Rabbi Hazi Cohen Remembers Professor Uriel Simon's Human Touch
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Hazi Cohen memorialized his teacher, Professor Uriel Simon, a biblical scholar, recalling his profound influence on his Torah studies and his deep human sensitivity. Cohen shared how Simon's approach to scripture offered existential meaning and how Simon personally intervened to secure a scholarship for Cohen when he faced financial hardship. The two studied together for two years in Jerusalem, focusing on the Exodus narratives. Cohen expressed deep sorrow over Simon's death, seeing him as a figure who sought to advance a more moral world through biblical study.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Hazi Cohen eulogized his teacher, Professor Uriel Simon, a prominent biblical scholar.
- Cohen highlighted Simon's unique approach to scripture, emphasizing existential meaning.
- Simon personally ensured Cohen received a scholarship during a difficult financial period.
- Cohen and Simon studied the Exodus stories together for two years in Jerusalem.
- Cohen described Simon as a figure dedicated to promoting a more moral world.
Rabbi Hazi Cohen, a lecturer at the Ma'ale Gilboa Yeshiva, eulogized his teacher and mentor, Professor Uriel Simon, ahead of the thirtieth day since his passing. Cohen described Simon, a renowned biblical scholar, as a "religious figure" who opened up new worlds of Torah study for him, particularly in his approach to reading the Bible. Cohen noted that Simon was one of the four central figures in his doctoral work, and that Simon had welcomed him into his home and educated him in "sensitive literary reading."
Cohen emphasized that Simon's influence extended beyond academic tools, stating that the "plain meaning" of scripture held "existential, binding, relevant meaning." He illustrated this with Simon's question about the brothers of Joseph: why does the Torah state they "sat to eat bread" after throwing Joseph into the pit? Simon taught that the focus should be on what the text intends to convey by showing the brothers eating, interpreting the scene as a "very moral, critical statement."
Their connection deepened when Cohen requested to study with Simon. For about two years, they met bi-weekly at Simon's Jerusalem home to study the stories of the Exodus. Professor Tova Genzell and Simon's wife, Shulamit, also joined these study sessions. Cohen was amazed by Simon's thought process, experiencing the "very method of study" rather than a prepared lecture, and appreciating Simon's desire to "feel the melody of the verse, and not just the words."
A particularly moving memory for Cohen involved Simon's human sensitivity. When Cohen was late submitting a paper due to needing to work three jobs after his father's death to support his family and studies, Simon, usually strict about deadlines, granted him an extension. The next day, the head of the department informed Cohen that Professor Simon had called him urgently, insisting that Cohen be granted a scholarship immediately so he wouldn't have to work multiple jobs and could have time for his studies.
Cohen saw this as a great compliment and a sign of deep human sensitivity, noting that Simon's compassion extended to those around him, not just to the texts he studied. He concluded by linking Simon's teachings to his personality, believing Simon aimed to promote a "more just, whole, moral, and loving world through the Bible." Cohen expressed immense sorrow at Simon's passing, acknowledging that while he created new melodies of thought, they originated from Simon's "house of study."