“Judaism is a wonderful gift, and while its traditions are rich and varied, its message is really quite simple: Treat each other and the world around you with justice and compassion. When you do, you’ll be a partner with God, and your life will take on a new sense of meaning and purpose. I feel blessed to be a part of a community that holds these values dear and puts them into action.”

Rabbi Cohen was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York, where he received awards for academic distinction, sermon quality, and service to small congregations.

An honors graduate of Brandeis University, he also holds a masters degree in education from Stanford University. Before coming to congregation Sinai in 1996, Rabbi Cohen served as associate rabbi of Congregation Beth Am in Palo Alto, California. Prior to entering rabbinical school, Rabbi Cohen coordinated youth programs for the reform movement in Jerusalem.

A gifted teacher, storyteller, and musician, Rabbi Cohen is also blessed with warmth, intelligence, and a sense of humor. These traits serve to enrich his leadership at Sinai and in the Jewish community.

“I was attracted to Congregation Sinai by its warm, inclusive community. Once here I found a group of Jews who were, as individuals and groups, searching for a sense of life’s meaning and purpose and doing so through the language, culture, theology and ethics of Judaism. I hope you, too, will find such a spiritual and communal home at Sinai!”