Rav Kook News Today

Throughout the Jewish world, Israel stands out by having two chief rabbis. The ‘Magazine’ looks at why – and asks if this model should continue

By Malkie Gordon Hirsch Magence As a child, I clearly remember the first time I realized how many different hashkafot there were and how little respect many people had for the ones not like theirs. I was a new student in a new community in the Five Towns. I had just moved with my family […]

In a New York Times report, the writer discusses the history of violence among Jewish residents of the West Bank against Palestinians and how it led to the emersion of their supporters in government.

What instruction does our shared environment teach us about creating healthier and more vibrant democracies derived from a communal understanding of freedom?

T he world did not know that he was a mystic. He was an accomplished diplomat, who knew how to deal with people in positions of great power. Some characterized him as a shrewd, and even manipulative, …

Important Intent The past two pieces presented Avot’s definition of the world’s goal as glorifying Hashem. This goal should impact not only what we do, but also why we do it. Chazal emphasized the importance of kavanah (intention) in many places. The Ramban [1] saw this as the intention of the command (found in kriyas […]

Perhaps prayer’s greatest benefit is that it enables us to elevate and purify ourselves.

As we saw in the last piece, Pirkei Avot explains that the world was created for the glory of G-d. Though the whole universe proclaims this notion, man is uniquely able to appreciate it and express it. After the failures and challenges of humanity’s first generations, Avraham Avinu emerges as the one who recognized this […]

Rabbi Mark Biller will delve into the thought and philosophy of Rav Kook, a towering figure in Jewish life, in a three-part series, via Zoom, called "Living a Soulful Life."

If I loved my kids so much, why couldn't I control my temper?