Only rarely is the world privileged to see a man of such greatness as the icon of religious Zionism,
HaRav Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook.
In Memoriam
by Rabbi Shmuel Knopfler z"l
Written last year ....2018
HaRav Kook ... His Personality
There have been scores of Torah giants in recent generations, but the stature of none compares to that of Rabbi Avraham Isaac HaCohen Kook, zt”l (1865 -1935). His genius was astounding - there was no field of Torah study that he had not mastered. His recall was astonishing – great scholars related that no matter what Torah subject they
discussed with him it would appear as if he had just recently learned the issue in depth.
Not only was he versed, sharp, and innovative in the arenas of Talmud and Halakha, he was at home in all areas of Jewish thought: Bible, Midrash, philosophy, and mysticism. On top of all this, he was unmatched in piety and righteousness, and his entire existence was dedicated to the service of the Creator.
Rabbi Kook was a mighty figure who fought for truth and was willing to put himself on the line for the sake of Torah justice.
It is not uncommon for extreme brilliance to result in strange
character traits, but Rabbi Kook was friendly and pleasant, so much so that all who knew him were captivated by his warm character. He was intellectual and emotional, sharp and poetic. He possessed a rich inner life, while at the same time was very active spiritually and publicly on behalf of the Torah, the nation, and the land.
That all of these talents could reside together harmoniously in one soul is itself remarkable.
The Respect of His Contemporaries