Re'em Ha'Cohen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Re'em HaCohenרא"ם הכהן |
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Rabbi Re'em HaCohen
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| Religion | Judaism |
| Denomination | Orthodox |
| Personal | |
| Born | 10 March 1957 Jerusalem |
| Senior posting | |
| Title | Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Otniel |
Rabbi Re'em HaCohen (born March 1, 1957) is an Israeli rabbi. He is part of the Religious Zionist movement. This means he combines his Jewish faith with support for the State of Israel.
Rabbi HaCohen is the head of Yeshivat Otniel, a special Jewish school. He leads it along with Rabbi Binyamin Kalmanzon. He is also the main rabbi for the community of Otniel in Israel.
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About Rabbi Re'em HaCohen
Re'em HaCohen was born in Jerusalem on March 1, 1957. His father, Yedaya, was a principal at a school called Yeshivat Har Etzion. His mother, Dina, led another school called Midreshet Emuna.
As a child, he often visited the home of a famous rabbi, Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. Rabbi HaCohen grew up in Jerusalem, near the neighborhoods of Rehavia and Sha'arei Hesed.
Education and Military Service
He went to Netiv Meir Yeshiva High School. There, he learned from Rabbis Arye Bina and David Fuchs. After high school, he studied at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Alon Shvut. His teachers there were Rabbis Aharon Lichtenstein and Yehuda Amital.
Rabbi HaCohen also served in the Israeli Armored Corps. He became a Major in the army reserves. He received his semikhah (rabbinic ordination) from Rabbi Lichtenstein. He also learned from Rabbi Eliezer Waldenberg, who wrote important books on Jewish law.
His Work as a Rabbi
Rabbi HaCohen taught at two other yeshivas before coming to Otniel. In 1994, he was asked to become a Rosh yeshiva (head of a yeshiva) at Yeshivat Otniel. He took on this role with Rabbi Binyamin Kalmanzon and Rabbi Ami Ulami.
After Rabbi Ulami passed away, Rabbi HaCohen also became the community rabbi for the town of Otniel. He once worked with an organization called "Circles of Justice." In 2006, he was considered for the role of Chief Rabbi of the Israeli army.
Today, he helps judge a Torah study competition. It is called "Kane Lecha Chaver."
Rabbi HaCohen's Family
Rabbi HaCohen and his wife Noa have nine children. One of his sons, Rabbi Uri HaCohen, also teaches at Yeshivat Otniel. Another son, Yoni HaCohen, is a high-ranking officer in the IDF Paratroopers Brigade.
His oldest brother, Gershon HaCohen, is a Major-General in the IDF. His other brothers are also rabbis. They lead yeshivas or teach at different schools. His brother-in-law, Rabbi Aharon Harel, leads a high school in Shilo.
Rabbi HaCohen's Ideas
Rabbi HaCohen believes that learning Jewish texts should connect to the real world. He thinks that the inner parts of the Torah (Jewish teachings) should connect to the outer parts of life. Because of this, his lessons include many different ideas. He uses sources from academic studies, professional fields, Jewish law, and Jewish mysticism.
He encourages his students to think for themselves. He uses a special way of studying the Talmud (a central Jewish text) called the "Brisker method." He also studies Kabbalah, which is Jewish mysticism. He is especially interested in the teachings of the Ramchal, Chabad (a Jewish movement), and Menahem Azariah da Fano.
The ideas of Rav Kook, a very important rabbi, are also central to his thinking. Rabbi HaCohen believes that donating organs is important according to Jewish law. He also encourages people to wear techelet, a special blue thread on their prayer shawls.
Books by Rabbi HaCohen
Rabbi HaCohen has written several books. They share his insights and teachings:
- Badai Ha-Aron - This book shares his thoughts on the Talmud.
- He'elem veGilui - This book is about how God reveals Himself, from the creation of the world to the giving of the Second Tablets.
- Kol Damamah and LaRahok ve Karov - These books are about the High Holy Days.
- Benai Neviim - This book explores the meaning of prophecy for our time.
- Reeh ve-Yirah - This book looks at the stories of Abraham and Isaac for today.
- Derekh Sha'ar Elyon - This book is about the Temple Service and sacrifices.
