David Cohen (rabbi)

Rabbi David Cohen

David Cohen (1887–1972), also known as HaRav HaNazir, was a prominent rabbi, philosopher, and Kabbalist in the Jewish community. He was a disciple of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook and played a significant role in the development of Religious Zionism.

Early Life

David Cohen was born in Maišiagala, Lithuania, in 1887. He showed an early interest in Jewish mysticism and philosophy, which led him to study in various yeshivas across Europe. His intellectual pursuits eventually brought him to the University of Freiburg in Germany, where he studied under the famous philosopher Edmund Husserl.

Relationship with Rabbi Kook

In 1922, Cohen moved to Palestine and became a close disciple of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Mandatory Palestine. Cohen was deeply influenced by Kook's teachings and became one of his most devoted followers. He adopted the practice of Naziriteship, which included abstaining from wine, cutting his hair, and avoiding contact with the dead.

Philosophical Contributions

David Cohen was a prolific writer and thinker. His works often explored the intersection of Jewish law (Halakha), Kabbalah, and philosophy. He was particularly interested in the writings of Maimonides and sought to reconcile rationalism with mysticism. His major works include Kol HaNevuah and Mishnat HaNazir.

Legacy

Cohen's influence extended beyond his lifetime. His son, Rabbi She'ar Yashuv Cohen, became the Chief Rabbi of Haifa and continued his father's legacy of integrating Jewish mysticism with modern thought. David Cohen's teachings remain influential in the Religious Zionist community and among students of Rabbi Kook's philosophy.

See Also

• Abraham Isaac Kook
• Religious Zionism
• Kabbalah
• Naziriteship
• Maimonides