Nahum Rabinovitch


Rabbi Nahum Eliezer Rabinovitch was a Canadian-Israeli Orthodox rabbi and posek, and head of Yeshivat Birkat Moshe in Ma'ale Adumim. Rabinovitch passed away on May 6, 2020 and was laid to rest in Jerusalem.

Early life and education

He was born in Montreal, Quebec. Rabinovitch began studying with Rabbi Pinchas Hirschsprung at age 14. At age 20, he studied in, Baltimore, where he received Semicha from Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman. He also obtained a master's degree in mathematics from Johns Hopkins University. He later completed a Ph.D. in Philosophy of science from the University of Toronto.

Career

Rabinovitch taught Judaism in several places and served as a congregational rabbi. Between 1952 – 1963, he was the rabbi of the Jewish community in Charleston, South Carolina. In 1963, he was called to serve as a community rabbi in Toronto. In the 1970s, he completed a Ph.D. in the field of statistics and probability in the Talmud at the University of Toronto; the results are in his book, Probability and Statistical Inference in ancient and medieval Jewish Literature. This topic was also explored by Australian Professor of Mathematics, Michael Hasofer. At that time he also gave lectures at the university and was an editor of the Rabbinical Council of America's journal "Hadarom".
Rabinovitch also lived in London, where he served as dean of the London School of Jewish Studies and had a reputation as an influential scholar. Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks became his protege. He later agreed to be a head of Yeshivat Birkat Moshe in Ma'ale Adumim, Judea and Samaria, a Hesder institution, and he was named rosh yeshiva there in 1982.
In 2015 he led the Giyur K'halacha conversion court, of which he was one of the founders.

Philosophy

Rabinovitch was an authority on Maimonides; he published scientific, theological, and halachic books and essays on Maimonides' writings. His philosophical approach is influenced by Maimonides' rationalism. It emphasizes the connection between philosophy and halacha, between Torah and scientific studies, and between theoretical learning and practical application in life.
In an interview, Rabinovitch said that he backed religious studies for women, and did not see a problem in Halachic decisions taken by women. However, he signed a letter agreeing with the Chief Rabbinate's opposition to religious women serving in the IDF.
While many interpret Jewish law as speaking of monarchy as an ideal, Rabinovitch has supported a modern and liberal democracy with rule of law as the optimal form of government.

Personal life

Rabinovitch had six children, including British journalist Dina Rabinovitch, who died in 2007 of breast cancer.

Political Opinions and Statements

Rabinovitch was a religious Zionist and an opponent of the Oslo Accords. However, he was also more liberal in social and religious matters than many in the religious Zionist movement..

Selected works

Hebrew