Detours & Destinations

Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses – From a Scripted Future to Uncharted Territories

Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, the “first Syrian-Jewish woman rabbi”, a title which carries some complexities. Raised in Brooklyn in a traditional community, Dianne’s journey has been marked by persistence, self-determination, and a willingness to go off the predetermined path. She reflects on her childhood, her early moments of spiritual revelation, and the struggle for acceptance—within her family and her community—when she chose a rabbinic path. Now a leader at Kehilat Romemu and educator across multiple institutions, Dianne speaks candidly about motherhood, community, and finding hope amid despair.

Episode Notes

In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, the “first Syrian-Jewish woman rabbi”, a title which carries some complexities. Raised in Brooklyn in a traditional community, Dianne’s journey has been marked by persistence, self-determination, and a willingness to go off the predetermined path. She reflects on her childhood, her early moments of spiritual revelation, and the struggle for acceptance—within her family and her community—when she chose a rabbinic path. Now a leader at Kehilat Romemu and educator across multiple institutions, Dianne speaks candidly about motherhood, community, and finding hope amid despair.

 

Read Rabbi Cohler Esses's articles https://www.myjewishlearning.com/author/rabbi-dianne-cohler-esses/

Rabbi Cohler Esses's bio as the covenant foundation award recipient https://covenantfn.org/award-person/rabbi-dianne-cohler-esses/

Rabbi Ingber on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rabbiingber

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