Rabbi Abraham Cohen was ordained from the Central Lubavitch Yeshiva, Brooklyn NY, in 1987. Since receiving his ordination Rabbi Cohen has worked as a Shliach of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Following his Smicha, Rabbi Cohen married the daughter of Chabad Shliach in Mexico, Rosa Swued from Mexico City. They settled in Montreal and labored tirelessly with many members of the community to bring awareness and Jewish identity to their lives. Rabbi Cohen gives weekly lectures to members of the community as well as counselling to individuals and families alike. Many families are in the path of Torah and Mitzvos thanks to his involvement and dedication with their day to day life.
In 1997, through the efforts of many dedicated members of the Jewish Community in Montreal, Rabbi Cohen led a campaign to erect the first and only edifice in the country which houses the Chabad Seminary of Canada – Ben Weider Educational Centre. The Seminary, named in memory of the Rebbe’s wife, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneersohn , provides a post-secondary education of the highest caliber for hundreds of young Jewish women, coming from the world over, enabling them to contribute to the continuity, strength and growth of the Jewish people. The graduates are raising today proud Jewish families and assuming positions of Shlichus, emissaries of the Rebbe, as well as occupying Leadership roles in communities throughout the world. Hundreds of Alumni’s have opened new schools and Jewish centers around the globe. Rabbi Cohen is responsible for the Administration and Financial departments of the Centre.
In 2010 Rabbi Cohen was appointed spiritual leader of Congregation Zichron Kedoshim in Montreal. The synagogue, which was built in 1965 by survivors of the Holocaust, is dedicated to memory of the six million who perished during World War II. Over the years the synagogue merged with Chabad and became Chabad Zichron Kedoshim. Rabbi Cohen serves as Lecturer and Rabbi Emeritus.
In 2018 Rabbi Cohen was approached by community leaders and activists to serve as Chaplain and Spiritual leader for a department of the SPVM , the Police Force of the City of Montreal. Rabbi Cohen attends to the needs and requests of the Jewish officers with all matters related to their Jewish heritage.
He is a dynamic speaker who engages men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Speaking topics have included the Origins of Tefilla, Kabbalah Mysticism, and Judaism 101. He speaks fluently in English, French, Spanish, Hebrew and Yiddish.
Rabbi Cohen lives with his wife and children in Montreal