Nahum Rabinovitch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nachum Eliezer Rabinovitch |
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| Religion | Judaism |
| Denomination | Religious Zionism |
| Alma mater | Johns Hopkins University (B.S.) University of Toronto (Ph.D.) |
| Personal | |
| Born | Norman Louis Rabinovitch 30 April 1928 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | 6 May 2020 (aged 92) Israel |
| Spouse |
Ruth (Rachel Malka) Shuchatowitz
(m. 1951; died 2012) |
| Children | 6, including Dina Rabinovitch |
| Buried | Har HaMenuchot |
Nachum Eliezer Rabinovitch (born Norman Louis Rabinovitch; 1928–2020) was an important Canadian-Israeli rabbi. He was known as a posek, meaning he was an expert in Jewish law who could make decisions on difficult questions. Rabbi Rabinovitch led the London School of Jewish Studies from 1971 to 1982. Later, he became the head of Yeshivat Birkat Moshe in Ma'ale Adumim, Israel, from 1982 until his death. He was a strong supporter of Religious Zionism, which connects Jewish religious life with the modern State of Israel.
Contents
Early Life and Learning
Growing Up in Canada
Nachum Rabinovitch was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on April 30, 1928. His parents were Sarah and Sam Rabinovitch. From a young age, he showed great dedication to his studies.
Rabbinical and University Studies
He completed an eight-year program of Jewish studies under Rabbi Pinchas Hirschsprung. After this, he received his first semicha (rabbinical ordination) in Montreal. This was a special ceremony, the first of its kind in the city.
After getting a degree in commerce, he moved to Baltimore in the United States. There, he studied mathematics at Johns Hopkins University. While in Baltimore, he also continued his Jewish studies at Yeshivas Ner Yisroel. He received a second rabbinical ordination from Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman.
Career and Leadership
Serving Communities
From 1955 to 1963, Rabbi Rabinovitch served as a spiritual leader in Charleston, South Carolina. He helped start the city's first Jewish day school and was its principal. He also taught mathematics at the College of Charleston. He even served as a chaplain for the U.S. Navy.
In 1963, he moved to Toronto, Canada, to lead the Clanton Park Synagogue. He continued his academic pursuits there. In 1971, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. His doctoral work focused on the philosophy and history of mathematics. He later published his thesis as a book.
Leading Jewish Institutions
In 1970, Rabbi Rabinovitch was appointed principal of Jews' College in London, England. He moved there in 1970. One of his most famous students there was Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Rabbi Sacks often spoke of Rabbi Rabinovitch as a very important teacher and role model.
Ten years later, Rabbi Rabinovitch moved to Israel. He became the rosh yeshiva (head of a yeshiva) of Yeshivat Birkat Moshe. This is a special type of yeshiva called a hesder institution, where students combine Torah study with military service. He led this yeshiva in Ma'ale Adumim until his death.
In 2015, Rabbi Rabinovitch helped create Giyur Kehalacha. This was an independent beit din (Jewish court) that offered conversions to Judaism. It provided an alternative to the official Chief Rabbinate in Israel.
Ideas and Beliefs
Connecting Faith and Knowledge
Rabbi Rabinovitch was deeply influenced by the ideas of Maimonides, a famous Jewish thinker from the Middle Ages. He believed that Jewish philosophy and Jewish law (Halakha) were strongly connected. He also emphasized the link between studying the Torah and scientific studies. He thought that learning should always lead to practical actions.
He was a leading expert on Maimonides' writings. His most famous work is Yad Peshuta (meaning "Outstretched Hand"). This is a fourteen-volume commentary, or detailed explanation, of Maimonides' important work, the Mishneh Torah. He also wrote Melumdei Milḥamah (meaning "Learned in War"). This book collected answers to questions about Jewish law for religious members of the Israel Defense Forces.
Views on Society and Religion
Rabbi Rabinovitch was a Religious Zionist. He supported the idea of Jewish settlements in Israel. He was also known for his views on social and religious topics. He believed that women should have the opportunity to study Jewish texts in depth. He even thought that women could make decisions on Jewish law.
He ruled that Israeli combat medics and doctors must treat and save the lives of all wounded people, even those who might have attacked Israelis. He also saw Christianity and Islam in a positive light. He believed they helped spread the idea of one God, good morals, and hope for a better future.
Unlike some other Religious Zionist leaders, he did not see the State of Israel as a direct sign of the Messiah's arrival. He also argued for more separation between religion and government in Israel. His unique ideas were shaped by both Jewish tradition and the principles of political freedom.
Personal Life
Rabbi Rabinovitch had six children. One of his children was the British journalist Dina Rabinovitch (born in 1963). She passed away in 2007 from breast cancer.
