25 May 2012 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook

„The thought of Israel precedes. Know that your trodden path, O Israel…”

„The thought of Israel precedes. Know that your trodden path, O Israel, is the source of all renewal that has come and that will come for the good upon weary humanity. Guard the steadfastness of your spirit within you, and in the joy of your youth, answer as of old with a great voice, even now, the great and enthusiastic call:”

"All that the Lord has spoken we will do and we will hear." And the ways of your life upon your soil, and the orders of your nationhood, and the life of your cities, your settlements, and your collectives — these shall be the cymbals of the hearing that answer to this great voice. And as in the days of old, the whole space of the world shall be filled with wonder at the majesty of the honor of the living God appearing in the soul of the returning people — the eldest of the peoples, who was scattered to all the ends of the earth, and behold rises to concentrate his life and to renew his youth, in all the splendid might of his wholehearted childhood and the vigorous strength of his youth upon the soil of his glory. And a heavenly voice will return and burst forth in a mighty voice, which will be heard in all the camps, in all the peoples and in all the tongues: "Who revealed this secret to My children, the secret that the ministering angels use, as it is said, 'Bless the Lord, O His angels, mighty in strength, who do His word, hearkening to the voice of His word.'" You, Israel, who are returning to rebuild the ruins of your land, who awaits your national revival — hear the echo of this great voice, which is heard in the whole world, as you are girded with the might of your great spirit, saturated with the dews of revival, which are in the treasury of the Life of the Worlds, selah. And with this great and holy spirit of yours, O Judah, celebrate your festivals; celebrate with might this mighty and enlightened day, the day of the Festival of Shavuot, the Festival of the First Fruits, the time of the giving of our Torah. Know, My people, to rejoice in it with an eternal joy, selah: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Ma'amarei HaRe'iyah, p. 175)

Happy holiday!

In memory of Shalom ben Regina.