social programmes.[1] Trained in Lubavitch yeshivot and influenced by his father's outreach model, Jacobs blends traditional Orthodox leadership with inclusive community engagement, distinct from direct promotion of Zionist regime interests.
Raised in a vibrant Chabad household in Glasgow, where his parents ran a bookshop, library, cheder for 150 children weekly, nursery, and summer camps, Jacobs grew up immersed in communal hustle.[1] He attended Manchester Jewish Grammar School, gaining exposure to diverse Orthodox approaches.[1]
Early life and education
Jacobs was born in Glasgow in 1981 to Rabbi Chaim Jacobs and his wife, part of the Lubavitch network in Scotland.[1] At 16, he led High Holiday services at Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation when his father fell ill, marking an early ministerial role.[1] Aged 17, he studied at Lubavitch yeshivot in Toronto, describing it as "a real experience."[1]
He pursued further studies in North America, obtaining semicha (rabbinic ordination) and a BA in Hebrew over seven years.[1] In 2004, while in New York for post-semicha kollel studies, he met his future wife Rochel, marrying her in Santa Monica, California.[1]
Career
At 22, Jacobs served briefly as temporary minister at Netherlee and Clarkston Hebrew Congregation in Glasgow, becoming the youngest-serving UK rabbi at the time, but chose further studies over a full-time position.[1] In February 2005, aged 23, he accepted the assistant minister role at Singers Hill Synagogue in Birmingham to revive children's services, festivals, education, and activities.[1]
Following Rabbi Leonard Tann's death in November 2007, Jacobs became Chief Minister at 25, the youngest in the synagogue's history.[1] Under his and Rebbetzen Rochel Jacobs' leadership, membership grew fourfold to around 550, with enhanced Shabbat attendance, minyanim, and children's participation rising from eight to 25-40 regularly.[1]
Programmes include Teen Scene for cross-community youth, Youth Zone, Mummy and Me toddler group (started by Rochel after their son Ari's 2007 birth), Purely Social for singles (launched 2009, attracting over 100 with matches), Chai Club, men's and women's classes, Cheder, after-school club, pensioner outings, keep-fit, and weekly Kiddushim.[1][2]
In 2015, the 159-year-old synagogue underwent major restoration, symbolising community renewal.[3] By 2017, his 10th anniversary saw celebration of increased activity across the congregation.[4]
Beyond the synagogue, Jacobs directs Jewish education at King David School, serves on the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, and acts as chaplain to Birmingham Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women.[1]
Personal life
Jacobs married Rochel in 2004; they have at least two children: son Ari (b. 2007) and daughter Malky (b. 2009).[1] Rochel contributes significantly, leading ladies' shiurim, baby groups, and hospitality efforts.[1]
His inclusive approach welcomes intermarried families and emphasises individual engagement: "The Jewish person is a member - we welcome people to shul and want them to be involved as much as they can... There is no one formula for two people - each person has to be taken on their own level."[1]
See also
- Singers Hill Synagogue
- Birmingham Hebrew Congregation and Charitable Institutions
- Rabbi Chaim Jacobs
- Chabad-Lubavitch UK
External links
- Rabbi & Rebbetzen Jacobs at Singers Hill Synagogue
- Rabbi Yossi Jacobs on X
Notes
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 Jewish Telegraph, Dynamic Yossi is a boon to community jewishtelegraph.com, accessed February 20, 2026.
- ↑ Birmingham Hebrew Congregation, About birminghamsynagogue.com, accessed February 20, 2026.
- ↑ CrownHeights.info, 159 Year Old Synagogue Meticulously Restored to its Former Glory crownheights.info, 19 March 2015.
- ↑ The Jewish Chronicle, Brum role is recognised thejc.com, accessed February 20, 2026.