YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Igrot Hare’aya
Recipient : Yehuda David Eisenstein, the editor of "Otzar Yisrael," whose 10 volumes, were published between 1907 and 1913. Eisenstein participated in the Jewish Encyclopedia, but he felt that it was not traditional enough and therefore put out "Otzar Yisrael" as an alternative.
Body : I was filled with joy when the first volume of "Otzar Yisrael" appeared before me, as your honor decided, in his generosity, to honor me with it. I was happy with the treasure that it is, written in Hebrew. It is a tremendous volume of information relating to the Jewish People. Even more so, I was happy to see the spirit of moderation and a settled mind (as opposed to the more prevalent spirit of liberalness in Jewish academia at the time), which is generally found throughout the encyclopedia. This is something that can be credited to the editors’ wise understanding that they should not be overly moved by the many new movements that come to destroy rather than to build. I am full of hope that this encyclopedia will provide much good for the Jewish home, in the way it is structured, with its many entries.
On the other hand, I feel that I have an obligation to point certain entries that I felt, when I went through them, included incorrect matters. [Rav Kook took issue with three points. One was a rather technical one about the background of someone mentioned in the gemara, who, Rav Kook argued was not only not a rabbi, as the encyclopedia said, but was not even Jewish. The second was the way the encyclopedia dealt with the "original man." The third was the overly critical explanation of a controversial action that the amora Rava took.]
Igrot Hare’aya (200)
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
105 - Letter to a Brother
106 - Reaction to the Encyclopedia “Otzar Yisrael”
107 - How to React to Academia’s Version of Tanach Events
Load More
I will end with a blessing and by expressing my great regard for you. May Hashem see fit to give you success with much grandeur in raising the status of the Jewish People and making the Torah and its study valued, along with all elements of authentic Judaism regarding our nation. May your lot be among those who make the masses increasingly righteous forever and ever.
[Apparently, Rav Kook did take part in the effort regarding additional volumes.]
Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit
Igrot Hare’aya Departure of an Uncle to Eretz Yisrael
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook: Vol. I, #1 , p. 1-2 – part II
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
Igrot Hare’aya Connecting Disciplines in Torah Study
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook #103 – part II
P'ninat Mishpat Who Breached the Contract? – part IV
Based on ruling 81087 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
Igrot Hare’aya Informing a Friend he Is Not Insulted – #320
Date and Place: 5 Menachem Av 5670 (1910), Rechovot (probably)
Igrot Hare’aya Language of Instruction for Rav Kook’s Yeshiva – #325
Date and Place: 4 Elul 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Possibilities of Creating Religious Moshavot – #284 – part II
Date and Place: 1 Adar II, 5670 (1910), Yafo
Igrot Hare’aya Maintaining a Friendship of the Spirit – #266 – part II
Igrot Hare’aya – Letters of Rav Kook, Date and Place: 11 Shevat 5670, Yafo
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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.
