Jody Cohen

Jody Cohen is a pioneering American rabbi, born in 1954, who has made significant contributions to the field of Judaism. Her trailblazing career has been marked by several notable firsts, including becoming the first woman to serve as a rabbi for a Jewish congregation in Connecticut. This achievement paved the way for future generations of female rabbis in the state.

Cohen's rabbinical career has been distinguished by her innovative approach and commitment to community service. In 1984, she became the first female associate rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, where she also founded Noah's Ark, the first synagogue-run preschool daycare in North America. She later served as the solo rabbi at Temple Beth Hillel in South Windsor from 1989 to 1995, another historic first in her career. Through her work, Cohen has left a lasting impact on the Jewish community in Connecticut and beyond.