Corinne Copnick

ABOUT RABBI CORINNE COPNICK

M.R.S. (Master of Rabbinic Studies, AJRCA)

M.A. (Developmental Drama, McGill)

B.A. (Honors English, McGill)

C.M. (Canada Medal)

Celebrated for her inter-generational insights, Montreal-born Rabbi Corinne Copnick has enjoyed an innovative professional life steeped in the arts, including as a CBC radio actress nationally in her youth, an art gallery owner in mid-life, and an award-winning writer throughout. For fifteen years, she ran a successful writing and editing business. For several years she was Entertainment Editor for the newspaper, Jewish Life, and a regular columnist for The Jewish Tribune, both in Toronto.

Earlier, as owner of Galerie La Magie de L'Art, she created more than forty stellar exhibitions and cultural events. She also designed a groundbreaking role-playing simulation on Canadian unity called "Future Directions." An acclaimed play that she wrote for drug education purposes, "Metamorphose", was featured at the Quebec Pavilion of Montreal's "Man and His World", as well as many other venues. In 1980, she was invited by the late Dr. Louis Miller (then National Psychiatrist of the Army in Israel), to give two workshops on the use of therapeutic theater for health professionals at the Jerusalem Theater. In 1991, in cooperation with the Central Museum of Zagreb and the Jewish Museum in Belgrade, she organized an outstanding international exhibition, held in Toronto, of "Jewish Art Treasures from the former Yugoslavia."

The recipient of various grants and scholarships, she was honored to serve as Resident Writer at the Banff Center for the Arts, Alberta in 1990. In 1992 she was honored with the Canadian Commemorative Medal, awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada.

Rabbi Copnick moved to Los Angeles in 2000 to be near her family. After her rabbinic ordination in Los Angeles at 79 years of age, she embraced much of the world, travelling as a Guest Staff Rabbi for several cruise lines. She also founded a robust community study group still running in Los Angeles, ten years strong, served as a dayan (judge) and Governor of a Community Bet Din (rabbinic court) for several years, and still lectures and writes articles on vital topics.

She has also been an active volunteer throughout her life, serving on the Boards of many fine organizations, both in Canada and in the United States. Among her many affiliations she was a member of PEN International, Canada, and is a current member of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California.

During the COVID-19 pandemic she was (and still is!) a virtual touring author for the Jewish Book Council Network, as well as a lecturer for other organizations.

Recently retired, this self-defined “Vintage Original,” now in her late eighties, still lives in California with her daughters, grandchildren, and an inquiring labradoodle (known to get a piece of the Rabbi’s toast at breakfast every morning).

Miracles Are What You Make of Them is Rabbi Copnick’s sixth book. Her previous books include: Embrace/Etreinte, Altar Pieces, How to Live Alone Until You Like it...and Then You are Ready for Somebody Else, Cryokid (Finalist, 2009 National Indie Awards of Excellence), and A Rabbi at Sea: A Uniquely Spiritual Journey.