As a youngster, Rav Henach Cohen thought he’d found his calling teaching Torah in Los Angeles. Then a phone call from Rav Aharon Kotler changed his life, and positioned him as one of the primary figures aiding the Lakewood Rosh Yeshivah in his passion of developing the Chinuch Atzmai system to a vibrant, burgeoning educational network. In honor of Rav Aharon’s yahrtzeit, he shares his memories of the challenges and triumphs along the way.
It’s hard to imagine a better introduction to the ideals I would discuss with Rabbi Henach Cohen — listening to and appreciating gedolei Torah — than his reaction when I called to request an interview. He said no.
I suggested that perhaps the encounters and relationships he enjoyed with the great leaders of the Torah world in his capacity of director of Chinuch Atzmai could inspire others. He hesitated then suggested “I will call the rosh yeshivah and ask his opinion.”
“The rosh yeshivah” he refers to is Rav Malkiel Kotler shlita of Beth Medrash Govoha grandson of Reb Aharon — whom a much-younger Henach Cohen was privileged to serve acting as the Rosh Yeshivah ztz”l’s right arm in developing Chinuch Atzmai. Generations have come and gone Rabbi Cohen has enjoyed a productive career — yet still he asks.
Ultimately he agreed to my request but with a disclaimer.
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