Silver from the Land of Israel: A New Light on the Sabbath and Holidays from the Writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Hakohen Kook - Paperback

by Abraham Isaac Kook (Author), Chanan Morrison (Author)

"Such an uplifting collection of essays... a wonderful gift."--Douglas Wertheimer, Chicago Jewish Star

Because of their poetic and mystical nature, Rav Kook's writings are difficult even for readers who are fluent in Hebrew and rabbinic texts. Silver from the Land of Israel uses a clear, succinct style to provide the reader with a window into Rav Kook's original and creative insights.

A companion volume to Gold from the Land of Israel on the Torah, this book presents Rav Kook's thoughts on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. It elucidates his views on many topics, including:

How is the Sabbath like a bride?
What is the inner meaning of the shofar blasts?
Why are we instructed to drink on Purim?
What were Rav Kook's views on secular Zionism?
Why do we need both an oral and written Torah?
Why must the Jewish calendar be set in the land of Israel?
Why does a Jewish king need his own sefer Torah?
Why is the Temple so central to Judaism?

"Readers will find these Divrei Torah inspiring and meaningful. I highly recommend this book!" --Rabbi Shmuel Jablon

"Rabbi Morrison presents these lessons in easy to read language... they are gems that will delight." --Rabbi Israel Drazin

Author Biography

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. Rabbi Chanan Morrison grew up in Pennsylvania, and graduated with a B.A. in Mathematics from Yeshiva University (New York). Pursuing advanced Talmudic studies in Jerusalem, he spent the next seven years studying in Jerusalem yeshivot, including the famed Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav, founded by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook in 1924. Rabbi Morrison taught Jewish studies for several years in Harrisburg, PA, before returning to Israel. He and his family subsequently settled down in a community in the Judean Desert. In an effort to maintain contact with former students, Rabbi Morrison began emailing articles on the weekly Torah portion based on the philosophical writings of Rabbi A. I. Kook. Over the years, this email list grew at a phenomenal rate; it now benefits thousands of readers from all over the world. He is frequently featured on the Torah section of the Israel National News website, and his work can be read on his own website at ravkooktorah.org.