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

92NY Bronfman Center Events

Producer: Efrat Bigger

Editor: Maya Gayer 

Music by: Shimon Smith

Special Thanks: Eden Sidney Foster