Binyamin Cohen

Binyamin was born to teach. As the Director of Jewish Life and a Jewish studies teacher at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School, he spends his days nurturing and guiding Jewish teens. He believes in presenting his students a nuanced view of Judaism so they can choose how to lead a Jewish life that suits them. 

With an Honors Bachelor of History of Jewish Education from York University and a Masters of Jewish Education from Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies/Hebrew College, Binyamin teaches many facets of Jewish studies--from Torah to prayer to Israel history.  In his own words, he believes in guiding students to find a Jewish life that is "broad, rich, and personal."  

Binyamin is an active member of Lakeview's Jewish community, whether he is attending Shabbat and holiday services at Anshe Sholom Bnai Israel or partaking in Trad Egal Shteibel, a prayer space, at Base LNCLN.   

Binyamin believes that Jewish learning never stops. He's not only a teacher but a student too-participating in daf yomi, a daily practice of Torah learning, which he happily reports led him to meet his new wife! 

AGE:
33

PRONOUNS:
he/him/his

PRIMARY GIG:
Director of Jewish Life at Rochelle Zell Jewish High School

ON THE SIDE:
Frequent chazzan; daf yomi chevruta; cook; Lego enthusiast

SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME:
I'm a big Canadian Football League fan. Did you know there's *Canadian* football? I also hold UK citizenship.

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Rabbi David Wolkenfeld, who led my community with passion, thoughtfulness, and openness. I have been inspired by his commitment to tradition, while at the same time being adamant about inclusivity, and being actively involved in and a meaningful part of the world around us. During Covid, Rabbi Wolkenfeld was deeply concerned both with the safety and health of our community members, while also working to ensure the integrity of our community was not compromised. Personally, he has been an important teacher and mentor for me and has encouraged me to pursue thoughtful and nuanced Jewish learning and seek out a rich Jewish life.

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
Put effort into the things you do and learn from what goes wrong. Figure out what you're good at, believe in yourself that you're good at those things, but also don't take those skills and abilities for granted.

IF TIME AND MONEY WERE LIMITLESS, I WOULD:
Buy a plot of land in Iceland and become a sheep farmer with an incredible library and several large dogs.