Rabbanit Shoshana Cohen: The Remarkable Mother Behind Generations of Torah Scholars

Rabbanit Shoshana Cohen, of blessed memory, had the privilege of seeing all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren follow the path of Hashem and devote themselves to spreading Torah.

Her four sons are Rabbi Zevadia Cohen, the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv; Rabbi Zamir Cohen, head of the Avnei Nezer Yeshiva and president of the Hidabroot organization; Rabbi Avichai Cohen, a lecturer at Yeshivat Heichal Meir; and Rabbi Zohar Cohen, head of the Ateret Reuven Yeshiva in Beitar Illit.

Such an extraordinary legacy is not built overnight. It is the result of years of dedication, countless decisions both great and small, and a lifetime of devotion within a modest home.

A Home Built on Torah and Self-Sacrifice

Rabbanit Cohen established her home together with her husband, the righteous Rabbi Eliezer Cohen, of blessed memory, who devoted more than fifty years to the Musayof Synagogue and served as an educator of Jewish children. While he dedicated himself to his public responsibilities and Torah activities, she raised their children with an unwavering commitment to Torah, mitzvot, and good character.

Despite the poverty they endured while living in a rented home in Jerusalem's Beit Yisrael neighborhood, Rabbanit Cohen refused to compromise on the spiritual environment in which her children would grow up.

Because of their financial circumstances and large family, the government offered them an apartment in a newly developed Jerusalem neighborhood. Yet when she visited the area during a Shabbat walk and saw a woman hanging laundry outside, she immediately declared, without hesitation, “My children will not grow up in a neighborhood like this!”

She gave up the opportunity to move into a more spacious apartment because she wanted her children to grow up in a neighborhood immersed in Torah values.

A Heart Filled With Kindness

Rabbanit Cohen was known for her extraordinary kindness toward her neighbors. Whenever she cooked and the delicious aromas drifted into the neighboring courtyard, she would send one of her children with a generous portion of food for a lonely woman who lived there by herself.

Whenever she or a family member felt unwell, she would immediately visit the home of the renowned Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Kaduri, of blessed memory, long before he became widely known. She would return with almonds inscribed with Hebrew letters or a handwritten amulet. She often spoke about the remarkable deliverances she believed she had witnessed through these blessings.

Women who were suffering, discouraged, or emotionally distressed would come to her home and find a listening ear, compassion, and encouragement. They would leave feeling uplifted, often with smiles on their faces.

She was also exceptionally careful to avoid lashon hara, speaking negatively about others, and gossip. Whenever inappropriate conversations took place in her presence, she firmly discouraged them.

A Mother's Lasting Legacy

Rabbanit Cohen devoted her time and energy to raising her children with boundless love and dedication. She did not spend her time traveling or taking vacations, choosing instead to focus on her family and their spiritual growth.

Her greatest reward was witnessing the fruits of that lifelong devotion. She lived to see her sons, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren walking in the ways of Hashem, continuing the Torah legacy she had worked so tirelessly to establish.

Her life was a testament to the extraordinary influence of a Jewish mother whose quiet sacrifices, unwavering faith, and acts of kindness helped shape generations.

May her memory be a blessing.