Births on February 3

Shlomo Goren, Polish-Israeli rabbi and general (d. 1994)

A Luminary of Jewish Law and Israeli Public Life: The Legacy of Rabbi Shlomo Goren

Rabbi Shlomo Goren (Hebrew: שלמה גורן; February 3, 1917 – October 29, 1994), born in Zambrów, Poland, was an extraordinary figure whose profound scholarship and pioneering leadership left an indelible mark on Israeli society and Jewish law. Recognized globally as a foremost authority on Halakha (Jewish law), he was a deeply committed Orthodox Religious Zionist rabbi and a prodigious Talmudic scholar. His life seamlessly integrated the rigorous demands of religious study with an unwavering dedication to the establishment and security of the State of Israel, making him a unique voice in modern Jewish history.

Pioneering the Military Rabbinate of the IDF

A true visionary, Rabbi Goren founded and served as the first head of the Military Rabbinate of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1948, a groundbreaking institution essential for maintaining religious observance and morale within a modern army. He meticulously developed the halakhic framework for Israel's military, addressing critical issues such as kashrut (dietary laws) on the battlefield, the permissibility of fighting on Shabbat, and the proper burial of fallen soldiers. His leadership during the foundational conflicts of Israel—including the War of Independence (1948), the Six-Day War (1967), and the Yom Kippur War (1973)—saw him personally accompany troops to the front lines. He often risked his life to offer spiritual guidance, perform field burials, and even retrieve the bodies of fallen soldiers from behind enemy lines. A defining moment of his military career was his courageous entry into the liberated Temple Mount in Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, where he famously blew a shofar, symbolizing the spiritual reclamation of the holy site by the Jewish people.

Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and Israel: Navigating Modernity with Halakha

Prior to his elevation to the highest religious office in Israel, Rabbi Goren was appointed Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv in 1968, a significant position that further underscored his growing influence and expertise in practical halakhic adjudication. Subsequently, from 1973 to 1983, he served as the third Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, succeeding Rabbis Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog and Isser Yehuda Unterman. During his decade-long tenure, alongside the Sephardic Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, he tackled some of the most complex and sensitive issues facing Israeli society. Notably, he championed the resolution of the 'agunot' crisis—the plight of women whose husbands were missing in action following the Yom Kippur War—demonstrating a bold and compassionate approach to interpreting Jewish law to alleviate suffering. His period as Chief Rabbi was characterized by a relentless effort to bridge the gap between ancient religious principles and the evolving realities of a sovereign Jewish state.

A Legacy of Profound Scholarship and Innovation

Beyond his public service, Rabbi Goren was an exceptionally prolific and innovative Talmudic scholar. His numerous award-winning books on Jewish law are celebrated for their intellectual rigor, comprehensive scope, and often revolutionary interpretations. Among his most distinguished literary contributions are "Torat HaMoadim" (Laws of the Festivals), "Sha'arei Tahara" (Gates of Purity), and his monumental commentary, "HaYerushalmi HaMeforash" (The Explained Jerusalem Talmud), for which he was awarded the prestigious Israel Prize for Rabbinical Literature. His scholarly methodology was distinctive, often involving a painstaking re-examination of classical sources, particularly the Jerusalem Talmud and the philosophical and halakhic writings of Maimonides, to derive fresh halakhic rulings tailored to contemporary challenges, especially those pertaining to national and military life. After concluding his term as Chief Rabbi of Israel, he dedicated himself to establishing and heading a prominent yeshiva in Jerusalem, where he continued to educate and inspire a new generation of scholars with his unique blend of deep tradition and intellectual courage until his passing in 1994.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbi Shlomo Goren

Who was Rabbi Shlomo Goren?

Rabbi Shlomo Goren was a highly influential Polish-born Israeli Orthodox Religious Zionist rabbi and Talmudic scholar. He is primarily known for his role as the first head of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Military Rabbinate and later as the third Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel.

What was Rabbi Goren's unique contribution to Jewish law (Halakha)?

Rabbi Goren was considered a foremost authority on Jewish law known for his bold and often innovative halakhic rulings. He applied his profound understanding of traditional texts, especially the Jerusalem Talmud and Maimonides, to address contemporary issues, particularly those concerning the State of Israel, its military, and national religious identity. He sought to make Halakha relevant and applicable to modern challenges.

Why is the Military Rabbinate of the IDF significant?

Founded by Rabbi Goren, the Military Rabbinate was crucial in establishing the religious framework for the Israel Defense Forces. It ensured that soldiers could observe Jewish law even in wartime conditions and provided essential spiritual and pastoral care, including managing burials and maintaining morale. Rabbi Goren's leadership helped define the ethical and religious character of the IDF.

What were some key events during his tenure as Chief Rabbi of Israel?

As the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi from 1973 to 1983, Rabbi Goren addressed complex national religious issues, including the challenging 'agunot' cases of women whose husbands were missing after the Yom Kippur War. His leadership was marked by efforts to adapt Jewish law to the realities of a modern, democratic state, often in collaboration with the Sephardic Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Did Rabbi Goren serve in the Israeli military?

Yes, Rabbi Shlomo Goren served actively in the IDF during three major wars: the War of Independence (1948), the Six-Day War (1967), and the Yom Kippur War (1973). He accompanied soldiers on the front lines as a military chaplain, demonstrating remarkable personal courage and dedication.