Published: May 25, 2011
Words: 8,171 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781458105547

Short description

What are tefillin? What is their deeper significance? How can we bind our hearts and souls to God, as we bind these these scrolls to our arms and heads? Nine essays on the mitzvah of tefillin, based on the writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook, one of the most influential Jewish thinkers of our times.

Extended description

"Clear, concise and important." --Eytan Dallal

"Rabbi Chanan Morrison masterfully presents the depth and breadth of Rav Kook's profound insights on the central and yet mysterious mitzvah of Tefillin. Reading it will definitely enhance your practice and understanding of Tefillin."
--Rabbi Itzchak Marmorstein, Jerusalem

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. Just as his writings reflect the mystic s search for underlying unity in all aspects of life and the world, his unique personality united a rare combination of talents and gifts. A prominent rabbinical authority and active public leader, Rav Kook was, at the same time, a deeply religious mystic. He was both Talmudic scholar and poet, original thinker and tzaddik.

Tags

spirituality, torah, judaism, religious philosophy, rav kook, tefillin, rabbi kook, bar mitzvah

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Reviews

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Review by: Robert Weiss on Jan. 16, 2012 :
Well written and concise. The book makes the מצוה of תפילין so much more meaningful. Highly recommended reading.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: cm2 on Oct. 18, 2011 :
This is not a long book - it consists of nine essays - but I found that it helped me relate to the mitzvah of tefillin on a much deeper level. It made wearing tefillin much more meaningful for me.

Each chapter discusses a different aspect of tefillin - the significance of the knots, its connection to the Exodus from Egypt, the requirement to always be aware of tefillin while wearing them, the unusual four-pronged Shin, and so on.

I find that now, when I put on tefillin and wrap the black strap on my arm, I think of the "zeroa netuyah" - the "outstretched arm" by which G-d redeemed the Jewish people from Egypt. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook explained this metaphor beautifully. The "outstretched arm" means an arm stretched out to the future. It reaches out and points the way to the future redemption of Israel and the entire world.

He explained that the word "zeroa" is like the word "zera" - a 'seed.' The mitzvah of tefillin is a holy seed, planted when the Israelites left Egypt thousands of years ago. It constantly refines the Jewish people and prepares them for a better, holier future.

If you want to better understand the inner meaning and significance of this ancient tradition - this book is definitely worthwhile!
(reviewed the day of purchase)

Review by: cm2 on Oct. 18, 2011 :
This is not a long book - it consists of nine essays - but I found that it helped me relate to the mitzvah of tefillin on a much deeper level. It made wearing tefillin much more meaningful for me.

Each chapter discusses a different aspect of tefillin - the significance of the knots, its connection to the Exodus from Egypt, the requirement to always be aware of tefillin while wearing them, the unusual four-pronged Shin, and so on.

I find that now, when I put on tefillin and wrap the black strap on my arm, I think of the "zeroa netuyah" - the "outstretched arm" by which G-d redeemed the Jewish people from Egypt. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook explained this metaphor beautifully. The "outstretched arm" means an arm stretched out to the future. It reaches out and points the way to the future redemption of Israel and the entire world.

He explained that the word "zeroa" is like the word "zera" - a 'seed.' The mitzvah of tefillin is a holy seed, planted when the Israelites left Egypt thousands of years ago. It constantly refines the Jewish people and prepares them for a better, holier future.

If you want to better understand the inner meaning and significance of this ancient tradition - this book is definitely worthwhile!
(reviewed the day of purchase)

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