Zak's Weekly Musings (October 5, 2022)

Reflections on Paternity Leave

This first week of parenthood has strengthened my connection to two key parts of my identity (being an educator and a Cohen) in ways I never imagined. The name Cohen is derived from the Cohanim tribe -- one of the 12 tribes of Israel. It’s a name with enduring meaning and responsibility. Thousands of years ago, we were the high priests of Israel — leaders of the Jewish community. Many know this part of our heritage, but I only recently learned that becoming a high priest wasn't predicated on the completion of study at yeshiva or some rite of passage like a Bar Mitzvah. No — one could only become a high priest after having had your first child. This is because the process of becoming a parent is so humbling it instills a level of compassion, wisdom, and responsibility in us that is otherwise difficult to achieve. Our ancestors knew that humility and service are the foundations of leadership. It’s my hope that parenthood instills in me these qualities so that I can live up the lofty expectations of my name and be a better leader for my students.