A Passage for November

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YA-Sunset

This month we want to share another favorite passage, "Radiant is the World Soul" by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook. What we love about this passage is its imagery. It's a brief passage, but each line presents a different lofty vision. 

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook is considered the foremost of modern Jewish mystics. He was once asked how to respond to hatred and gave the penetrating reply that to counteract sin hinam, gratuitous hatred, one must practice ahavat hinam, gratuitous love.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this passage. Share with us in the comments below!

  • Is there a line in the passage that particularly speaks to you?
  • What qualities do you think you might get by meditating on this passage?

Radiant is the World Soul – Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook

Radiant is the world soul, full of splendor and beauty, full of life, of souls hidden, of treasures of the holy spirit, of fountains of strength, of greatness and beauty. Proudly I ascend toward the heights of the world soul that gives life to the universe. How majestic the vision – come, enjoy, come, find peace, embrace delight, taste and see that God is good. Why spend your substance on what does not nourish and your labor on what cannot satisfy? Listen to me, and you will enjoy what is good, and find delight in what is truly precious.