Impact Stories

  • "I have known Rabbi Ricky Cohen for over thirty years. He guided me and countless others with core Torah and universal values. His message is clear, uplifting and extremely relevant in today’s society with the unprecedented challenges our young adults face. Rabbi Ricky has dedicated his life to community service and teaching".

    — Ricky Novick

    President of the Sephardic Community Center

  • "When I took on the challenge of establishing my new business, Talk Theory, Rabbi Ricky taught me the importance of mentorship. “Pivoting” in a career is one of the biggest challenges for ANYONE. He helped me to refine my plan, identify my goals, and more importantly, my inherent strengths. Today, Talk Theory is off and running because of this vital process".

    — Judy Chalme (Jersey Judy)

    Radio Host

  • "Rabbi Ricky Cohen has inspired countless young men and women to be passionate, committed and forward-looking. He has done this in high school classrooms, synagogue youth programs, young adult classes, Israel retreats and seminar activities, as well through personal conversations and motivational sessions".

    — Rabbi Raymond Harari

    Senior Rabbi Mishkan Eliyahu Synagogue Former Head of School Y of F HS

  • "About 25 years ago I was contemplating making a career change for a few years but was not sure which path to take and did not have the courage to make the transition. Fortunately, I began attending a weekly class in Manhattan with my friends. I had no idea what the class subject would be, but Ricky Cohen’s topic was exactly on asking yourself some difficult questions to figure out what you are naturally good at in life and what it is that you would love to do for your career. A few months later, I made the move. I immediately felt the change in my life. Thank you Rabbi Ricky Cohen for your life-changing guidance and advice".

    —Joseph Dabbah

    President JMD Capital LLC (Real Estate Investments and Consulting)

  • "I was feeling lost and anxious about my career and future. I must admit that in my first few conversations with Ricky, I thought he was crazy and there was no chance any of his goals for my career would materialize. He gave me very concrete and direct advice about how to advance my life and my career and I followed not knowing what would be the outcome. Every goal he set was met and I was able to advance in my career and personal life. His care and love for me has always been evident and I am truly indebted for all the guidance I have received over the years from Ricky".

    — Aaron Shasha

    Dean of Students- Barkai Yeshivah & Camp Director - DSN

  • "With Rabbi Ricky, the word “classes” takes on a whole nother meaning. It’s a critical analysis of both the text, and the person reading it. The unrivaled lesson I've learned with the Rabbi is that any and all issues we face in life- be it anxiety, anger, self-esteem, patience, midot, motivation- are integral to the human condition. They are not going anywhere. But with the right tools, the Torah illuminates the solution every single time".

    — Morris Hakim

    Student at the University of Pennsylvania

  • "Young adults in college and the years following often find themselves adrift and lacking a sense of purpose and direction. For decades, Rabbi Ricky Cohen has used his talents and personal warmth to guide young people to find their individual paths in life. Utilizing religious and spiritual insights gleaned from the Jewish tradition as well as perspectives he gleaned as an executive in the business world, Rabbi Ricky creates a unique blend of inspiration, motivation and empathy. A master storyteller, Rabbi Ricky has a knack for making difficult concepts simple for blossoming adults to grasp. I recommend the "Essentials" program for young people starting to carve their own place in the world".

    — Rabbi Joseph Beyda

    Head of School, Yeshiva of Flatbush High School

  • "When I was 18 learning with Ricky Cohen, he asked: What business would I like to work in regardless if I thought that I can make money it or not? I loved cars and said that I would enjoy selling them. I of course gave reasons why it would not be possible to make a living from it. He pushed me to not get distracted about why it was not possible and to focus on how I could do it successfully. Three years later Ricky called and asked me if i still want to sell cars. He was leasing a new car and the person was looking to hire a salesman. Leasing was relatively new and growing and was not something that I thought of at first. I went for an interview that night and got the job. I was good at it and opened my own business leasing and selling cars. It’s 28 years later and I still love being in the car business and I am thankful that I get to be happy doing what I enjoy every day. That question has proven to be the most important question that I have ever answered".

    — Steven Sasson

    Founder of Legend Leasing

  • "Life is beautiful, yet it is filled with challenge. Most people approach challenges with skills gained from parental teachings or previous life experiences. However, we often don't learn how to face these challenges directly and in a formal setting. In the beginning of this summer 2023, I have been blessed to have Rabbi Ricky Cohen enter my life. He is someone easy to admire; successful in business, learned in Torah, and a motivational leader. Yet there is one trait that I admire most of all; his constant pursuit of self-growth. I find the most truly successful people (however you define success) are those who are always building themselves. I’m grateful from what I’ve learned, and will continue to learn from Rabbi Cohen BH".

    — Saul Hedaya

  • “Rabbi Ricky Cohen possesses that rare gift for guiding and building people, and he does so with tremendous warmth, kindness, wisdom, and sincerity. I believe this gift is born out of his understanding of people… an understanding which helps him bend the path for each individual, and not the other way around.”

    — Irving Franco

    Filmmaker