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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Recipient: Rabbi Yosef Rabi, Rav Kook’s brother-in-law. As the letter indicates, he was living in poverty in chutz la’aretz and was interested in moving to Eretz Yisrael if he could find an appropriate position.
Body: [We have seen Rav Kook’s interest and financial obstacles in starting a high-level yeshiva in Yafo. We conclude with his vision for the yeshiva.]
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
44 - Starting a New Yeshiva in Yafo
45 - Starting a New Yeshiva in Yafo
46 - Improper Criticism of a Rabbi
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[Ed. note – It is unclear at what point Rav Kook seemingly returns to speaking about Sha’arei Torah, not the planned yeshiva.] It is possible that to my clear ideas [on topics of study] there will be added on matters that arise in practice, as matters are sharper when they are critical necessities, as we see them more clearly as divinely ordained. Then the institution, which has special value since it is in Eretz Yisrael and in its newly developed section of the Land, which needs to receive the influence of the sanctity of truth that is fit for it, can reach new spiritual heights. I have prepared notes for what we would like to accomplish, but they are minimal. We have planned a department for learning crafts, which I had the bravery to institute. With Hashem’s help, it will bear fruit in the future, as it will give us a large number of craftsmen and merchants who will not look at Judaism like "full gentiles." This danger increases when there is no connection in the educational sphere between practical instruction and connection to Torah scholars.
I might in the future publish a brochure announcing to the world my educational aspirations. This may also have the benefit of motivating Jews of the Diaspora to donate. A spirit of support along with a flourishing of Eretz Yisrael’s Jewish community will make it possible for you to find a position here, at least if the new meshulachim show signs of success. Then we would send for you to come to Eretz Yisrael yourself and, if things work out well, we could invite the rest of your household. My idea requires patience and constant attention; it will not happen quickly. May Hashem open up the gates of hope on behalf of His Land, and may the crown of the Torah of life and of truth be raised in the Land of Life. May we be so fortunate as to be among the builders and active participants in fulfilling what Hashem wants to do in this world.
(The next paragraphs deal with halachic discourse and discussion of Rav Kook’s work and writings on the matter of avoiding grafted etrogim.)
My esteemed colleague can probably imagine how much my heart desires that you and all of your beloved family will be with us in the Holy Land. Hashem just has to arrange that the necessary provisions will be in place. I certainly would desire with all my heart that it could happen soon, so that we could be together with Hashem’s grace, investigating together matters of Torah and planning great enterprises for Heaven’s sake as they occur in the Desired Land. I rely on Hashem, Who has helped me in the past and has shown me kindness beyond my prayers. May He continue to allow me to continue my study of Torah and understanding the ways of Hashem and enable me to do great things for His nation and His Land for His great Name. I pray that my dear brother-in-law will not be depressed over his difficult situation now. We look to Hashem to open up doors of salvation and light; if it has been delayed a little, we will wait for it, because the salvation of those who fear Him is near.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
P'ninat Mishpat Who Breached the Contract? – part IV
Based on ruling 81087 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat Limits of Interest Rate for Loan with Heter Iska – part I
based on ruling 80033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
P'ninat Mishpat Repercussions of a Sale that Turned Out Not Happening – part III
(based on ruling 83045 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Igrot Hare’aya Connecting Disciplines in Torah Study
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook 103 – part III
Igrot Hare’aya The State of Religion in Eretz Yisrael – #277 – part II
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook Date and Place: 9 Adar I 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Public Response to Zealous Defense of Rav Kook – #308
Date and Place: 15 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya The Need for a Broader Education – #274
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook Date and Place: 8 Adar I 5670, Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Rabbis in Midrash
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P'ninat Mishpat A Non-Contractor in Changing Times – part II
(based on ruling 85128 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Moreshet Shaul Hashem Is your Shadow – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 420 – an address from 1941
Parashat Hashavua Happiness for the Right Reasons
[With painful longing, we share these divrei Torah from our co-Rosh Kollel for close to 40 years, Harav Moshe Ehrenreich zt”l.]
Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
