"Such an uplifting collection of essays... a wonderful gift." --Douglas Wertheimer, Chicago Jewish Star Because of their poetic and mystical nature, Rav Kook's writings are difficult even for readers who are fluent in Hebrew and rabbinic texts. Silver 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 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? "Readers will find these Divrei Torah inspiring and meaningful. I highly recommend this book!" --Rabbi Shmuel Jablon "Rabbi Morrison presents these lessons in easy to read language... they are gems that will delight." --Rabbi Israel Drazin 2010 National Jewish Book Award Finalist in the category of Modern Jewish Thought and Experience -- Jewish Book Council "Rabbi Morrison has produced a volume that presents a picture of Rav Kook in depth, one that should be welcomed by all lovers of Jewish tradition." -- Daniel J. Rettberg, AJL Reviews "Such an uplifting collection of essays... a wonderful gift." -- Douglas Wertheimer, Chicago Jewish Star "Inspiring! This book is truly wonderful. HaRav Kook zt"l is one of the most important Jewish thinkers and leaders of the last century... This book makes his words accessible and understandable. I highly recommend it." -- Rabbi Shmuel Jablon, author and educator "Silver is a delightfully inspiring book of ideas regarding the Sabbath and Holidays, a wonderful introduction to the spellbinding and unique world of R. Kook, one of the most influential Jewish thinkers of our times." - -Rabbi Dr. Zvi Leshem, Jerusalem Post 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.