Claudia DePrenger, Michael Levin

 We have learned from Rabbi Sandra Cohen for nearly a quarter century in her roles as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Emanuel, Denver, instructor for the Denver Institute for Jewish Studies (DIJS), teacher for the Melton Adult Mini School, facilitator for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Denver and a teacher of Talmud again at Congregation Emanuel, Denver.

Most recently in the fall of 2019 she has been guiding a mixed-background OLLI group through B’Midbar using Michael Carasik’s Commentators’ Bible.

We are impressed with the depth of knowledge she brings to an individual or a group at a level they can understand.  Those of other faith traditions have told us they appreciate the clarity and insight she brings to topics both familiar and new to them.  Like Abraham, she is open and welcoming to all.

We have heard her moving and inspiring speech about her own mental health issues, thus decreasing the stigma of getting mental health care and encouraging the community to reach out to those who need help.

We regularly seek out opportunities to study with Rabbi Cohen.

Claudia DePrenger
Michael Levin, former President of DIJS

Published by Rabbi Sandra Cohen

I am a rabbi working in mental health outreach in the Jewish community both locally (in Denver, CO) and nationally. I use traditional Jewish values(middot/מידות) as a model for reaching out to those with mental health issues and their families. Those values, including compassion and respect, guide and inspire me. I am a determined advocate for those with mental illness and their families. My goal is to support and educate spiritual communities, encouraging them to be more welcoming to the mentally ill. I also teach in a variety of settings in both the Jewish and larger Denver communities. I love rabbinic text, especially Talmud, and that love is reflected in both my teaching and my personal learning (I learn Daf Yomi/a page of Talmud a day, as well as learning Talmud with three separate hevruta/partners each week.) I also offer pastoral care. I am available as a scholar-in-residence nation-wide, with a variety of programs and a flexible pay scale.