Articles

Assistant Rabbi Candidate Weekend: Rabbi Deena Cowans
Beth Tzedec
Feb 17th 2020


Don't miss this weekend's Family Shabbat activities with Assistant Rabbi candidate Deena Cowans.

The primary function of the Assistant Rabbi will be to work closely with young families, teens and college and university students in our kehillah.

Please join us to get to know Rabbi Cowans at any of the exciting opportunities listed below. We would love to hear your feedback and impressions.

L'shalom,

Naomi Kramer and Sherri Storm
Co-Chairs of the Assistant Rabbi Hiring Committee

For more information about the role of Assistant Rabbi, click here>>


About Assistant Rabbi Candidate Deena Cowans

Deena Cowans wants to help create dynamic Conservative Jewish communities that welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to her studies at JTS, where she will receive rabbinic ordination and a Certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling in May 2020, Deena is the Family Programs Director at Congregation Ansche Chesed on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She is also completing her second 400-hour unit of chaplaincy training, working as a hospice chaplain in Manhattan.

Previously, she served as Director of Education at Camp Ramah in the Rockies, the Slifka Rabbinic Fellow at Cornell University and as a prison re-entry chaplain at the Exodus Transitional Community. Prior to enrolling at JTS, Deena received a Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University and a BA from Duke University. She has worked all over the world, including Uganda, Nepal, Israel and the United States. In her free time, she enjoys training for and running marathons, yoga, cooking and reading.



Friday, February 21 at 11:30 a.m.
Pre-Shabbat Music Class


Rabbi Deena Cowans will be popping into this Friday's Pre-Shabbat Music Class for babies up to 18 months and their caregiver. She will join us in welcoming Shabbat with a 45 minute music class featuring Shabbat songs and blessings, ẖallah, grape juice and lots of fun. Even if you aren't already registered, please feel free to try out the class with your little one. more info>>



Friday, February 21 at 5:15 p.m.
Monthly Family Kabbalat Shabbat Service & Dinner 


You don't have to be registered to join us for the craft at 5:15 p.m. and the 30 minute service at 5:45 p.m., preceding our Monthly Family Shabbat Dinner! Get to know Rabbi Deena Cowans during this lively Kabbalat Shabbat service and craft for young children.

If you're already registered for the Family Shabbat Dinner, be sure to introduce yourself and get to know our Associate Rabbi Candidate. more info>>



Shabbat morning, February 22 beginning at 8:45 a.m.
Shabbat Morning Services


To help her understand Beth Tzedec, Rabbi Deena Cowans will visit each of our Shabbat morning services, beginning with Shaharit in the Sanctuary Service at 8:45 a.m.

She will introduce this week's Torah portion to the Little Minyan at 10:15 a.m. and deliver a sermon in the Hendeles Chapel at 10:45 a.m. Rabbi Cowans will also visit the Mini Minyans and Junior Congregation programs so that she can get to know some of our youngest members.



Sunday morning, February 23 at 8:45 a.m.
Shaharit Service


Rabbi Deena Cowans will be leading the Sunday morning Shaharit Service in the Hendeles Chapel and doing a few minutes of teaching. Don't miss this opportunity to get to know Rabbi Cowans as a ritual leader and teacher.