Rabbi Zamir Cohen Defines True Kingship as Self-Control
Rabbi Zamir Cohen has presented a redefinition of kingship, asserting that true royalty lies not in ruling others but in mastering oneself. Drawing on the Book of Proverbs, he contrasts the "fool" who acts impulsively on desires and anger with the "shrewd" individual who pauses to consider consequences. This self-mastery, according to Cohen, encompasses control over thoughts, speech, consumption, finances, and interpersonal relationships.
Cohen further explains, citing Kabbalistic teachings, that the Hebrew word for king, "Melech," relates to the brain, heart, and liver, representing thought, emotion, and desire, respectively. A true king, or a person in the correct order, is one where the brain leads, the heart follows, and both govern desires. This aligns with the concept of a "hero" as one who conquers their own inclination, rather than one who is physically stronger than others.
Addressing the conflict between intellect and emotion, Cohen suggests that simply knowing something is wrong is insufficient. One must communicate with emotions in their own language, demonstrating how immediate gratification can lead to future suffering, akin to refusing a million-dollar falafel. By focusing on long-term outcomes rather than immediate pleasure, individuals can make better choices.
Self-control also begins with mindful consumption of information, filtering what is seen and heard to cultivate a pure inner world. Cohen advises releasing past grievances like anger and bitterness, as dwelling on them perpetuates pain. He likens personal growth to climbing a ladder, emphasizing gradual progress in correcting character traits and observing commandments, rather than attempting to skip steps and risk falling.
Ultimately, Cohen concludes that a person's true crown is internal, residing in wisdom and the ability to choose correctly despite temptations. Those who manage themselves, rather than being managed by their impulses, live as true kings in the deepest sense.
