From a scripted future to uncharted territories. In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, the “first Syrian-Jewish woman rabbi”, a title which carries some complexities. Raised in Brooklyn in a traditional community, Dianne’s journey has been marked by persistence, self-determination, and a willingness to go off the predetermined path. She reflects on her childhood, her early moments of spiritual revelation, and the struggle for acceptance—within her family and her community—when she chose a rabbinic path. Now a leader at Kehilat Romemu and educator across multiple institutions, Dianne speaks candidly about motherhood, community, and finding hope amid despair. Read Rabbi Cohler Esses's articles: https://myjewishlearning.com/author/rabbi-dianne-cohler-esses/ Rabbi Cohler Esses's bio on the covenant foundation award recipient page: https://covenantfn.org/award-person/rabbi-dianne-cohler-esses/ Rabbi Ingber on Instagram https://instagram.com/rabbiingber 92NY Bronfman Center Events: https://www.92ny.org/whats-on/events/jewish-life-adults?hierarchicalMenu%5BEventMenu.lvl0%5D%5B0%5D=Jewish%20Interest&refinementList%5B10b_dd_AgeYears%5D%5B0%5D=adults Producer: Efrat Bigger Editor: Maya Gayer Video Editor: Sean Kennedy - ASL Productions Music By: Shimon Smith Special Thanks: Eden Sidney Foster. Your support helps us continue creating online content for our community. Donate now: http://www.92NY.org/Donate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/92ndStreetY Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/92ndStreetY TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@92ndstreety Archives: https://www.92ny.org/archives