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Telephone: 303-741-6686
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Rabbi Sandra Cohen lives and teaches in Denver. She served as assistant rabbi at Temple Emanuel, and then as rabbi at Temple Micah for several years, before leaving the congregational rabbinate due to disability. She has been on the faculty of CAJE's Florence Melton Adult Mini-School since it began in Denver, as well as teaching in a wide variety of other settings. Jewish learning and teaching are her passions.
I Never Saw Myself as Job
Suffering in the Jewish Tradition
Jewish Education,
Text & Thought
Whether you are struggling with pain in your life or are interested in a more academic approach, this session strives to speak to you: How does our tradition make meaning where there is suffering? Is there a reason people suffer? Together, we will study texts from both the Tanach and rabbinic sources (Talmud, Midrash, later commentary), in an effort to understand how Judaism grapples with anguish and how we might find meaning in spite of, or from the midst of, hardship and loss.
Euthanasia and End of Life Decisions
A Taste of Melton
Identity & Responsibility,
Jewish Education,
Text & Thought
Does Jewish law present a fixed view of whether "mercy killing" is permissible? We will study biblical and rabbinic texts, medieval commentaries, and contemporary sources to explore this controversial and compelling topic. Scholars from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem designed this curriculum for the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School Ethics course.
Instrumental Music on Shabbat in the Conservative Movement
A Panel Discussion of the Halachic and Cultural Issues
Sandra Cohen,
Saul Rosenthal,
David Cher
Arts & Performance,
Ritual & Prayer
Shul bands are enlivening Shabbat services in Conservative congregations all over the country. But this recent trend is controversial because Conservative Judaism considers itself a halachic movement, and its culture can be resistant to innovation. In this panel, we will examine the halachic and cultural arguments, both pro and con, including biblical and rabbinic texts and a recent draft responsum from the movement’s Rabbinical Assembly. As a case study of the cultural issues, we will consider the experience of Rodef Shalom, a Conservative congregation in Denver, Colorado, which now has a shul band that leads Shabbat services on a regular basis.
This panel discussion is Part 1 of a two-part presentation. Please join us for Part 2, during the Cabaret Limmud, when Shir Rodef, the musical ensemble of Congregation Rodef Shalom, will present a mini-demonstration of their Shabbat morning service, “Shabbat with a Backbeat”.
