Robert Schoen

Robert Schoen is a musician, composer, and author with a deep affection for cultural collisions and the insights they generate.

His books include What I Wish My Christian Friends Knew About Judaism; On God’s Radar: My Walk Across America; The Rabbi Finds Her Way (with Catherine deCuir); Freud at the Quinceañera; and I Shall Return as a Dog.

Educated at Boston University, Laney College, UC Berkeley, and California State University East Bay, Schoen is a member of ASCAP and the creator of Bossa Shabbat, a Friday night Sabbath service that weaves traditional Hebrew prayers with original bossa nova melodies. His compositions span a wide range of vocal and instrumental works.

A retired optometrist, Dr. Schoen lives with his wife, Sharon Chabon, at Lake Merritt in Oakland, California.