Rabbi Barry Cohen became rabbi of Temple B’nai Israel in July of 2004, after having served as editor of the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix from 2001-2004. He had previously held the title of community editor for one year. From 1998-2000, he served as assistant rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in Scottsdale.
Cohen was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1992 with high distinction. He then entered Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He served student congregations in Seminole, Oklahoma; Beckley, West Virginia; Midland-Odessa, Texas; and Parkersburg, West Virginia. In addition, he trained as a hospital chaplain at the Veteran’s Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, in the summer of 1995. After the completion of his third year of studies, Cohen returned to Memphis to serve as the rabbinic intern at his home congregation, Temple Israel.
During his final year at HUC-JIR, he met his wife, Jennifer Cohen (then Jennifer Marwil). In 1998, he received his rabbinic ordination from the Cincinnati campus of HUC-JIR.
Cohen looks forward to working with every segment of the Temple B’nai Israel community and to ensuring that the temple’s doors remain open to everyone. He also welcomes the chance to build on Temple B’nai Israel’s legacy of interfaith work and religious advocacy.
On Dec. 7th, 2004, Jennifer gave birth to Gabriella Sydney and Ethan Charles. Barry and Jennifer look forward to their now family of four being part of the greater Oklahoma City Jewish community for years to come.
Rabbi Barry's Blog
Read Rabbi Cohen's perspective about the events that shape our community and our world in Rabbi Barry's Blog.
In addition to sharing his reflections, Rabbi Cohen encourages a virtual dialogue and looks forward to reading your response.
Rabbi's Reflections
My favorite Torah personality is Jacob. Why is this? Because he is a wrestler: He wrestles with his past – his indiscretions, selfishness, sins and immaturity; he wrestles with his future – who he will be and the unknown waiting for him; but he also wrestles with his God – the power that made him promises of protection and a safe return home.
Another reason I like Jacob: in wrestling, he was permanently injured. But some wounds we wear with pride, as daily reminders of what we accomplished and of how we have not been defeated.
