Rabbi Hector Epelbaum

Rabbi Epelbaum began to hone the skills that he would need as a rabbi when he was growing up in Argentina where he was deeply involved in the Masorti/Conservative Youth Movement. He became a rabbi because he is totally committed to Jewish life and Jewish education. He explains, “Judaism is a constant inspiration in my life.”

After earning a Masters Degree in Psychology, Rabbi went on to conduct his rabbinical studies at Seminario Latinoamericano, Argentina; and Smicha Bet Hamidrash Lelimudei Lahadut, HaRav Shmuel Avidor Hachoen, Israel.

He has served in Conservative pulpits for over 18 years in Argentina, Israel and the United States. This experience has formed his belief that congregations are organizations of people dealing with religion, rather than religious organizations dealing with people.

He is passionate about working with youth, families and the elderly, leading our congregation with activities that help us to realize ourselves individually and as a community of spiritual, feeling Jews.

In addition to leading services, caring for our members’ needs and helping us to celebrate our simchas, Rabbi teaches in the Melton program, conducts weekly conversion and adult education classes and serves as one of six members of the Faith-Based Advisory Council for Mayor of Miami Manny Diaz.

rabbi@bethdavidmiami.org
305 854 3911 ext. 206

Cantor Julie Jacobs

Cantor Jacobs has been singing since she was a young girl when she was the only child in her shul’s High Holy Days choir. In college she decided to become a hazzan when she realized that she wanted to use music to provide people with a personal sense of powerful relationship between music and faith.

Cantor obtained a Bachelor of Music in Vocal performance from Indiana University School of Music and a Master of Sacred Music, Diploma of Hazzan from the Miller Cantorial School at J.T.S. Her first pulpit was in Brooklyn where she served for six years conducting memorial services at Ground Zero and a U.N. Model Seder.

Cantor Jacobs uses music to educate, unify, soothe and delight. She has created and directed concerts, often performing music that she has composed, co-founded the Miami Jewish Chorale, revitalized Beth David’s Youth Choir and created Shabbat pasion for which a CD has been released. Her compositions have been presented at the Cantors’ Assembly Conventions and the National Jewish Chorale Festival.

She also leads services and choirs, performs lifecycle events and teaches adult education classes and gives music and t’filah instruction to the Religious School, Day School, ECC and B’nai Mitzvah students.

cantor@bethdavidmiami.org
305 854 3911 ext. 204