Rabbi Shahar Colt

As a Jewish educator and former humanities teacher, Shahar has worked with students of all ages for more than two decades at colleges, synagogues, camps, high schools, and supplementary and adult education programs. She previously served as Assistant Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and Campus Rabbi at Amherst College, and Jewish Chaplain for Westfield State University.

Working with Rabbi Shahar

“[At Amherst College, Rabbi Colt] introduced a Friday afternoon text study group, led rich holiday services and seders… cued us to opportunities throughout the Pioneer Valley [and] knew how to make resources available to students without extinguishing the independent spirit of our informal Jewish organizing.”

Amelia Cogan and Noa Costom, Amherst College class of 2026

“If you know us at all, and our positions on Israel/Palestine, you know that we never anticipated that we’d be working together. But … the two of us sat together reading and thinking about the Zionist movement in a reading group that Shahar convened… She was actively trying to cultivate Jewish space for all Jews on campus… she was teaching Jewish values and spirituality, and trying to provide pastoral support during this truly horrible historical moment.”

Judith Frank and Catherine Epstein, Amherst College Professors