Embark is all about exploring Jewish life in interfaith relationships – without the pressure to convert. Connect with other couples in their 20s and 30s and an Embark rabbi as you learn, share, and grow together in a supportive space. Whether you’re curious about tradition or building your own, discover a Jewish life that’s uniquely yours. Embark cohorts consist of 6-10 couples that meet weekly for 6 cohort sessions, a retreat, and a Shabbat dinner.

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Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen

Rabbi Elissa served two Reform congregations for a total of 26 years: Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford, CT and Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Baltimore, MD.

Having stepped out of congregational life, Rabbi Sachs-Kohen is doing freelance Rabbinic work and building an independent coaching practice, helping individuals and groups return to what matters most – their own life…aligned. 

While serving at Baltimore Hebrew, she created and led Rosh Hashanah Under the Stars, an Erev Rosh Hashanah service which is free and open to the public. During her 18 years leading the service, it grew to nearly to 7000 attendees.

A decade ago, Rabbi Elissa completed the Clergy Leadership Program with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, an 18-month fellowship bringing together early Chasidic wisdom, mindfulness meditation, yoga, chant, and prayer. The fellowship deeply shaped her rabbinate and her own spiritual life in remarkable ways. 

She also participated in The Leadership Baltimore, a program whose goals include transforming “Greater Baltimore into an even more thriving, vibrant, and equitable community of people who care deeply for one another and the region we collectively call home.” 

Rabbi Elissa has had the honor of serving on various organization boards and task forces, including Chana: A Jewish Response to Domestic Violence, Our Joyful Noise Baltimore, The Pearlstone Center of Adamah, Habitat for Humanity, The Center for Jewish Camping. She currently serves on the Governor Wes Moore’s Interfaith Council, led by Lt. Governor Aruna K. Miller. 

Rabbi Elissa grew up at and had many of her most formative moments at Camp Louise. She’s a huge believer in Jewish Camping. She lives in Tuxedo Park, Baltimore with her dog Blossom and partner, Kris.