Rabbis 2015

Ayelet S. Cohen

Rabbi Ayelet Cohen was the first non-LGBT rabbi I remember who chose to work at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, New York City’s LGBT synagogue, which added dignity and a certain normalcy to LGBT life at a time when neither were present. Now, she elevates the stature of the JCC with the speakers and issues she brings to programs, and inspires the Jewish world as co-chair of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. Her quiet, smart, questioning approach should be admired and imitated. And her strong stands for the rights of those who need it most are rare enough in this world as to deserve loud kudos!

— Ellen Lippman

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