Rabbi Jordan D. Cohen

Jordan D. Cohen is the rabbi of Temple Anshe Sholom in Hamilton, Ontario. Previously, he worked as Associate Director of KOLEL - The Adult Centre for Liberal Jewish Learning in Toronto, Canada. Prior to his return to Canada, Rabbi Cohen served as Rabbi of the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong, and Associate Rabbi of the North Shore Temple Emanuel in Sydney, Australia.


Articles by Rabbi Jordan D. Cohen

Words Of Admonition

Moses at the end of his life rebukes the Israelites, who are receptive to his criticisms.

Holy Words

The laws of vows and the rabbinic cautions against making them teach the holiness and power of the spoken word.

Highest Standards

Because of his position of leadership, Moses is judged extremely harshly when he sins.

Graced With Food

By blessing after we eat, we elevate the act of eating by connecting with God.

The Search for Moses’ Successor

In identifying Moses' successor, God emphasizes that inspiration, not passion or popularity, makes a successful leader.

Caring For Dead Loved Ones

Despite their focus on life, priests are permitted to attend to their closest relatives in death.

Sensitivity To Speech

Rabbinic interpreters regarded leprosy as punishment for the sin of careless speech.

Clothes Make The Person

The emphasis on the priestly clothes teaches us the importance of bringing honor and splendor to God and the commandments.

Give And Take

The fundraising campaign to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) teaches us that in true Tzedakah, the giver benefits as much as the taker.

The Evolving Name Of God

The divine name that God tells Moses at the burning bush expresses the different and evolving relationship that God has with every individual.