Jessica Cohen - Young Pioneers Award Recipient 2022

Jessica Cohen is the Associate Director of Religious Education at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan. She has worked to create an afterschool program that focuses on social, emotional, and spiritual development for all children in the community. Jessica and the education team at CRS believe that Jewish values, rituals, and traditions can offer inspirational grounding for developing lifelong skills such as resiliency, responsibility, and curiosity. By exploring these values, Jessica hopes the children will develop a strong sense of self, create connections to the Jewish community and their own Jewish identity, and have the tools to build a meaningful, joy-filled life.

From the recipient: "Receiving this award is such an honor. Every day I strive to bring my best possible self to our program and make sure our children know that they are supported here. By being recognized for this award, it certainly feels like I’m reaching that goal. I am incredibly grateful."

Reflection from a colleague: "Jessica Cohen is a consummate professional whose passion for Jewish education and penchant for incorporating social emotional learning into our hands-on, interest based program is helping to change the culture of our Rodeph Sholom community. We are beyond proud of her accomplishments and are delighted that she is being honored as a Young Pioneers Award recipient." Kerith Braunfeld, Director of Religious Education and Youth, Congregation Rodeph Sholom

Photo by Shulamit Photo + Video