Rabbi Simeon Cohen celebrated as senior rabbi at Livingston’s Temple Beth Shalom
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Rabbi Simeon Cohen celebrated as senior rabbi at Livingston’s Temple Beth Shalom

June 12, 2025, 9:12 am Edit
On Sunday June 8, Rabbi Simeon Cohen, center, was escorted into the TBS sanctuary before he was installed as the temple’s rabbi. Holding the poles, from left, are his mother Lori Cohen, his father-in-law Dr. Michael Fein, his father Harlan Cohen, and his mother-in-law Beverly Fein.  (Jerry Siskind)
On Sunday June 8, Rabbi Simeon Cohen, center, was escorted into the TBS sanctuary before he was installed as the temple’s rabbi. Holding the poles, from left, are his mother Lori Cohen, his father-in-law Dr. Michael Fein, his father Harlan Cohen, and his mother-in-law Beverly Fein.  (Jerry Siskind)

Temple Beth Shalom installed Rabbi Simeon Cohen as its senior rabbi last weekend. Dr. Shuly Rubin Schwartz, chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary, was the guest speaker.

The son of Lori and Harlan Cohen of Hillsdale, he is a graduate of Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County in New Milford. His siblings are Rabbi Gabe Cohen, the assistant rabbi at Temple Emanu-El of Closter, and Sophia Kreitman, an associate at UJA-Federation of New York.

Rabbi Cohen has been at TBS since July 2017, when he joined the synagogue after his ordination; he also completed a master’s degree in Jewish education at JTS. He earned undergraduate degrees from the Joint Program between Columbia University and JTS, with a B.A. in philosophy from Columbia and a B.A. in Jewish thought from JTS.

Rabbi Cohen is known for his warmth, creativity, and approachability. He has developed dynamic and accessible programs that engage congregants of all ages, particularly families with young children. His sermons, pastoral care, and inclusive spirit have further enriched the congregation and deepened its sense of community.

Rabbi Cohen’s leadership extends far beyond the synagogue walls. As the president of the Interfaith Clergy Association in Livingston, he has emerged as a leading voice in the local community. In the wake of recent global events, he has spoken passionately on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people, fostering unity and understanding across religious and cultural lines.

Nationally, Rabbi Cohen contributes to the future of Conservative Judaism through his service on Chancellor Schwartz’s Rabbinic Cabinet. In 2023, he was named one of Representative Mikie Sherrill’s Heroes of the Year, and in 2024, he was honored by the Essex County Board of Commissioners for “embodying the spirit and pride of the Essex County Jewish community.”

Despite his many accolades, Rabbi Cohen’s greatest joy remains his family. He is married to Dr. Ariel Fein and they have two daughters, Amalya and Sivan. For more information, go to www.tbsnj.org or call (973) 992-3600.

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