The news of the petira of HaRav HaGaon Nachum HaCohen Kook ZATZAL spread quickly after shabbos. Rav Kook was a prominent rav in Ramat Gan, a well-known askan who championed the fight against autopsies.

He was known for his gadlus in Torah and spreading Torah around the city, but particularly for his unyielding battles against autopsies.

His father was Rav Refael HaCohen Cook ZATZAL, chief rabbi of Tiveria. After marrying the daughter of HaRav HaGaon Rav Abramowitz from Ramat Gan, he moved to the city. After his father-in-law was niftar, he became the rav of the Nachlas Ganim neighborhood. He quickly became known in the Torah community and in his capacity as a member of the city’s Rabbanut; he played a major role in sponsoring Torah events and working to improve kashrus in the area.

He was frequently before the courts to prevent autopsies over the years, often making an impression due to the sincerity of his approach and commitment to preventing the post mortem procedures. He sustained a serious heart attack and was admitted to Tel Hashomer Hospital, where he was niftar on shabbos.

The levaya took place on motzei shabbos from his beis medresh in Ramat Gan via Bnei Brak and the kvura was in the Ponovitz beis chaim.

He is survived by his son HaGaon HaTzaddik HaMekubal Rabbi David Cohen Shlita and three daughters.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)