Sapphire from the Land of Israel: A New Light on the Weekly Torah Portion from the Writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook

Because of their poetic and mystical nature, Rav Kook’s writings are difficult even for readers who are fluent in Hebrew and rabbinic texts. "Sapphire from the Land of Israel" uses a clear, succinct style to provide the reader with a window into Rav Kook's original and creative insights.

A companion volume to "Gold from the Land of Israel," this book presents more of Rav Kook's thoughts on the weekly Torah reading (parasha). It elucidates his views on many topics, including:

Why do we find different names for God in the Torah?
Why are first-born donkeys holy?
Why did the Torah need to give doctors permission to heal?
If "eye for an eye" means monetary compensation, why does the Torah not say that explicitly?
Why are only kohanim allowed to serve in the Temple?
Why doesn't the Torah explicitly state where to build the Temple?

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (1865-1935), the celebrated first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel, is recognized as being among the most important Jewish thinkers of all times. 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.

"Rav Kook was uniquely able to communicate the mystical depths of the Torah to modern Jews, showing how the Torah's narratives are indeed expressive of eternal truths. And among the interpreters of Rav Kook, Rabbi Morrison is uniquely able to impart those teachings to contemporary English-speaking Jews in clear, yet elegant prose.
"Rabbi Morrison's latest work will no doubt inspire spiritual seekers to continue to mine the gold, silver, sapphire and other treasures of Rav Kook's thought."
--Rabbi Dovid Sears