Sapphire from the Land of Israel brings texts from Rav Kook's writings that deepen our understanding of each Torah portion, while providing a window into Rav Kook's thought. Rabbi Morrison's explanations are clear and meaningful, offering lessons that impact our religious and practical lives . -- Rabbi Shmuel Jablon Because of their poetic and mystical nature, Rav Kook's writings are difficult even for readers who are fluent in Hebrew and rabbinic texts. Sapphire from the Land of Israel uses a clear, succinct style to provide the reader with a window into Rav Kook's original and creative insights. A companion volume to Gold from the Land of Israel , this book presents more of Rav Kook's thoughts on the weekly Torah reading (parasha). It elucidates his views on many topics, including: Why do we find different names for God in the Torah? Why are first-born donkeys holy? Why did the Torah need to give doctors permission to heal? If "eye for an eye" means monetary compensation, why does the Torah not say that explicitly? Why are only kohanim allowed to serve in the Temple? Why doesn't the Torah explicitly state where to build the Temple? 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 of all times. His writings reflect the mystic's search for underlying unity in all aspects of life and the world, and his unique personality similarly united a rare combination of talents and gifts. Rav Kook was a prominent rabbinical authority and active public leader, but at the same time, a deeply religious mystic. He was both Talmudic scholar and poet, original thinker and saintly tzaddik. "Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook succeeded in combining many ideals - Torah Judaism, loyalty to the Jewish Nation, Zionism - into a unified philosophy that continues to influence the Jewish people. Sapphire from the Land of Israel brings texts from Rav Kook's writings that deepen our understanding of each Torah portion, while providing a window into Rav Kook's thought. Rabbi Morrison's explanations are clear and meaningful, offering lessons that impact our religious and practical lives. -- Rabbi Shmuel Jablon , Jewish Media Review " "Anyone who wants to discover deeper meanings in the weekly parashah should read and re-reread this wonderful collection." --Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, rabbi emeritus of The Jewish Center of Princeton, NJ "Rav Kook was uniquely able to communicate the mystical depths of the Torah to modern Jews, showing how the Torah's narratives are indeed expressive of eternal truths. And among the interpreters of Rav Kook, Rabbi Morrison is uniquely able to impart those teachings to contemporary English-speaking Jews in clear, yet elegant prose."-- Rabbi Dovid Sears, director of the NY Breslov Center "Sapphire from the Land of Israel is a jewel of a book. Rabbi Morrison's books are inspiring, wonderful to read on Shabbat." --Prof. Mel Alexenberg, artist, educator, and writer Sapphire from the Land of Israel  uses a clear, succinct style to provide the reader with a window into Rav Kook's original and creative insights.  A companion volume to  Gold from the Land of Israel  on the Torah, this volume presents more of Rav Kook's thoughts organized by the weekly Torah reading, presenting his unique Torah in English. 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 of all times. His writings reflect the mystic's search for underlying unity in all aspects of life and the world, and his unique personality similarly united a rare combination of talents and gifts. Rav Kook was a prominent rabbinical authority and active public leader, but at the same time, a deeply religious mystic. He was both Talmudic scholar and poet, original thinker and saintly tzaddik. Rabbi Chanan Morrison  grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated with a B.A. in Mathematics from Yeshiva University (New York). He then pursued advanced Talmudic studies in Israel, studying for seven years in Jerusalem yeshivot, including the famed Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav founded in 1924 by Rav Kook. He currently lives in a community in the Judean Desert with his wife and children. His work can be read on his website at r avkooktorah.org.