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Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook (5625-5695, 1865-1935 CE), of saintly blessed memory, served as the first Chief Rabbi of the Land of Israel and was one of the most profound thinkers of our time. He revealed the sources and roots of one of the greatest visions in our time - the revival of the Jewish people in their Land.

More than anyone else, Rabbi Kook spoke of the essence of Zionism. He was the first to coin a phrase that at then seemed to be but a far-fetched dream – "The State of Israel."

Rabbi Kook was the great soul of religious Zionism. He saw in it the process of redemption and the anticipation of the mashiach (the Messiah). Thirteen years after his death, the State of Israel was established, and it is his teachings which serve as the moral foundation of thought for the Jewish State.

Rabbi Kook built bridges of understanding between all Jews and all streams of Judaism. His own life was an inspiration and an example of love for his fellow Jew, no matter what differences of belief or practice separated them.

Under his leadership, a unique generation of Torah scholars grew up. They were men not only devout and learned, but also active in the national revival of the Land and People of Israel. They shared Rabbi Kook’s intense love for every Jewish soul - an optimistic and creative love which their teacher likened to the spinal cord of the nation, linked with every part of the body.

The late Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook

The teachings of Rabbi A. Y. Kook have influenced an entire generation. His son, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, of saintly blessed memory, took over the helm of the yeshiva his father founded - Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav - and educated many of today's leading Roshei Yeshivot (Yeshiva Deans) and Chief Rabbis of Israeli towns.

The numerous books of Rabbi A. Y. Kook continue to be studied in scores of institutions imparting love of Torah, love of G-d, love of Israel, and love of Zion.

Click here for English Torah articles from various disciples of Rabbi Kook.

For information about Rabbi Kook's books translated into English, click here.

The above is based on an article from the Mercaz HaRav Website