This message was sent to the congregation from Senior Rabbi Ben Spratt and Senior Cantor Shayna De Lowe on October 15, 2025.
Dear Congregation Rodeph Sholom,
Social action and social justice have always been at the heart of Congregation Rodeph Sholom. Our tradition teaches Kol yisrael arevim zeh ba’zeh—All of Israel are responsible, one for the other (Talmud Shevuot 39a), and v’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha—Love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18). At a time when the world feels more fractured than ever, we are proud to deepen our commitment to these values in a bold new way.
For the first time in our synagogue’s history, we have created a full-time staff position dedicated solely to advancing pathways to both knitting together our congregation in responsibility and elevating justice and care in our wider world. This decision reflects a core belief in communal responsibility, the ethic that we are all bound to one another and therefore responsible for each other.
We are thrilled to welcome Ross Cohen as our first-ever Communal Responsibility Manager.
Ross brings a wealth of experience in building inclusive Jewish programs across the country. Raised in Colorado, his journey has taken him from campus engagement and summer camp leadership to synagogue programming in Los Angeles. Ross brings creativity, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to tikkun olam—the Jewish imperative to heal our world.
Join us at this week’s Erev Shabbat service this Friday, October 17, to welcome Ross and learn about ways to get involved.
Ross is excited to bring his passion and vision to our community, helping us transform our values into meaningful action—within our walls and far beyond them.
Want to get involved in volunteering at CRS? Contact Ross at rcohen@crsnyc.org.
Warmly,
Rabbi Ben Spratt
Senior Rabbi
Cantor Shayna De Lowe
Senior Cantor
