29 October 2024 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook

„Every person must impress upon himself not to learn from the flaws of…”

„Every person must impress upon himself not to learn from the flaws of his fellow... for surely, against those defects that he sees in him, he certainly has other virtues that cause the defects to be outweighed.”From Shemonah Kevatzim I, 197

We live in a social world, and around us are people – including those whom we esteem – with flaws. Bad character traits, breakdowns, improper conduct, and more... Looking from the side, we are liable to think that the flaw is part of the package, and, as part of the desire to succeed and to be like them, to try to imitate their flaws. Rav Kook warns against this, and this is especially true regarding people of high standing and rank – leaders, rabbis, parents, teachers, and more... It is right to learn from their good conduct, and to be very careful of their bad conduct.

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