--Douglas Wertheimer, Because of their poetic and mystical nature, Rav Kook's writings are difficult even for readers who are fluent in Hebrew and rabbinic texts. uses a clear, succinct style to provide the reader with a window into Rav Kook's original and creative insights. A companion volume to on the Torah, this book presents Rav Kook's thoughts on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. It elucidates his views on many topics, including: How is the Sabbath like a bride? What is the inner meaning of the shofar blasts? Why are we instructed to drink on Purim? What were Rav Kook's views on secular Zionism? Why do we need both an oral and written Torah? Why must the Jewish calendar be set in the land of Israel? Why does a Jewish king need his own sefer Torah? Why is the Temple so central to Judaism? --Rabbi Shmuel Jablon --Rabbi Israel Drazin