Sefer Orot by Rav Kook - Foundation of Jewish Thought and Religious Zionism

Sefer Orot is one of the foundational books of Jewish thought and Religious Zionism. The book is compiled from the writings of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook (the Raayah) and was first published in 1920.

Topics of the Book

Among the central topics: Eretz Yisrael and its spiritual qualities, Jewish nationalism versus universalism, establishing a state and conducting wars, the relationship of the Jewish people to other nations, Judaism's relationship to other religions and to secularization, the conception of divinity, and Messianism and Geulah.

History and Editions

The first edition was compiled by Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda HaCohen Kook from the Eight Notebooks during his father's lifetime, published by Degel Yerushalayim in 1920. A comprehensive edition was published by Mossad HaRav Kook in 1950.

Book Status

The book is considered foundational in Religious Zionism and is studied in Religious Zionist yeshivot as part of Jewish thought.

Structure and Content

The book includes: Orot Me'ofel (Lights from Darkness) written during WWI with sections on Eretz Yisrael, HaMilchama (The War), and Yisrael U'Techiyato; Orot HaTechiyah (Lights of Revival) with 72 chapters on Israel's redemption; and additional sections.

Writing Style

The style is philosophical with poetic tendency, based on interpretation of Kabbalat HaAri. Rav Kook's writing flows with few source citations, added later by the editor.

Central Questions

Why is secularization at its peak during Geulah? How can idealistic youth be found among those who rebel against Torah? What is the role of secularization? Should Zionism be supported? What is the proper character for the state?

Purchase at geulabook

At geulabook, we offer the complete Orot HaRaayah set of 10 volumes with commentary by Rabbi Shlomo Aviner.