Yeshiva
Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Recipient : Rabbi Dov Ber Kook, Rav Kook’s younger brother, a rabbi in Russia, at the time.
Body : After a long time of hoping to be able to read the sweet words written by your right hand, dear brother, we received your postcard. It is like we are used to doing; we are like rich people who skimp when it comes to letters, but this too brought us contentment. I thank Hashem for the peace you are enjoying. I call upon you, my dear brother, and I include myself in the request, that the time has come that we stop being lazy. It would be better off if we benefitted one from the other’s counsel and wisdom, whether with a short or a long letter, as time permits, and to refresh our spirits from time to time with letters of friendship and brotherhood, not the letters of colleagues who barely know each other.
Although I could claim a fair share of good excuses [for not writing enough], I do not want to vindicate myself fully. A lot is caused by physical weakness, and more is caused by weakness of the spirit, which is a moral blemish, which one can heal if he chooses to do so. It is simply necessary to repent from the sin of withholding good from one’s counterpart, may Hashem grant me atonement.
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
91 - Hashgacha on Produce Coming to Yerushalayim
92 - Letter to a Brother
93 - Reaction to the Encyclopedia “Otzar Yisrael”
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There has recently been a change for the better here, in the happenings of our beit din, as a dayan (Rav Zalman Shach, who was later killed in 1929) was added, and he is an exceptional scholar and a well-liked man. I hope this will lighten my practical load somewhat. I have begun to become more involved in the "Shomrei Torah" organization, which I had originally not done because I was concerned that the difference in philosophy would be a problem. I hope, though, that things will continue to improve in this regard.
In the Shaarei Torah school here in Yafo, I authorized the establishment of a department for vocational study, which is growing. I hope that this will give honor to the religious community, and let the public know that we are interested in the practical building of the Land. They are already occupied with producing metal cabinets for storage rooms, which are of no less quality than those that are imported from Europe. The logo of "Shaarei Torah Workshop" will be proudly displayed on them. I am of the opinion that we should be proud of this.
Regarding the yeshiva, there are many ideas. The plan has made a major impact on the religious community of Germany. Rav Yitzchak Isaac Halevi, the author of Dorot Rishonim (see letters #103, 111) is close to joining the group of supporters, and he has a lot of influence in the West. The members of Mizrachi from that area are interested in joining the effort, and others are also favorably inclined to helping. However, the matter has to be started in a big way, as is appropriate for the honor of the Holy Land and the light of the Torah within it.
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Multiple Agreements and Parties – part IV
based on final ruling of 80082 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 Payments after a Gradual End of Employment
(Based on ruling 82024 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part IV
Date and Place: 19 Sivan 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Refuting Criticism by the Ridbaz – #311 – part III
Date and Place: 19 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
Rabbis in Midrash
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Various Events FOR WHOM NOT TO VOTE
Rav Zvi Yehuda Kook stressed that Israeli politics is G-dly, so I have no problem answering this common question on a Torani blog. Also, Free-Will is a G-d-given right and obligation, to "destine one's fate" (R. Soloveichik, Kol Dodi Dofek, 67), so I obviously don't tell others how to vote. But once not a few (especially young) have already asked, a couple of personal words from experience and thoughts from chazal & Rav Kook which may be of help to others, mainly for whom NOT to vote.
P'ninat Mishpat Fallout from Failure to Install Elevator – part II
based on ruling 85007 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
