'A punch in the stomach': Rabbi Ayelet Cohen on why American Jews must speak out to support abortion rights

Starting today, Rabbi Ayelet Cohen, who was raised in Montreal, takes over as the first female full-time dean of North America’s flagship Conservative rabbinical school, the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City.

But what should have been a moment of optimism for the rabbi has been tainted by the recently leaked U.S. Supreme Court ruling that indicates how down Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that says abortions are protected under the country's constitution, is likely to be struck down. Rabbi Cohen, who helped push the Conservative movement to permit same-sex marriages, has now become a leading American Jewish voice speaking out against anti-abortion activists and politicians.

What happens next in the fight for abortion rights? Rabbi Cohen joins to talk about Jewish activism, plans for the future and how abortion is kosher under Jewish law, which means banning it is a Jewish problem—not just an American one.

What we talked about:

• Read the "Abortion and Jewish Values Toolkit"
• Americans can urge their lawmakers to support the Women’s Health Protection Act here
• Learn more about the Jewish Rally for Abortion Justice

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To learn how to support the show by subscribing to this podcast, please watch this video.