Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook

The celebrated first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel, Rav Kook (1865-1935) is recognized as one of the most important Jewish thinkers of all time. His writings reflect the mystic's search for underlying unity in all aspects of life and the world.

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.

Due to Rav Kook's poetic style and abstract thought, his writings can be difficult to understand, even for those fluent in Hebrew and well-versed in traditional Jewish texts. For the English-speaking audience in particular, his books are hidden treasures whose light has not been fully revealed.

On the whole, I have not attempted to translate his works here. Instead, I have taken ideas from his writings and presented them in a clear, straightforward fashion. While this runs the risk of over-simplifying the author's intent, it is a sincere effort that seeks to be faithful to the spirit of the Rav's thought.

May you be inspired by Rav Kook's extraordinary Torah!
Chanan Morrison