Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook
The celebrated first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel, Rav Kook (1865-1935) is recognized as being among 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, 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.
Due to Rav Kook's poetic style and abstract thought, his writings are often difficult to understand, even for those fluent in Hebrew and well-versed in traditional Jewish sources. For the English-speaking audience in particular, his books are hidden treasures whose light has not been fully revealed.
I have not attempted to translate his works. I doubt whether if it is possible to lucidly transmit his ideas when constrained to a literal translation. Instead, I have taken sources from his writings and tried to present them in a clear, straightforward fashion. Of course, this method runs the risk of over-simplifying and even misinterpreting the author's true intent. Still, this is a sincere effort that I believe to be faithful to the spirit of the Rav's thought.
I hope you enjoy this site,
Chanan Morrison
