Lee was born in Rockville Centre’s Mercy Hospital and initially grew up in Valley Stream. The Jacob family moved to Alexandria, Virginia, when Lee’s father, Stanley Jacob – who served as an army captain in WWII - was recalled to serve stateside during the Korean War. Lee’s brother, Andy, was born in Alexandria.
Eventually the Jacob family returned to Long Island, moving to North Valley Stream, where Lee attended Corona Avenue School and then Valley Stream North High School. Lee’s mother, Martha, was a homemaker and a dedicated volunteer for B’nai Brith and the Veterans Hospital in Northport. Lee grew up in Temple Am Echad’s legacy congregation, Temple Emanu-El, and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and confirmation and studied Hebrew under the guidance of Rabbi Saperstein. Lee 
spent many summers at Camp Algonquin in upstate New York as a camper as well as many other roles, including camp counselor. Lee also participated as a Boy Scout at Temple Emanu-El.
Upon graduation from high school, Lee attended Wagner College in Staten Island, first majoring in Public Health Administration. Eventually, Lee decided to change majors to Sociology/ Psychology. Upon graduation from Wagner College, Lee pursued a master’s degree and took post-graduate seminars at Hofstra University in Counselor Education. Lee has served with various federal government agencies, beginning with a tenure at the Social Security Administration and eventually transferring to Customs and Border Protection at JFK Airport. Lee completed his federal service in 2013 as a Senior Import Specialist leading a commodity team which specialized in jewelry, artwork and antiques, overseeing ongoing shipments of highly-valued merchandise for proper clearance into the United States commerce.
Upon retirement, Lee wanted to engage in volunteer activities. Farm life beckoned and Lee sought out a volunteer position at Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s in Malverne. Lee regularly volunteers at the farm and is their volunteer coordinator. He joined the continuing education program at the Molloy Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL) at Molloy University in Rockville Centre and became part of the curriculum committee to engage speakers on a variety of topics, many of whom have been referred to Temple Am Echad’s Adult Education Learning Center, Men’s Club and Women of Am Echad.
Lee was encouraged by Temple friends Edie Mandel and Ellen Tolle to become involved in the Temple Board of Trustees and Caring Community. With their wonderful encouragement, Lee is now serving on the Men’s Club Board, co-chairperson for the Jewish Film Series with Alane Rubel, co-chairing Adult Ed with Alane Rubel and Paul Kantrowitz, shopping each week for Shabbat Oneg and quarterly for Caring Community, co-chairing the Social Action Social Justice Committee with Vivian Blumstein and participating in the Temple Choir and most recently served on the Search Committee for a new rabbi. Lee says that volunteerism and socializing with new friends kicks in healthy endorphins, which have been proven scientifically to elevate a positive mental state and self-confidence. Ronnie and Marc Bendeth took notice of Lee’s involvement in all the arms of synagogue life and they, too, encouraged him…in the direction of the sanctuary and Shabbat services. Lee has, on occasion, led Shabbat services as well as presented Divrei Torah. Again, Lee extends warm thanks to Edie and Ellen for their gracious encouragement.
Lee has shared that he has had wonderful travel experiences throughout Europe including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Austria and beloved Israel. When not volunteering Lee has completed two marathons and numerous 5K races and half marathons. Currently Lee engages in regular power walks. Some other activities Lee enjoys are theatre, a variety of music including new country, movies, current event discussions, gardening, art appreciation and concerts. Lee also enjoys FaceTiming and Zooming with nieces Sarah and Susan, nephews Sam and Ben and Javy and grandniece and nephew Ava and Eli!
Lee has shared that his favorite quote is The best is yet to come, the best is yet to be! Yes, volunteerism has contributed to Lee’s optimism and he is thrilled to have been chosen as an honoree for the 2023 Temple Am Echad Journal Brunch.
Lee enjoys sharing that Temple Am Echad has been both a wonderful spiritual haven and educational source, as he navigates the trials and tribulations of the past years of Covid.