Reassuring His Parents – #314 – part II | Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit | Beit Midrash

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Recipient and Background: Rav Kook’s parents and brother. The main topic is to calm his parents’ upset at the criticism Rav Kook received about Shemitta. His thanks to his parents include realization of some of his special qualities.

Body: Thank G-d, the recognition of the Torah of life’s pleasantness, especially the honor and belief in land-based mitzvot, is expanding in our holy Yishuv on a yearly basis. This is helped by the approach of love and truth you bestowed upon me, your servant, from your pure spirits, dear parents. Because of you, I am enveloped with Hashem’s peace and grace, which I feel with my whole soul whenever I stride upon holy soil or go to inquire about the welfare of my brethren and their agricultural plots and try to uphold the laws of land-based mitzvot on a yearly basis. Their rays of aura light up the chambers of my heart and kidneys, uplifting my spirit with the joy of the Desired Land, every moment of every day, with a heart full with anticipation for the salvation of the remnant of a nation bound to hope. This is Hashem’s great nation, which is exalted in the world by Hashem’s great love for it.

Igrot Hare’aya (200)

Beit Din Eretz Hemda - Gazit

221 - Reassuring His Parents – #314 – part I

222 - Reassuring His Parents – #314 – part II

223 - Efforts to Buy Land – #315

Heaven forbid, you, the source of my glory, should not allow into your hearts even the smallest hint of anguish on these matters (the Shemitta controversy). I rely on His blessed name, that that which is for me honor and not disgrace will only improve with the help of those with a sensitive spirit. They will reveal from the depths of their hearts their slumbering senses, and will be inspired to serve Hashem and His nation on holy soil and work the land with full enthusiasm, without regard for silly personal interests. Rather, they must know that even from a lowly station, they are involved in the loftiness of the emerging of Hashem’s salvation for His nation and lot.

My only pain centers on that which many still do not realize – all those who fear Hashem truly strive for one goal; there is no quarrel in the normal sense. I hope that this will be realized, so that Hashem’s honor will return to all those who strive to do Hashem’s will (may they succeed). [Rav Kook then went into his Shemitta strategy, which we have seen before.]

I again ask my honored father not to have any pain due to this; rather, rejoice in Hashem’s kindness for allowing me to come to His holy mountain and live in the shadow of Hashem’s eternal city. Even if many of its residents act in a way we cannot accept, the Land loses none of its eternal value as the place where Hashem desires to dwell forever. We dream about the return of its sons from captivity abroad and see the weak rays of light, which still shine through the darkness, as its children return to it. The bitter taste, which we taste sometimes from those who mistakenly do not recognize the ways of peace in all its glory, will also sweeten. We are full of vigor, knowing that Hashem accompanies us on our path. My intentions are, thank G-d, purely on behalf of His nation and lot, the joy of our lives.

My dear [brother] Shmuel – While your words are consistent and have a spirit of justice and pure belief, it is correct to broaden our thoughts and judge everyone meritoriously, even if it requires creativity. We must never forget that in all ideological wars, when emotions calm, those who are critical on both sides find both light and shade. With the spirit of knowledge and fear of Hashem we shall know that all of man’s plans, thoughts, and actions in the world, whether in broad or limited circles, are prepared by He who anticipates the generations from the outset to help and embellish the world, to shine light and remove darkness. While we make the efforts to fight for the things we believe in, our emotions must not sweep us away. We must always know that there is a broad place for the opposite feelings of others and that the G-d of the spirits of all living things made all that exists, each for its own good reason. While this idea should not stop us from fighting for holy truths we hold dear, it should hold us back from falling into the net of pettiness, belittling others, and holding grudges. May we always be full of vigor of the spirit, calmness, and trust in a G-d Who loves truth, Who will never abandon those who love Him. I will be so happy if every time something like this comes up, you work to calm emotions and raise the regard for the honor of all around you, as is proper for people with integrity and wisdom, who know their clear goals.

Igrot Hare’aya