Professional Staff

RABBI JACOB BENZAQUEN

Allow me to introduce myself. I was born in England, and come from a long line of Spanish, Sephardic congregational rabbis. I am proud and honored to be able to continue their good work on behalf of all the Jewish people for more than three generations.  The inspiration for joining the rabbinate I enthusiastically attribute to my grandfather Hakham Jacob Benzaquen z’l’, who shared with me a beautiful, loving relationship with Judaism and God.

          Because I grew up traditionally Orthodox, I attended the Kol Yaakov Torah Center and received a First Degree in Talmudic Law and then Semiha Yoreh Yoreh,Y’Yadin, the Orthodox Ordination and for this I was fortunate enough to enroll on full scholarships at Yeshiva University.  I continued advanced studies at the graduate level at New York University and then completed postgraduate study with an M.A. in Rabbinic Studies and Conservative Ordination at the University of Judaism’s Zeigler Rabbinical School in Los Angeles. I have had wonderful experiences as Talmud Tutor to Rabbinic students in the University Bet Midrash and as a visiting lecturer and adjunct professor at three universities.

           My good fortune continued in many ways as the recipient of the Bronx’s JCC 2000 Rabbinic Achievement Award, but the excitement of children and adults as we explore Judaism together is what I cherish most.  I am honored to join you at this wonderful, storied congregation Temple Beth Tikvah and am looking forward to sharing an exciting, dynamic journey together.

Libraha, with warm blessing,

Jacob Benzaquen

Note:  If you would like to talk or share with me directly please feel free to contact me: at rabbijacob@templebethtikvah.net or at the Temple 561-967-3600, I’d love to hear from you.

Baal Koreh
Sam Hartman

Rabbi Emeritus
Howard M. Shub

Rabbi Emeritus
Richard K. Rocklin

Cantor Emeritus (zikhrono livrakha)
Abraham Mehler