1 July 2024 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook

We Do Not Advance Through Sadness

„Sometimes one must distance oneself from ideas of holiness and repentance, if they bring one to sadness, for the foundation of joy that is bound to the depth of holiness is greater than any other content of holiness and repentance.”From Shemonah Kevatzim III:25

A person's progress must come in a positive way and not a negative one. When we advance from a low place, from a place of sadness, we must stop. Even when a person advances spiritually, but the source of the advancement is great sadness (which can stem from fear, distress, and the like), he must understand that this is not the way, even at the cost of missing that advancement. A true God-fearing person is not a frightened person but one for whom the Holy One is part of his daily routine. When fear of Heaven comes from joy, a person succeeds in being truly God-fearing and not merely influenced by external things.

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God willing, tomorrow (Tuesday) morning I will undergo an important medical procedure. I would be grateful for your prayers: Asaf ben Malka.

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From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.