Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen: Between War and Peace (5)

by Yechiel Frish (Editor), Yedidya HaCohen (Editor), Irene Lancaster (Translation)

Although mainly known as the chief rabbi of Haifa, Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, born in the year 1927, has lived an intriguing life, playing an important role in the establishment of the state of Israel. As the son of Rabbi David Cohen (1887-1972), the legendary Nazirite of Jerusalem, Rabbi Cohen grew up among some of Israel’s greatest rabbis. Destined to become a Nazirite until the age of sixteen, Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen studied under the influence of Rav Kook. During the 1948 War of Independence, Rabbi Cohen fought to defend the Old City of Jerusalem, until he was severely wounded and taken to Jordan as a prisoner of war. After his return he became Chief Rabbi of the Israel Air Force, and then governed as the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem with Teddy Kollek. Rabbi Cohen served as the Chief Rabbi of Haifa and President of their rabbinical courts for 36 years. The details of his achievements and captivating life in this biography are further encapsulated in excerpts of his diary, which include vivid details of the battles he fought in and his imprisonment in Jordan.

334 pages, Hardcover

Published March 30, 2017

Reviews

[Perlie]

Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen is a fascinating person. Combination of Chabad roots/Rav Kook some Soloveitchik. Fought in the War of 48, was wounded in the defense of the Old City and captured as a POW. As a nazir he was vegetarian and shunned alchohol (only cut his hair at 16). Rabbi Cohen was intensely Zionist, passionately religious, but also was clear that "Medinat Yisrael" was there to serve as the receptacle for Torah, Ahavat Yisrael, and Am Yisrael, not to replace them! He was the chief rabbi of Chaifa, his wife was a PhD who specialized in Philo -- I'd love to see a book about her. Both Rabbi and Dr. have so many facets to consider.