For more than 23 years, Rabbi Andrew Jacobs has been the heart and spiritual leader of Ramat Shalom Beth Israel. Through his vision, dedication, and compassionate guidance, the congregation has grown and flourished into the dynamic, inclusive, and deeply connected community it is today.
A gifted and passionate educator, Rabbi Andrew brings Judaism to life with depth, relevance, and warmth. His adult education classes engage learners with thoughtful insight and humor, while his conversations with children and teens are meaningful, curious, and age-appropriate—meeting each person where they are and inviting them into Jewish life. Whether teaching in the classroom or on the bimah, he weaves learning seamlessly into worship and holiday celebrations, deepening both understanding and spiritual experience.
Rabbi Andrew’s leadership extends well beyond the synagogue. He is deeply involved in interfaith and community partnerships throughout South Florida, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and civic responsibility. He has participated in numerous national fellowships and leadership initiatives focused on Jewish education, dialogue across difference, and communal resilience, and remains actively engaged in broader conversations shaping Jewish life today. He has served in senior leadership roles within the broader rabbinic and interfaith community, including as past president of the Broward Board of Rabbis and the Plantation Interfaith Association of Clergy, and as a member of the Miami Board of Rabbis and the Zionist Rabbinical Coalition.
Above all, Rabbi Andrew is a warm, approachable presence within the community. He listens deeply, celebrates wholeheartedly, and offers steady guidance and comfort during life’s most challenging moments. His relationships with congregants are rooted in care, trust, and genuine connection—qualities that make Ramat Shalom Beth Israel feel like home to so many.
Rabbi Andrew is a graduate of Vassar College and holds a Master of Arts in Jewish Art and Material Culture from the Jewish Theological Seminary, in consortium with Columbia University and the Jewish Museum. He received Rabbinic Ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where he also earned a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters. In addition to his congregational leadership, he serves on the board of Beit Kaplan: The Rabbinic Partnership for Jewish Peoplehood, an organization dedicated to strengthening Jewish peoplehood, values-based leadership, and a renewed Reconstructionist voice rooted in Zionism.
Rabbi Andrew is married to Rabbi Cheryl Jacobs, and together they are the proud parents of Abigail and Jonah.
Rabbi Cheryl is passionate about building meaningful connections and fostering a vibrant, welcoming Jewish community. She oversees Ramat Shalom Beth Israel’s educational programs, membership, and programming, always striving to create experiences that bring people closer to Judaism and to one another. Her leadership is rooted in deep compassion, inclusivity, and a commitment to lifelong Jewish learning.
She loves being on the bima with her fellow clergy, reading Torah, and delivering sermons that inspire and uplift. Rabbi Cheryl brings warmth, insight, and a sense of joy to every service and celebration. Dedicated to the broader community, she also serves as Chaplain for the Davie Police Department, offering spiritual guidance and support beyond the synagogue walls.
She sees the Ramat Shalom Beth Israel community as one big family and is deeply grateful for the love and support its members share. Her open-door philosophy and approachable leadership style make her a trusted presence for congregants of all ages.
Rabbi Cheryl is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges and holds master’s degrees from Yale University, Nova Southeastern University, and the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she also received her Rabbinical Ordination. She is a member of the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative Movement. She is married to Rabbi Andrew, and together they are the proud parents of Abigail and Jonah, and their dogs Caroline and Theodor.
Her voice will lift you higher, her compassion will touch your heart, and her creativity will inspire you. Our Cantorial Soloist and Director of Music and Culture, Jodi Rozental, is a true gem.
At just eight years old, Jodi connected to her Judaism through its soul-stirring music and her beloved cantor who became her mentor. By the time she was 14, she was leading worship services while her cantor was away each summer, for five consecutive years until leaving for college. That was the beginning of Jodi’s cantorial training and the beginning of a journey that led to her becoming a spiritual powerhouse.
After a meaningful 18 years with a congregation in Miami, Cantor Jodi feels so blessed and proud to be serving the unique and wonderful community that is Ramat Shalom Beth Israel. Along with creating diverse and uplifting musical programs, she is especially passionate about promoting healing through music and supporting those going through difficult times. To that end, Cantor Jodi spearheads the Ramat Cares program, delivering hand-knitted healing shawls, home-baked challahs and warm, comforting meals to congregants who need some love.
Cantor Jodi is a member of the Women Cantor’s Network and is a past board member. She lives in Plantation, Florida with her husband, Ruben, her dog Bella and her cat Jake. They are currently looking to grow their furry family.