Rabbi Cohen’s Writings

Dear Friends, The national conversation around immigration has grown increasingly painful. In recent weeks, enforcement actions and public rhetoric have left many people frightened, angry, and deeply divided. Some are focused on the rule of law and the responsibility of government. Others are drawn to the human cost. [...]

Dear Friends, I’m headed to Israel this weekend to be part of two very different experiences that are, in many ways, deeply connected. Early next week, I’ll be in Jerusalem with a small group of rabbis participating in an independent initiative begun by my colleague, Rabbi Jeremy Barras. [...]

Dear Friends, Raina and I have been doing some traveling. Earlier this week our ship docked in St. Kitts. We could have stayed onboard and enjoyed the quiet of the port day once most other passengers had gone ashore. We could have found a beach, soaked up the [...]

Dear Friends, I recently came across a Hasidic story that feels especially appropriate as we begin 2026. A man came to his rabbi in great distress. “Rabbi,” he said, “my life feels scattered. I keep resolving to change, to be better, to live with more intention, but year [...]