Jewish Chicago Magazine

Ranana is described as “a personal exemplar of Jewish values.”
 
Professionally, Ranana is at the forefront of Jewish-Catholic relations as Assistant Professor of Catholic-Jewish Studies and Director of Catholic-Jewish Studies Program at Catholic Theological Union—where Pope Leo XIV is an alumnus.
 
In 2019, Ranana founded Trad Egal Shtiebel, a place for Jews in Lakeview/Lincoln Park to gather for “traditional, Egalitarian, and heimish (homey) prayer.” Under her leadership, the monthly minyan has become a core part of Chicago’s Jewish scene for hundreds of young adults. She is also a leader at her synagogue, Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel, where she helps with women’s ritual roles, both in the prayer spaceand as a mikvah attendant.
 
Ranana is more than a rising star, her rabbi shared, “since she has already accomplished so much.”
 

Age: 32
 
Pronouns: she/her/hers
 
Primary gig: Assistant Professor of Catholic-Jewish Studies, Director of Catholic-Jewish Studies Program, Crown Ryan Chair at Catholic Theological Union
 
On the side: Faculty at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago; Learning Daf Yomi and teaching Torah around Chicago and the country; and when there’s somehow additional time, I love to paint, draw, and do photography.
 
What is your proudest accomplishment? The straightforward answer would be earning my Ph.D., but anytime I watch a student’s mind be awakened by a new idea, that becomes, for that moment, my proudest accomplishment.
 
Something most people don’t know about you: I’ve been dancing on and off for 10-plus years, and particularly love traditional Irish dance.
 
A Jew who inspires you: Rivkah Bat Me’ir Tiktiner, the first Jewish woman to write and publish a book! She lived in 16th century Prague and wrote a book, called the Meneket Rivkah, that includes interpretation of Torah and moral advice. I am particularly inspired by how she thought about the female body and women’s authority over it.
 
Your best piece of advice: Don’t be a perfectionist. When you have a good idea just do it, and edit later.
 
Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you?  My husband, Binyamin Cohen, was a 36 under 36 honoree in 2023!