James Cohen
Occupation:
Director of Development at Keshet
Describe your career in one sentence:
After many years in the for-profit sector, I am honored to be able to help effect change in our Jewish community through inspiring philanthropy.
What is your favorite non-work activity?
Spending time with my boys, Jason (12), and Reggie (21).
What organizations are you involved with?
In Boston, I am the Co-chair of the Vaad Horim Parents Association at Jewish Community Day School. I also volunteer with Family Table at Jewish Family & Children’s Service, with Temple Beth Zion, with Boston Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth, as well as with the Boston Community Hevra Kadisha.
What inspires you to give back?
I am inspired by a vision of the world I want to leave my children—one in which there is more justice, more peace, and more opportunities for all people. I have been so blessed in my own life, with an amazing family, with wonderful friends, a terrific spiritual community, a meaningful relationship with HaShem, and the opportunity to learn from my mistakes and to grow. Now it is my turn to use all these blessings bestowed on me to create similar opportunities for others.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to continue to serve the community in whatever capacity I can, either here in Boston or in Israel.
Rabbi Suzie Jacobson
Occupation:
Rabbi, Education Director
Describe your career in one sentence:
I am passionate about ensuring that Jewish communities are inclusive and just, that our educational programs allow students to bring their whole selves, and that our prayer is meaningful, authentic, and full of immense joy.
What is your favorite non-work activity?
I love painting, writing poetry, singing, and spinning fire poi.
What organizations are you involved with?
I am proud to make my career and spiritual home at Temple Israel in Boston, an incredibly active, loving, justice-minded congregation. I'm also an active volunteer and supporter of Keshet, an organization that works for the full inclusion of LGBTQ Jews. I am proud to have Hebrew College as my rabbinic alma mater. I am deeply connected to the mission and vision of Hebrew College and have been shaped by their commitment to deep Jewish learning and pluralism.
What inspires you to give back?
I am deeply dedicated to making our world a better place. I think Judaism speaks powerfully to the issues of our day and I believe that it is my moral responsibility as a Jew to fight for a better world. I am an organizer, an activist, and a lover of peace, and I became a rabbi because I believe that Judaism teaches us to fight for justice.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be a rabbi in an amazing congregation that is dedicated to deep Jewish learning, that fights for justice, and enjoys spiritual experimentation.
Jonathan Soyt
Occupation:
Consultant
Describe your career in one sentence:
Improving the way businesses use information to make effective decisions.
What is your favorite non-work activity?
Hanging out with my Little Brother, of course!
What organizations are you involved with?
Jewish Big Brothers and Big Sisters
What inspires you to give back?
My memories as a Little Brother are full of joy and meaning. Inspiring the same feeling in someone else is the most important thing I can do.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to increase my involvement in the Jewish community as I continue to grow and develop. If I can give back half as much as my Big Brother has, I'll be proud.
Georgi Vogel Rosen
Occupation:
Attorney
Describe your career in one sentence:
A few years ago, I decided to pursue a second career in public interest law, and, having graduated law school in 2015, I'm now completing my second of two judicial clerkships--this one with the federal district court in Boston.
What is your favorite non-work activity?
Spending time with my dog, Ralph.
What organizations are you involved with?
I've been volunteering in some capacity with ReachOut!, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston's (JCRC) young adult community service program since it started six years ago, and I also am a member of JCRC's Board of Directors.
In addition, I'm a member of the Boston chapter of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom (SOSS), which I founded two years ago with the help of a CJP Venture Grant. SOSS's mission is to bring together Jewish and Muslim women of all ages and backgrounds for the purpose of building mutual trust and respect, dispelling stereotypes, and countering anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
What inspires you to give back?
I've always been inspired by a quote attributed to Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself in a law practice representing people who have suffered unlawful discrimination at work, in housing, and elsewhere.