About

Rabbi Jacobs Updates! About Family Purity Israel Behind Bars The Blech Book

Growing Up

Philip, aka Flippy, Jacobs was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Harold and Rita Jacobs, second-generation Americans of Russian descent. He has a younger brother, Eric, who lives in Vermont and has the greatest real estate to offer there! And, an older sister, Dr. Elizabeth Jacobs-Pinson, a clinical psychologist, who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Jacobs grew up in Vermont, completing his B.A. at the University of Vermont in 1979. While in high school he earned a black belt in karate, going on in college to win many regional competitions. At that time, he met the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, and, upon graduation, went to Israel to study in a rabbinical school. He is married to Miriam, a high school & seminary teacher, they have seven children.

Education - Awards

2006 - Eighth Degree Black Belt Master Instructor, San Jose CA
1996 - Rabbinical Attorney Certification: Machon Ariel, Israel
1995 - Ph.D. (equiv.) Dept. of Religion, Israel
1995 - Master of Higher Torah Studies, Head Rabbinate, Israel
1991 - Israeli Army Officer's Course
1986 - Ordination: Head Rabbinate, Israel
1983 - Rabbinical Ordination, Chabad-Lubavitch, U.S.A.
1979 - B.A. University of Vermont, U.S.A.
1976 - YMCA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Black Belt Karate title
1976 - Private Pilot's Licence, U.S.A.
1974 - Black Belt Korean Karate, Int. Tang Soo Do Assoc.
1973 - American Legion Vermont Boys' State Governor

Left, undated (around 1960) with father in Brooklyn, N.Y.

After 26 years of no contact whatsoever with his instructor,

Dr. Kim, Rabbi Jacobs was invited to San Jose, CA,

to observe a fifth degree black belt master testing.

In a surprise move, he was 'ordered' to put on his uniform for an unexpected testing.

Honoring his achievements in Torah, writings, and outreach work,

Jacobs was awarded an eighth degree black belt master certificate.

(Click on picture to enlarge.)