Gold From The Land of Israel : From the Writings of HaRav Kook

A New Light on the Weekly Torah Portion From the Writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (1865-1935), the celebrated first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel, is recognized as being among the most important Jewish thinkers of all times. His writings reflect the mystic’s search for underlying unity in all aspects of life and the world, and his unique personality similarly united a rare combination of talents and gifts. Rav Kook was a prominent rabbinical authority and active public leader, but at the same time, a deeply religious mystic. He was both Talmudic scholar and poet, original thinker and saintly tzaddik.

Rav Kook’s writings, due to their poetic and mystical nature, are difficult even for those fluent in Hebrew and rabbinical texts. “Gold from the Land of Israel” uses a clear, succinct style to grant the reader a window into his original and creative insights.

This book elucidates his thoughts on many fascinating topics, including:

Can we reconcile the Torah’s account of creation with modern science?
What is the Torah’s view on vegetarianism?
What is the purpose of death?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why do we have dreams?
Will the Third Temple have animal sacrifices?
Who is God?
How can one attain joy in serving God?
How should we balance our time between Torah study and work?

About the Author:
After graduating with a B.A. in Mathematics from Yeshiva University (New York), Rabbi Chanan Morrison studied for several years at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav, the Jerusalem yeshiva founded by Rav Kook in 1924. He was ordained after completing rabbinical studies in the Ohr Torah Stone (Efrat) and Midrash Sephardi (Jerusalem) rabbinical seminaries.
Rabbi Morrison taught Jewish studies for several years in Harrisburg, PA, before returning to Israel. He and his family subsequently settled down in Mitzpe Yericho, an Israeli community in the Judean Desert.
In an effort to maintain contact with former students, Rabbi Morrison began emailing weekly articles on the weekly Torah portion based on the writings of Rav Kook. Over the years, this email list grew at a phenomenal rate; it now benefits thousands of readers from all over the world.

~~~ Please look inside.