Yanki Jacobs, at The Blogs

Sep 8, 2023, 12:16 AM

The choice between old and new melodies goes beyond notes and sounds

Synagogue Chabad Amsterdam South. Credit: www.chabadoncampus.nl

In the intricate world of Jewish law, the Halacha, two crucial principles are anchored: Minhag Hamakom and Minhag Avoteinu. These reflect, respectively, the local traditions and the customs of our ancestors. The former demands adaptation to the local environment,...

Aug 30, 2023, 1:57 PM

From Hippie in Amsterdam’s Vondelpark to Chassid in Paris

Vondelpark Amsterdam. Photo by Chabad on Campus NL

It was in Paris, two weeks ago, when I had a remarkable encounter with a man in Chassidic attire. He recognized my Dutch license plate and asked if I was familiar with the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. Curious about his...

Jul 27, 2023, 7:23 PM

Bridging the Divide

Growing up, I was raised with the notion that the religious would become more religious, and the secular would become more secular. Those were times of polarization, marked by an ongoing struggle between conservatism and liberal thinking. However, the world...

Jun 9, 2023, 11:15 AM

Featured Post

Unraveling the dual nature of Israel’s identity

The bus pulled up next to me, the driver opened his window and I got ready for the expletives he would surely rain down on me

About Me

Yanki Jacobs is an Amsterdam-based rabbi and the 11th generation of Dutch Jews. He offers spiritual guidance to individuals in the Netherlands University Campuses and 'Zuidas,' the financial district of Amsterdam South. In addition to his rabbinical duties, he conducts research and publishes works exploring a range of topics such as ethics, education, leadership, identity, and communal values. Alongside his wife, Esty, he leads the Dutch chapter of Chabad on Campus and Chabad of Amsterdam South.