10 February 2026 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook

To Be a Vessel for Light

„In order to receive a straight and directed influence from the things that were said through the holy spirit, one must be, first of all, in a very firm psychological state.”From Shemonah Kevatzim 8, 174

Rav Kook warns here against a spiritual connection that is not built on natural and healthy psychological stability. There is a heavy responsibility for one who is exposed to deep spiritual worlds, whether through study, great inspiration, or the spiritual leadership of others. The stronger the spiritual content, the more the psychological vessel must be stable, otherwise the spiritual power may destabilize the person instead of building him. Therefore the Rav opens Orot HaTeshuvah with natural, bodily and psychological repentance, and teaches that true spirituality does not leap over psychological and bodily health but leans upon it.

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