August 21, 2026 Categories: Obituaries
Jewish Singer and Songwriter Leonard Cohen, 82
Singer and songwriter Leonard Cohen (September 21, 1934 – November 7, 2016) passed away this week at age 82. His death was announced on Thursday.
It's not well-known, but Cohen kept Shabbat, even while on tour, as he told the NYTimes in a 2009 interview.
There are both open and hidden Jewish themes embedded throughout his music. He described his songs as "muffled prayers".
Cohen visited and played in Israel a number of times, including for IDF troops during the Yom Kippur War.
Leonard Cohen gives the Priestly Blessing in Tel Aviv:
Leonard Cohen sings Hallelujah in Tel Aviv:
