Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen

Image result for between war and peace, shear yashuvRabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen
Between War and Peace
Yechiel Frish and Yedidya Hacohen
Urim / 335 pp


There may never have been, and likely never to be, a more well-rounded rabbinic leader in the State of Israel than Rav Shear Yashuv Cohen. 

Rav Shear Yashuv, who I can consider one of my personal mentors, was a scholar, warrior, peace maker, pietist, and community activist. Although primarily associated with the city of Haifa, a worthwhile story in its own right, he played a role in the establishment and direction of the State of Israel.

In this volume, readers will learn things about Rav Shear Yashuv as never before revealed. An inspiring biography that is full of personal accounts and testimonies, it also offers a unique angle on the establishment of Israel in general, and the rabbinate in particular. I would also add that there is a subtle political commentary between the lines (Does anyone know that Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer called Rav Kook “the backbone of the entire Jewish people” or that the Chazon Ish frequently “sang the praises of Rav Kook”?).

In addition to this being the life story of a true Gadol B’yisrael, the book also discusses many fascinating topics related to Rav Shear Yashuv’s life such as: the Nazir status and story of him and his father, excerpts from Rav Kook’s life as well as other Gedolei Yisrael, life as a member of the underground, IDF, and POW in Jordan, the story of Machon Harry Fischel, Jewish life in Haifa, and halachic rulings rendered by Rav Shear Yashuv.


This is a wonderful book about a wonderful, and gigantic, humble man.



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