Israel's 1st Chief Rabbi:
Parashat Shlach: The sin of Tzelofchad
We should learn from Tzelofchad’s mistake, and stay focused on that which is enduring and eternal, and not confuse the way-station for the final destination.
We should learn from Tzelofchad’s mistake, and stay focused on that which is enduring and eternal, and not confuse the way-station for the final destination.
Dreams, Rav Kook wrote, perform a vital function in the world. Great dreams are the very foundation of the universe.
The Sages debate the exact nature of the positive effect of the Sotah waters.
The Jewish people sought to uncover and emphasize every individual’s personal strengths, and thus chose banners for each tribe, but no banners flew over the central Tent of Meeting.
Why was the formal proclamation of the Jubilee year postponed until Yom Kippur?
What is the nature of the Jewish people? Is the nation merely the combined contribution of each individual Jew? Or are the Jewish people as a whole a national collective with its own special holiness?
When we immerse ourselves in water, we are forced to recognize our existential estrangement from the physical universe.
Why Clear Out Chametz?
Let us recognize that we are children of royalty, a nation whose eternal destiny is freedom, that Israel is neither a servant nor a home-born slave, nor an object of contempt.
The offerings of the Jewish people aspire to a far greater objective that of Noah who also brought offerings to Hashem.
Based on the teachings of Israel's first Chief Rabbi and Founder of Merkaz Harav Yeshiva in Jerusalem, Rav Avraham Yitschak HaCohen Kook zts"l.
What is the difference between wisdom, insight, and knowledge? How do they apply both to the Creator of the universe and to the human artist?
We need to expand all of the mind’s intellectual capabilities in order to fulfill the rule of “a healthy mind in a healthy body” on a spiritual level.
The oil is a metaphor for the human intellect. The mind also needs guidance; not every intellectual pursuit leads to ethical and spiritual growth. And what about the spiritual growth of the nation?
Was the tachash, whose hides covered the Tabernacle, a kosher animal? Does it matter?
Jewish law offers two ways to resolve disputes. The first is through rigorous analysis — and if that fails, a rabbinic majority.
A scholar’s greatest influence takes place in those spheres where others can best relate to him.
Why may the korban pesach only be eaten at the nighttime? And why must it be roasted?
What is the difference between motzi and ha-motzi?
God gave Moses a sign to prove his authenticity — but a sign which implied displeasure in Moses’ lack of faith in his people.
What kind of blessing is it when Yaakov prays that his grandchildren increase like fish in the land?
Working for the public good is certainly laudable. However, there are certain hazards inherent in such a path.
Rabbi Kook explains how Knesset Yisrael knows how to join heaven and earth.
After repairing his soul, Reuben returned and looked at the pit.
Why does it matter whether the worshippers gather around a pillar outside or pray inside a sanctuary?
Even in th. Messianic Era, the divide between Rachel and Leah will continue, with two Messianic leaders
There are two different paths of change available to us. f God provided us with two paths, then clearly both are needed, but what are they?
A message of unity and mutual respect came forth from Yavneh at the dark hour of national crisis after the Second Temple's destruction.
What is the connection between honoring Torah scrolls and respect for human remains?
How Rabbi Kook celebrated Simchat Torah.
When we examine the Rosh Hashanah prayers, there is no mention of sin or penitence. How can that be?
How do we cultivate a sense of joy in our service of God, when we observe mitzvot and study Torah?
“About half an hour before his death,” Dr. Zondek recalled, “the rabbi took my hand in his...."
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was among the hundreds who marked 89 years since the passing of Rabbi Kook: "The Rabbi taught that placing the Torah at the center is the key to being leading partners in the state."
Hunted by his enemies, David, too, felt betrayed and abandoned:
Rav Kook explained that there exists a special connection between Ein Eitam and the High Priest’s purification on Yom Kippur.
Birkat Hamazon bestows profound spiritual value to our private meals — a prayer that guides us, step by step, to a holier world.
When saying Shema, why should the word echad be stretched out? And what is the significance of the letters Dalet and Chet?
“The people’s joy in sparks of redemption will rebuild what was destroyed by baseless weeping.”
A prayer decrying slanderers and heretics touches upon powerful emotions of hostility and anger, while prayer is intended to be a medium of peace and love.
“May the words of my mouth... be acceptable” are words of deep significance. Where is the best place to say them in the prayer service?
Why did the rabbis emphasize Torah study in every situation, even on one’s deathbed?
Why indeed should only the Levites and the kohanim serve in the Temple? Why not open up the service of God to the entire nation?
Where would one expect that God would reveal His Torah to the Jewish people?
Israel's first Chief Rabbi died in 1935. His words here are absolutely prophetic.
Israel's first Chief Rabbi: The holiness of the Land of Israel is independent of those mitzvot that may be fulfilled while living there. The primary holiness of the Land is reflected in the mitzvah to settle it,
Rabbi Kook, founder of Religious Zionism: Anyone who has followed the development of the Jewish community in Eretz Yisrael from its inception can readily see how, from every reversal, a new triumph emerged.
Israel's first Chief Rabbi's wisdomand character shine through this story of his reaction to those slandering him.
Constructive and destructive power can both be used for positive purposes.
Israel's first chief rabbi explains how sometimes the entire community has to realzie how important it is to give thanks.
Israel's first Chief Rabbi: " the true goal of the miracles in Egypt goes far beyond the needs of that generation."
Israel's first Chief Rabbi: There are two levels of kavanah (intention) in prayer.
Israel' first Chief Rabbi and iconic leader of Religious Zionism: To understand Moses’ unusual instructions for mourning his nephews, we must examine the Talmudic account of the passing of Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi.
Israel's first chief rabbi: "Our world is inherently imperfect, and God’s kindness is not always readily apparent."
Israel's first Chief Rabbi had a unique tradition for Purim festivities and his students took part. In the middle of his speech, Rav Kook suddenly stood up and began to sing with great elation, “Do not fear, My servant Jacob! Do not fear, do not fear!”
Rabbi Kook sought to explain how an enlightened, industrialized, and cultured Europe could unleash such destructive barbaric forces that brought the world to a cataclysmic and death-filled war. Nothing has changed.
Israel's first Chief Rabbi: The structure of the Tabernacle corresponded to the entire universe.
hy should the phrase “Holy to God” be split into two lines?
Israel's first Chief Rabbi: Walls of iron are different from walls of stone, and each suits a different period of Jewish history.
Israel's first Chief Rabbi: The Jewish people received two Torahs at Sinai.