Robin Hodes Jacobs Scholarship is launched

NEW JERSEY PERFORMING Arts Center’s (NJPAC) Department of Arts Education and the Jacobs family of West Orange announce the institution of the Robin Hodes Jacobs Scholarship, an annual award for students in the Greater Newark area.

The scholarship was founded in tribute to the late Robin Hodes Jacobs and commemorates her life-long love of music and arts in education. Support would be provided on a need basis for recipients participating in NJPAC programs, such as instrumental studies for teens ages 13-18, enhanced training sessions, or summer intensives. 

An accomplished pianist and choral singer, Robin Hodes Jacobs began her career in special education, teaching deaf children at Newark’s Bruce Street School. She worked for many years as a certified public accountant in New York and New Jersey and frequently volunteered her skills as a math tutor.

Her commitment to the community included membership at Congregation Beth El in South Orange and Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston; she sang in the congregational choirs. Jacobs, who died in 2018, is survived by her husband of 40 years, Roger, and their children, Rachel and Joshua.

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“She would be pleased that children could learn to appreciate music as she did,” said Roger Jacobs. “For me, there was nothing better than coming home and hearing her play show tunes, like Gershwin, on the piano in the living room.”

Those who wish to make a contribution in support of the Robin Hodes Jacobs Scholarship Fund can call 973-353-7566.