Introducing Doris Jacobson, Open Tent Project Coordinator

I am extremely excited to be working with you as your Open Tent Project Coordinator.

In Judaism, the concept of the “Open Tent” dates back to Abraham. Legend says that Abraham’s tent had four openings so that he could welcome people from all directions. In defining “Open Tent” these words come to mind – welcoming, engagement, outreach, inclusion, diversity, community, relationships,  connection to Jewish life.

Thank you for welcoming me to Temple Beth El. I look forward to getting to know each of you.

A bit about me. I grew up on the south side of Chicago. In 1970, we joined Temple Beth Emet in Anaheim (where your Cantor grew up!) and raised our family there. I have served as the vice president of Membership and Ways and Means, as a member of the Strategic Planning committee, and as the synagogue’s President.

In 1982, I began working at the Long Beach JCC as Director of Adult Programming. I also worked at the Long Beach Jewish Federation where I directed the capital campaign for the Jewish Community Campus. I have served as a synagogue executive director and as the development director at the Tarbut V’Torah Jewish Day School in Irvine. Working at the Orange County Jewish Federation for the last fifteen years, I developed and staffed the men’s program known as the Solomon Society.

I have three children and four beautiful grandchildren, two of whom will have their Bat Mitzvot in 2020, at Temple Menorah and Temple Beth Shalom in Napa. We will celebrate with a family trip to Israel this summer!

I am honored and privileged to combine my love for Judaism and our traditions with my life’s work. I can be reached at opentent@bethelsp.org and I look forward to our partnership, your ideas and our conversations!