One of Rav Kook's most prominent disciples was Rabbi David Cohen. He was known as the Nazir (Nazarite) of Jerusalem, since, soon after arriving in the Holy Land, he took an oath to never again drink wine, eat grapes, and cut his hair. The Nazir edited and organized many of Rav Kook's writings into the four-volume magnum opus, "Orot HaKodesh".

Who was this Nazir? How did he meet Rav Kook?

David Cohen was yeshiva student from the Vilna area, blessed with exceptional intellectual talents. After preparing himself for matriculation exams, he was accepted to the University of Basel in Switzerland, where he studied philosophy and Greek literature for seven years.

However, the 26-year-old student was not at peace with himself. He prayed early every morning, and kept other mitzvot, but he felt his heart was not in it. He suffered from an inner discontent.

Then he heard that Rav Kook was staying in St. Gallen, Switzerland. (Rav Kook became stranded in Europe during the first World War, when he temporarily left Israel for a rabbinical conference.) The young scholar sent off a letter to the Rav: would it be possible to discuss various matters of faith? He was overjoyed when he received a positive reply, but he lacked money for the trip. David immediately went to a pawnshop and handed over his gold watch in order to raise the necessary funds.

He immersed himself in the Rhine River and set off for St. Gallen. It was the day before the month of Elul.

Rav Kook received the university student warmly. They spoke the entire day, mainly about Greek philosophy and literature. Rav Kook was amazed at the expertise his young visitor demonstrated in these topics in their original sources. David, however, was rather disappointed. Had he come all this way, even pawning his gold watch, just to discuss Greek philosophy?

Rav Kook suggested that the young man stay overnight in his house. Reluctantly, David agreed. The entire night, the young man tossed and turned, unable to sleep. What would be tomorrow? Would Rav Kook resolve his questions? Would he succeed in dispelling his doubts? He felt his life's destiny was hanging in the balance. Which way would it go?

As the first rays of morning light broke through the window, David heard footsteps from the adjoining room. That must be the Rav, he thought. He must be praying. What is he saying?

He heard Rav Kook chant the account of the Akeida ('the Binding of Isaac'), the story of supreme love and self-sacrifice for God. The melody was captivating. Then the Rav began the concluding supplication, "Master of the World". The sweetness and exhilarating fervor of the prayer shook the very foundations of his soul. This inspiring tefila, said in holiness and purity, changed his life.

The Nazir tersely described the momentous event in his introduction to "Orot HaKodesh":

"In the early morning I heard the sound of steps. The morning blessings, then the prayer of the 'Akeida', in a sublime song and tune. "From the eternal high heavens, remember the love of our ancestors." I listened, and I became a new person. I quickly wrote, announcing that I had found more than I had hoped for. I had found for myself a Rav."

("Malachim Kivnei Adam", pp.74-76)

Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison