• 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?
• How can one attain joy in serving God?
• What is the inner meaning of the shofar blasts?
• Why are we instructed to drink on Purim?
• What is the role of art and literature?
• Why do we need both an oral and written Torah?
• Why is the Temple so important to us?

Praise for Gold from the Land of Israel

“Rabbi Morrison has done a remarkable job in presenting the teachings of Rav Kook — a giant of twentieth century Jewish thought — in a clear and approachable fashion. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a good introduction to the inspiring wisdom of this preeminent scholar.”

– Rabbi David Samson
Author of the “Lights on Orot” series

"Gold from the Land of Israel is a wonderful introduction to the profound teachings of HaRav Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook zt”l. In these succinct and clearly-written essays, Rabbi Morrison has succeeded in expounding on major themes from Rav Kook’s thought. Those who are not familiar with the Rav’s teachings will be exposed to the profound ideas and remarkable scope of his writings.

"Rav Kook zt”l was one of the outstanding scholars of his time, and his teachings and writings are the cornerstone of Jewish life in Israel today. By entering the realm of Torah as presented by Rav Kook, one strengthens his bonds to Eretz Yisrael.

"Not only is this book a tremendous boon for English-speaking readers, but the translation of Rav Kook’s writings enables them ‘to awaken the holiness hidden in each language.’”

– Rabbi Yehoshua Magnes
Rosh Yeshiva, Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva

"Rabbi Chanan Morrison, a former student at Mercaz HaRav, is deeply immersed in the writings and thought of Rav Kook and has done a masterful job of extracting Rav Kook’s thoughts on the weekly Parashah. This is a book to return to again and again."
– Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins
Jewish Media Review

"Grasp the treasure of Rav Kook's teachings with Gold from the Land of Israel."
(read entire review)
– Yocheved Golani

"Purchase this book if you truly want to understand Rav Kook and bring the fulfillment of his teachings into your heart... Rav Chanan Morrison explains Rav Kook's Torah like no one else." (read entire review)
– Yoely Zipkin

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.

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. He is frequently featured on the Torah section of the Arutz Sheva website and his work can be read on his own website at http://www.ravkooktorah.org.

His first book of essays of Rav Kook's writings, Gold from the Land of Israel, was published by Urim Publications in 2006.