The need for compromise in carrying out justice

Hi,


"No law and statute in the world will fulfill all of the needs of every individual. Legislated laws, like natural laws, are general, and this is their glory and their strength. The Sun emerges with its might, and if it will burn the head of some being, animal or beast, from time to time, this will not cause it to withhold its light and heat for the benefit of all…

"We sweeten the bitterness of natural law, which sometimes overpowers us, not by removing it – which we cannot and would not do – but by creating artificial solutions which enable us to benefit from their good. So, too, in a suitable way, we work when necessary and possible to enter into compromise, at the desire of the litigants. This is especially so when justice is too harsh for one side, and certainly when it is too harsh for both sides. For this we say, "Justice, justice shall you pursue – one for law, one for compromise.'"

(Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook, Igrot haRa'ayah I pg. 224 (#176))

Have a great day,
Mordechai

An obligation to reach out

Hi,

"Regarding my practice of drawing everyone near, including Jews who sin, in order to bring them to repentance: I have written a hint at my meaning to his honour, saying that anyone who is capable of involving himself in the inner secrets of Torah will be filled with the light of the Torah's generosity to a greater extent, and is obligated to involve himself in mending the collapses and bringing near those who are distant."

(R' Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook, Letters of the Ra"ayah II pg. 186)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Fasting due to a dream: Listen to your heart

Hi,

"Regarding observing a fast due to a dream: It is generally appropriate to give appropriate space in one's life for his spirit's feelings as they are, without over-analysis, for this is the wisdom of life. Therefore, it is appropriate to make space for one's spiritual state, which seeks that he fulfill its demands via some pain or infliction, of which the most natural form is a fast."

(Rav Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook, Igrot haRa'ayah I 79)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Rav Kook on Organizational Operations

Hi,

"What I find difficult is that most of the practical-minded people who are drawn to our movement turn their eyes to matters of authority, while my own eyes and heart are raised to the spiritual content and the foundation in sanctity.

"It is clear to me that however the matters of authority go, if a sacred spirit is with them then they will turn out for the best."

(R' Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook, Letter from 1919, Igrot haRa'ayah 3:262)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The beginnings of redemption, in the land of Israel itself

Hi,

"It is true - the beginning of redemption definitely continues to appear before us. However, this revelation did not begin today, but from the time when the revealed end began to be revealed, from the time when the mountains of Israel began to produce branhes and bear fruit for the Jewish nation which had come closer. That is when the beginning of redemption was initiated."

(R' Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook, Igrot Ra'ayah 3:155, based on Yechezkel 36:8 and Sanhedrin 98a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai