15 December 2011 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook

„In every place where we find hints of hatred, we know clearly that th…”

„In every place where we find hints of hatred, we know clearly that the intent is only toward wickedness, which strongly binds together the union of many peoples, both in the present and especially in ancient days when the filth of the world was more defiled. But we must know that a point of life, light, and holiness never departs from the divine image with which man as a whole was graced, and with which every people and tongue was graced, each according to its measure, and this seed of holiness will elevate everything.”From Musar Avicha

This passage speaks of several matters, but this time I will address within it one matter.

Rav Kook did not see evil as something purely negative; in everything, the Rav believed, there is good and there is a purpose. Very often the purpose is hidden from our eyes, very often the thing is bad for us but advances the world to higher places.

When we hate someone or something, we must hate his deeds and not the person himself, since hatred is a negative trait and man, every man, is a creature that the Holy One created.

Precisely looking at the good traits within the "evil" person can advance and elevate him and the world.

Along with this, the Rav does not call for ignoring evil and evil deeds; the evil itself we must denounce.

We are in days that are not simple; the media is full of accusations against our public over the most serious things, which must not be done (harming soldiers, "price tag" incidents, and so forth). The hatred toward us grows, and so does our hatred toward those who come to destroy settlements. Precisely in these days the saying of Rav Kook (which we have already studied) must appear before our eyes - not to complain about the wickedness but to add justice, not to complain about the ignorance and foolishness but to add wisdom, not to shout hatred but to add love.

And another thing: we must remember, even in difficult times, that there is a Holy One who guides and moves the world.

We must strive as much as we can, but we must remember that at times there are processes that must occur, and, God willing, all is for the good!