CREATIVITY, INCLUSIVENESS, CELEBRATION

"Religious creativity and intellectual curiosity -- by blending these twin commitments in response to the great challenges of our heritage, we not only grow as individuals; we also inspire the next generation of Jews to make their religion a vibrant, living Judaism."


These words illustrate the dynamic approach to Judaism taken by Rabbi James Cohn since his ordination by the Reform Rabbinical Seminary, Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, in 1978.

Rabbi Cohn began serving Temple Israel in 2009, bringing with him over three decades of experience serving Reform pulpits in the Southeast.

Rabbi Cohn enjoys presenting workshops and seminars on Jewish beliefs and practices; conducting Institutes on Judaism for Jews, prospective Jews, and non-Jews; developing programs for intermarried families; officiating at life-cycle events; and joining with others in creative Jewish thought and dialogue.

He is an active leader in areas of interfaith relations, social justice, and community visioning.  He is a graduate of the Diversity Leadership Academy and offers diversity training programs for congregations, schools, businesses and communities.

A special area of Rabbi Cohn's academic interest is the multidisciplinary interface of religion, philosophy, psychology and medicine.

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Rabbi James Cohn

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Photo by N. David Stern
A Message from the Rabbi

This community offers a wonderful opportunity to blend so many things: the deep roots of Jewish heritage, a historic commitment to its pluralistic and inclusive interpretation, a wider Jewish and non-Jewish community that cherishes religion and the interplay of religious organizations, a host of social, civic, and academic resources, -- and most of all, the generosity of spirit that makes this congregation so warm and welcoming.

It’s deeply gratifying to lend my abilities and energies to nourish the spiritual, educational, and social aspects of my congregants’ lives, and to help meet the communal needs in this region as a full and active participant. I’m confident that these bonds of friendship and affection will be mutually nurturing, and also enduring.  How wonderful to be part of this congregational family.

 Jim Cohn, Rabbi