Susan Cohen
Biography
Susan Cohen, born Deaf to hearing parents, grew up in a Jewish area of Brooklyn, New York. Her lack of access to Jewish education inspired her lifelong advocacy for communication access in the Jewish community. In Maryland, she co-founded her synagogue’s Deaf Access Committee and Interpreter Fund, fostering inclusivity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing members. Active in Jewish and Deaf organizations, she has served on several committees. As JDRC president since 2021, Susan has advanced access through education and advocacy, partnering with Jewish organizations nationwide. She and her husband, Jeff are proud parents of two married daughters, grandparents to four, including a granddog.
Naomi Brunnlehrman
Biography
Naomi Brunnlehrman co-founded the Jewish Deaf Resource Center (JDRC) in 1996 to build bridges between Deaf and hearing communities, ensuring access and inclusivity across the Jewish community. Known as a “Chazan of the Deaf,” she interprets Jewish liturgy directly from Hebrew to ASL, breaking barriers for Deaf individuals in spiritual practices. Naomi mentors interpreters and collaborates closely with the Deaf community to share her expertise. She also serves as Division Director for Education and Advocacy at Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, promoting education and empowerment. Naomi resides in Westchester, NY, with her husband, Steve, and is the proud mother of two adult sons.
Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe
Biography
Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe, the first female Deaf rabbi, is the spiritual leader at Moses Montefiore Congregation in Bloomington, IL. Ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, she has served synagogues across the U.S. Dubowe co-founded the McLean County Interfaith Alliance and is active in Not In Our Town, promoting inclusive communities. A celebrated author and speaker, she advocates for Deaf inclusion and teaches Introduction to Judaism in American Sign Language. Rabbi Dubowe’s passion for theology and community engagement has earned her several honorary doctorates. Dedicated to fostering accessibility, she bridges the gap between Jewish and Deaf communities through her visionary leadership.
EJ Cohen
Biography
EJ Cohen is an ASL interpreter with over 40 years of experience, combining her love of Judaism and music with sign language. Known for interpreting at Debbie Friedman’s (z”l) events, she’s also taught Sunday school for 55+ years and guided Deaf children through their B’nai Mitzvah. EJ holds masters degrees in Jewish Education and Deaf Education and has led religious schools and music programs in Connecticut, New Hampshire and the United Kingdom. A certified interpreter, she’s active in the UK’s Jewish Deaf Association and conversant in BSL. A passionate JDRC supporter, EJ resides in Concord, NH, with her cat, Butch CATsidy.
Amanda Richter
Biography
Born and raised in NY, Amanda Richter grew up in a Reform Jewish home. Hebrew School and Jewish education were a formative part of her upbringing.
Amanda is a nationally certified ASL Interpreter. She’s also served on several professional boards and committees that focus on providing continuing education to interpreters and improving accessibility for Deaf Communities. She enjoys giving back by providing mentorship to aspiring interpreters.
She also brings non-profit experience to her role at JDRC. Most recently, Amanda has worked with organizations serving Deaf survivors of crime to improve accessibility in their services, locate interpreting resources, and write language access plans specific to Deaf survivors.
Amanda is passionate about interpreting, allyship with the Deaf Community, and giving back to the communities she’s lucky to be a part of.