The Essential Writings of Abraham Isaac Kook (Roots of Wisdom Book)

Abraham Isaac Kook (1865-1935) was the first chief rabbi of pre-state Israel. A philosopher and a poet, his creative accomplishments have often been overshadowed by his role as the Orthodox rabbi who embraced the Zionist pioneers.A deeply religious mystic and a progressive universalist, Rabbi Kook thought it as important to improve the world as to improve one's own soul. Ben Zion Bokser (1907-1824), the translator of this volume, heard Rabbi Kook speak in New York in 1924 and became an avid student and great proponent of his teachings. Rabbi Bokser's articles on Rav Kook were published in Tradition and Judaism.

"A giant of twentieth century Jewish thought, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook was a mystic who utilized mystical ideas not to retreat from the world but to engage meaningfully in all its aspects.

"This work excels both in its judcious selection of texts -- all brief, pointed and accessible -- and the quality of the translation. The reader is treated to Rav Kook's views on such topics as culture, evolution, scientific change, Torah study, holiness, morality and the Zionist revival.

"This volume enables readers to feel the pulse and power of this remarkable thinker."
-- David Shatz, Professor of Philosophy, Yeshiva University

"A paradoxical giant of both Lurianic Kabbalism and Talmudic scholarship, of meditative piety and active legislation. A sacred and healing balm for these troubled times."
-- Isaac Mozeson, Judaica Book News