09 Dec A MODERN MACCABEE, THE FIRST YID NOMINATED FOR FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
RABBI RAZIEL COHEN, also known as the Tactical Rabbi, is making waves in both the Jewish and firearms communities. At just 28, he has spent over a decade training in firearms and security, turning his expertise into a full-time Parnassah while traveling the U.S. to teach firearms instruction and lockdown procedures for schools and shuls.
He’s also in the running for the prestigious Gundie Award for Firearms Instructor of the Year, often called the Oscars of the firearms community. If he makes it into the top five, he would be the first Yid ever to receive a nomination, a historic achievement.
This past weekend, Ari Hirsch from The Jewish Vues interviewed Rabbi Cohen, who shared his journey from a family dedicated to chesed to becoming a leader in tactical preparedness, and how the lessons of the Maccabees inspire his work today.
Please tell Jewish Vues readers a little bit about yourself.
My name is Rabbi Raziel Cohen. I’m originally from California but now based in New Jersey. I’m a firearms instructor and security consultant. I travel around the U.S. helping people with firearms instruction, lockdown procedures for schools and shuls, and preparing individuals to deal with the potentially dangerous world we live in.
How did you get into this?
I grew up in a family devoted to chesed; my parents run an organization called Global Kindness. Through that work, we helped people at very low points in their lives, which sometimes put our family in danger. Before I turned 18, we experienced 14 attempted break-ins and two attempted murders. It became clear to me that kindness shouldn’t be mistaken for weakness. I started training in firearms to protect my family while continuing to help others.
How did you learn to use firearms?
I trained wherever I could, often traveling around the U.S. to attend classes on weekdays or weekends. I’ve trained with Australian Special Forces, U.S. Navy SEALs, and the U.S. Air Force. I earned certifications from the NRA and Homeland Security. Being a frum yid made scheduling harder, but over 10 years, I built a strong foundation of skills and credentials.
With the rise in antisemitism, what would you suggest to someone interested in learning about firearms?
Baruch Hashem, recent legal changes have made it easier to get involved. I offer 18- hour courses required for concealed carry in New York and New Jersey. The key is a proper foundation: training, understanding legalities, and learning to operate as a team. One person with a gun is very different from a coordinated team with guns. Teamwork is essential for safety and effectiveness.
How do you address concerns about firearms in the home?
Focus on safety first: storing firearms securely, educating everyone in the household, and seeking proper training can greatly reduce risks. Think of it like learning to drive, being prepared and informed makes all the difference in preventing accidents.
Tell us about the award you’re nominated for.
The Gundies are like the Oscars of the firearms world. I’m nominated for Firearms Instructor of the Year, the first frum Jew to achieve this. Nominations are vetted, then the public votes. If I make the top five, I’ll go to Las Vegas, where the winner is chosen based on votes.
How did the nomination happen?
People usually nominate you, and the organization reviews your credentials. Then it’s up to the public to vote. My nomination likely came from my social media presence and my work in the community.
As we approach Chanukah, how would you connect Chanukah to what you do?
The Maccabees fought for something they believed in deeply, their community and faith. In modern terms, protecting our communities requires the same passion and purpose. It’s about being prepared, committed, and working together to safeguard what we care about most. Even voting in the Gundies mirrors that spirit: consistent effort and dedication can make a difference, no matter the size of your community.
HOW CAN SOMEONE VOTE FOR YOU?
Rabbi Raziel Cohen (The Tactical Rabbi) has been nominated for Firearms Instructor of the Year at the 2026 Gundie Awards.
If he makes it into the top five, he would be the first Yid ever nominated, which would be historic. He could really use the community’s support.
It takes literally 10 seconds:
Go to: https://gundies.votenow.tv/firearm-instructor-of-the-year/the-tactical-rabbi
1. Click the link
2. Log in
3. Hit Vote (you can vote until the first
night of Chanukah, December 15,
2025)
Every vote genuinely makes a difference. Support from the community would mean a lot.
HOW CAN SOMEONE GET IN TOUCH TO LEARN MORE OR GET INVOLVED?
They can reach me via my website, thetacticalrabbi.com, or on social media, though I’m not very active there. I can guide individuals or teams, whether for a shul, school, or personal preparedness.