Dunwoody Minyan Welcomes Rabbi Kogan as 1st Rabbi

Dunwoody Minyan has welcomed Rabbi Ilan Kogan as its first rabbi, adding dedicated rabbinic leadership to the lay-founded Jewish community that began meeting in 2022.

Rabbi Kogan began serving Aug. 1. He will lead biweekly Shabbat services, teach, offer rabbinic guidance and support, and work with lay leaders on programming and outreach. His appointment marks an important step as Dunwoody Minyan seeks to deepen participation and create more opportunities for Jewish life in Dunwoody.

“Welcoming our first rabbi turns a long-held hope into a real next step for Dunwoody Minyan,” said David Lubin, president of Dunwoody Minyan. “Rabbi Kogan brings deep knowledge of Torah, Jewish practice, and tradition, along with a thoughtful, modern approach that remains grounded in Orthodox tradition. Just as important, he listens, understands people, and wants everyone to find a way to take part.”

Rabbi Kogan was recently ordained at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, whose rabbinic program combines the study of Torah and Halacha with intellectual openness, sensitivity to individual needs, and engagement with contemporary life.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Queens College and is completing a master’s degree in applied psychology at Northeastern University. He has also joined the High School Judaic Studies faculty at Atlanta Jewish Academy.

“What drew me to Dunwoody Minyan was the opportunity to build alongside people who created this community from the ground up,” Rabbi Kogan said. “I want to help connect Torah and Jewish practice to the lives people are living today while honoring the traditions that give those practices depth. I’m looking forward to listening, teaching, hosting, and helping each person find a way to contribute.”

Dunwoody Minyan holds Shabbat morning services every other week at 9:30 a.m. at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta. Services are followed by kiddush, with childcare and Tot Shabbat available.

Rabbi Kogan will also help lead Dunwoody Minyan’s Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in the Orkin Room at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody. Services are open to the community, with childcare and children’s programming during daytime services.

The schedule includes:
Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Saturday, Sept. 12, beginning at 9:15 a.m.
Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Sunday, Sept. 13, beginning at 9:15 a.m., with the shofar at 11 a.m.
Kol Nidre: Sunday, Sept. 20, at 7:20 p.m.
Yom Kippur: Monday, Sept. 21, beginning at 9:15 a.m., with Yizkor at 11:45 a.m., Mincha at 5:15 p.m., and Neilah at 6:30 p.m.

The complete schedule and registration are available at https://dunwoodyminyan.shulcloud.com.

Dunwoody Minyan is a nonprofit Modern Orthodox Jewish community serving Dunwoody and the greater Atlanta area. Founded in 2022, it helps individuals and families participate in Jewish life close to home through prayer, Torah learning, children’s programming, and community gatherings. Dunwoody Minyan holds biweekly Shabbat morning services and offers High Holiday services and other programs throughout the year.