„The theory of development (evolution), which is now increasingly conq…”
„The theory of development (evolution), which is now increasingly conquering the world, accords with the world-secrets of the Kabbalah more than all the other philosophical theories. Development, proceeding along a path of ascent, provides the optimistic foundation in the world; for how can one despair when one sees that everything develops and ascends. And when we penetrate to the inner core of the principle of ascending development, we find within it the divine matter illuminated with absolute clarity - precisely that there is an actual infinite. It brings forth into actuality that which is infinite in potential.”From Shemonah Kevatzim, I, 485
The theory of evolution is perceived by many as clashing with Judaism. Yet Rav Kook, of all people, saw it as complementary to the deepest teachings and to the esoteric tradition. The understanding that everything ascends and develops, that there is a divine secret in all that is created, is part of the secret of Judaism.
The secrets of Creation contain far more than what we learned in kindergarten and elementary school. The formation of the world in six days, and all that is hidden within it, has given rise to infinite interpretations and understandings, like the rest of the portions of the Torah and Scripture. The Torah does not oppose science, and nature is part of the world of the Holy One. Precisely in these days, when some try to pit Torah and science against each other and to create disputes out of nothing, it is important to emphasize that Rav Kook's approach saw no contradiction in the matter, but rather completion.
In memory of Shalom ben Regina
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From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.