Our Rabbi

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770-403-3664

“My sacred task as a rabbi is to highlight Judaism’s relevance; to create opportunities for learning, understanding, and joy; and to help foster a world that values equality, dignity, and respect,” Rabbi Cohn shared.

Rabbi Cohn’s experience spans an array of Jewish settings—religious schools, day schools, preschools, camps, and pulpits. She has served diverse communities in Dallas, Los Angeles, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Atlanta. From 2018-2025, she served as the spiritual leader of Temple Beth El in Anniston, Alabama.

“Being the rabbi of a small, historic, Southern synagogue gave me deep insight into the unique responsibilities and opportunities that come with serving a close-knit community,” she said. “I am excited to lead Beth Israel Congregation—helping to grow our membership, enrich our children’s religious education, and strengthen our synagogue’s partnership with the greater Florence community.”

A native of Dallas, Texas, Rabbi Cohn earned her Bachelor of Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. She holds two master’s degrees from Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), in Hebrew Letters and Jewish Education, and was ordained as a rabbi at HUC-JIR Cincinnati in 2000. She was awarded the title of Reform Jewish Educator (RJE) and received an honorary Doctorate in Jewish Religious Education from HUC-JIR in 2023.

Rabbi Cohn is also a published author, most recently featured in the Reform Jewish Quarterly, where her article, Seasons of Love, Grief, and Healing: Sacred Moments of Pastoral Care in the Jewish Preschool, offered profound insight into the emotional and spiritual dynamics of Jewish early childhood education.

“We are all in this life together. The ups and downs, the joy and sadness, the ordinary and the extraordinary. We are all created in the image of God, and every day I strive to teach this, live this, and embody this.”

Rabbi Cohn is married to Matt Ruggles. They have two grown children, Micah and Tali, and two beloved dogs, Otis and Ollie. In her free time, she enjoys reading, collecting whimsical erasers, and sitting outside.