Judaism - Significant People and Ideas

Question 1

who is the significant person in Judaism?

Answer 1

Rabbi Isaac Abraham Hacohen Kook

Rav Kook

Question 2

what were Rav Kook’s three main contributions?

Answer 2

• his philosophies formed the basis of modern orthodoxy
• he promoted religious zionism more than anyone else
• his leadership & writings

Question 3

how did Rav Kook’s philosophies form the basis of modern orthodoxy?

Answer 3

• modern orthodoxy evolved from his teachings
• established Mercaz Harav Kook Yeshiva in Jerusalem
• established the Great Rabbinical Court

“What unites us is greater than what divides us.” (Rav Kook)

Question 4

how did Rav Kook’s promote zionism?

Answer 4

• envisaged Israel as ‘the Land of the People’
• ERETZ ISRAEL
• saw zionism as part of a divine scheme
• saw Israel as a Messianic State, in a process of redemption, salvation, and anticipation for the Messiah

“The state of Israel is the foundation upon which rests the Throne of God in this world.” (Rav Kook)

Question 5

how did Rav Kook’s leadership and writings help form orthodoxy?

Answer 5

• was noted Rabbi at 23
• lead communities in Latvia, Jaffa, and Jerusalem
• promoted the Kiruv –> Jewish outreach
• wrote prolifically in the Halakah
• promoted unity, harmony, faith, and love in his books
• his writings can still be applied to contemporary issues

“You must rise to the heights and meet your soul.” (Rav Kook)

Question 6

what was the impact of Rav Kook’s philosophies on forming the basis of modern orthodoxy?

Answer 6

• has influenced entire generations and continues to do so
• enable Jewish adherents to live out their traditions
• modern orthodox communities exist in the modern world
  e. g. the orthodox community at the Great Synagogue in Sydney
• the Great Rabbinical court: fosters unity of Jews from differing religious observations

Question 7

what was the impact of Rav Kook’s promotion of zionism on forming the basis of modern orthodoxy?

Answer 7

• inspired future generations to support the idea of a religious homeland for Jews
• bought salvation for the Jews
• state of Israel was established 13 years after his death

Question 8

what was the impact of Rav Kook’s leadership & writings on forming the basis of modern orthodoxy?

Answer 8

• movement of Orthodox Jews that reach out to other Jewish variants to encourage a belief in God
• taught his communities that man’s separation from God was a consequence of human ‘forgetfulness’
• Jews refer to his writings for moral and spiritual guidance