By Myriam Brenner, Education Program Coordinator
The late Leonard Cohen, the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter, poet and novelist, is known for his profound, haunting lyrics and deeply evocative music. One of the most consistent and poignant threads in Cohen's life and art was his Jewish faith. A lifelong Jew, Cohen’s connection to Judaism was not just a cultural heritage, but a spiritual foundation that helped shape his identity and artistic vision.
Born in Montreal in 1934 to an Orthodox Jewish family, his upbringing in the local vibrant Jewish community had a lasting impact. His father, a successful businessman, passed away when Cohen was just nine, but the values instilled by his Jewish mother, who was deeply involved in the community, remained with him throughout his life.
Many of Cohen's songs reflect his spiritual journey, often drawing from Hebrew texts and biblical references. His song “Hallelujah,” arguably his most famous, is a perfect example. While it touches on themes of love, loss and redemption, its title and many of its verses are rooted in the Hebrew language and Jewish prayer. In the song, Cohen blends sacred and secular, using the word "Hallelujah" (meaning "praise G-d" in Hebrew) to evoke both personal struggle and divine connection.
Through his music, poetry, novels and life, Cohen left an indelible mark on the world. His Jewish faith provided him with the language and framework to explore the mysteries of life, and it was this unique blend of spirituality, intellect and artistry that made him one of the most revered figures in contemporary music and literature.
Cohen, who died in 2016 at age 82, received the Order of Canada, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, the US Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Folk Music Walk of Fame. He also received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, the Glenn Gould Prize, eight Juno Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and numerous other honours.
A year after Cohen’s passing, the former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his now ex-wife Sophie took part in a tribute concert. Trudeau remarked: “Leonard was an extraordinary Canadian, but he was a giant of Montreal.” To which Sophie added: “As Montrealers, we like to think Leonard belongs to us, but let’s remember he belongs to the world.”
Video:
Copyright © FSWC. All Rights Reserved.