The Importance of the State of Israel in the Writings of Rabbi A.I. Kook
part I
Why did G-d create Am Yisrael as a nation and not just a religion? Why, in addition to the mitzvot between individual Jews, and between man and G-d, does the Torah call for a framework of a national land, army, political system, and even coin?
One who completes the Days of Awe as he should has certainly merited coming closer to the Almighty. And even if he was judged unfavorably above, this too is for the best, for it serves to rectify him and prepare him for life in the World to Come.
The Joy of Purim possesses two central aspects: Firstly, because even what had initially been evil was transformed into good, the joy of Purim is limitless; secondly, on Purim the Jewish people received the Torah through free will.