Rabbi Nadav Caine

I had long planned to give a major sermon myself on depression and mental illness, when two unconnected people coincidentally recommended I invite Rabbi Cohen to Ann Arbor to speak on the topic.  I’m so glad I did!  The effect of having a brilliant sermon not  (as I would have) “about” those suffering from depression but instead coming from inside the core of it was dramatically affecting.  There was a line of people waiting for Rabbi Cohen following her presentation.  Each one was asking if it would be alright if they contacted her directly to speak with her about something they or a family member are struggling with.  She was sharing her contact information, touching their hearts with her words of comfort, experience, and hope.  Though I am close with each of them, I know in my heart they would not have approached me.  She is a treasure, and her words a gift.

Rabbi Nadav Caine Beth Israel Congregation Ann Arbor, MI

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.