Exclusive | NJ rabbi up for the Gundie Awards — the Oscars for gun aficionados: ‘I’m definitely not what people expect’
Raziel Cohen, who’s earned the nickname the Tactical Rabbi, has really seen the payoff for trading long hours of Talmud study for bench‑shooting practice.
The 28‑year‑old has been shortlisted for the top honor in the firearms world: the Gundie Award, often billed as the Oscars of the shooting community.
After more than a decade of sharpening his skill set and collecting certifications from both the NRA and the Department of Justice, Cohen is a front‑runner for the “Firearms Instructor of the Year” title.
“This is beyond a dream,” Cohen told The Post from his New Jersey kitchen. “I was shocked when I heard I’d been nominated—it feels insane.”
A devout Orthodox rabbi, Cohen spends his days in correctional camps and one‑on‑one sessions across the U.S., teaching civilians how to protect themselves. He said the competition this year is fierce, with notable figures like the gun‑savvy Anna Taylor and the striking Amelie Eichlinger‑Noll among the nominees.
He notes that he constantly shatters expectations, moving from tactical gear and a custom‑printed bullet‑proof vest one day to a traditional black hat and religious garb the next. “People see me, double‑take, then high‑five without a second thought,” he says.
Regardless of background, all instructors share a common purpose. “We’re all doing this because we want to safeguard our families, our communities, and each other,” Cohen explains.
A past column in 2021 highlighted Cohen’s creative use of a $550 kapota—an embroidered jacket worn by married Hasidic men—to discreetly conceal a firearm during services.
It wasn’t until the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling, which loosened gun restrictions, that Cohen saw a seismic shift in gun culture, especially after the events of Oct. 7. “The image of Jews owning guns has become more mainstream in recent years,” he observes, noting that he’s trained roughly 5,000 people—mostly within Jewish circles—since then.
Next month’s Gundie Awards will take place at Las Vegas’ Venetian Theatre. The ceremony will feature a black‑tie affair, a red carpet, and of course, the relentless desert heat.
Cohen plans a simple agenda: “Wake up, pray, head straight to the event,” and he’ll steer clear of the trappings that define Sin City.
He looks forward to exchanging thoughts with fellow competitors, many of whom are former military and law‑enforcement personnel competing in categories like “Most Dapper Influencer,” “Top 2A Writer,” and “Best Outdoorsman.”
While he hopes for an award, he reminds us it’s ultimately subject to G‑d’s will. “It comes down to whatever G‑d decides,” he says.
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