Dan Cohn-Sherbok

Dan Mark Cohn-Sherbok is an ordained Reform rabbi and a Jewish theologian. He holds the title of professor emeritus of Judaism from the University of Wales. Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1945, his academic journey included studies at Williams College and a junior year abroad in Athens. He later pursued doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge. Cohn-Sherbok's career has involved rabbinical service in various countries, including the United States, England, Australia, and South Africa. He has also held numerous academic positions and visiting professorships at institutions worldwide, and has been a fellow at several distinguished colleges and societies. His scholarly output is extensive, with over 100 books to his name, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. He has also contributed illustrations and cartoons to various publications. Cohn-Sherbok's work has sometimes generated controversy within the Jewish community due to his exploration of topics such as Messianic Judaism and Humanistic Judaism. He is married to Lavinia Cohn-Sherbok.

Dan Cohn-Sherbok's career is marked by extensive academic and rabbinical engagement. After his ordination as a Reform rabbi, he served congregations across the United States, England, Australia, and South Africa. Academically, he earned a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Cambridge and an honorary doctorate in divinity. He held a professorship in Judaism at the University of Wales and taught theology at the University of Kent. His academic reach extended to numerous visiting professorships and fellowships at prestigious institutions globally, including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. He has also been recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and the Royal Society of Arts. His involvement in scholarly communities is further evidenced by his membership in organizations like the Oxford and Cambridge Club and the Athenaeum.

Cohn-Sherbok has authored and edited over 100 books, covering a wide spectrum of Jewish thought, theology, and history, with translations into numerous languages. His work often delves into comparative religion and interfaith dialogue, exploring the relationships between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as broader theological issues. He has also published on topics related to Jewish mysticism and philosophy. However, his academic explorations have not been without controversy. Cohn-Sherbok has addressed provocative subjects, including the legitimacy of Messianic Judaism, the standing of Humanistic Judaism, and the dynamics of Christian Zionism, which have sometimes drawn criticism from segments of the broader Jewish community.

Born in Denver, Colorado, in 1945, Dan Cohn-Sherbok's early life and education included attendance at Williams College. He has spoken publicly about his conception through sperm donation and artificial insemination, noting that learning of this in his twenties had a complex impact on his understanding of his identity and relationship with his father. Beyond his extensive written works, Cohn-Sherbok has also contributed artistically, illustrating 25 books with his cartoons and providing illustrations for various magazines and publications. He is married to Lavinia Cohn-Sherbok, with whom he has co-authored several books.