Jacobs-Jaffa Jewish Heritage Tour: A New Program Celebrating a Deep-Rooted History

(From left to right: Donald Jacobs, Ivan Cooper, Rabbi Asher Knight, Joni Cohen, Alicia Cooper, Jessie Cohen, Micah Cooper, Susan Jacobs, Roz Cooper, Florence Jaffa, Rabbi Judy Schindler, Jessie Sachs, Robbie Sachs, Patty Torcellini)

Charlotte Jewish News August 2021

On Sunday, June 27, Jewish Studies at Queens University celebrated the naming of the Jacobs-Jaffa Jewish Heritage Tour. Donald Jacobs and Florence Jaffa sponsored a two-year pilot program that will enable Charlotteans of all faiths and backgrounds to learn about the Charlotte Jewish community’s rich 238-year history of being civically and philanthropically engaged, interfaith minded, and religiously and culturally proud.

“Establishing great programs takes a stellar vision partnered with the commitment of capable leaders and generous donors. This program has it all. Susan Jacob’s and Roz Cooper’s vision and leadership coupled with Donald and Florence’s gift are creating the strong roots that will ensure this program’s solid growth. The Jacobs-Jaffa Jewish Heritage Tour contributes to Charlotte’s cultural offerings and expands appreciation for the valuable role the Charlotte Jewish community has played for more than two centuries.” Rabbi Judy Schindler

“I am so honored that my mother, Florence Jaffa, and husband, Donald Jacobs surprised me by sponsoring the Jewish Heritage tours that have been a labor of love for me. I am grateful to Judy Schindler and Roz Cooper for their partnership and camaraderie. I’m so proud of my family history in Charlotte and celebrate that we are now five generations. There is such a rich and powerful history of Jewish Charlotte. I hope we can share it through many Jacobs-Jaffa Jewish Heritage tours in the future.” Susan Jacobs