Rabbi Simcha Cohen was an Israeli Torah educator known for books and lectures about communication in the family. Together with Rabbis Yosef Bruk and Nachum Diamant, he helped found Netivot Olam in Bnei Brak, a yeshiva for people newly embracing Jewish observance. He continued teaching there until his death in March 2023.
The everyday work of family life
A central subject of his accessible books is shalom bayit: peace and understanding within marriage. HaBayit HaYehudi, The Jewish Home, discusses communication, differences between spouses and human relationships through Jewish sources. Its material developed from lectures and conversations with families.
His educational work also included preparation for marriage and raising children. In an article on beauty in the home published by YNR College, he encourages parents to help children notice the beauty of nature. Family life is approached through concrete actions and conversations, as well as broader aspirations.
Books and publications
Alongside HaBayit HaYehudi, his works include Tikshoret im Kahal VeYachid, addressing communication with an audience and with an individual. His articles also appeared in settings devoted to family counseling.
He should be distinguished from the American halakhic writer Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen: similar names do not imply the same life or bibliography. In this magazine, Rabbi Simcha Cohen refers to the author of material about family relationships and The Jewish Home.
The author’s articles in our magazine
- The True Purpose of Speech: Connecting People
- The Goal: Achieving True Partnership
- When a Husband Seems Distrustful About Money
- The Husband's Role in Providing for the Family
- Gender Equality
- Being Responsible, but Not to Blame
- Relationships During Arguments and Hurt Feelings
- A Husband's Goal-Oriented Thinking
- A Rhetorical Question, or "Why Is She Asking?"
- Why Does a Wife Tell Her Husband About Her Day?
- Talking About Problems
- The Ability to Bond and to Part