15 August 2022 · A sentence from the teachings of Rav Kook
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„Rest is not merely a matter of necessity, but something fundamental.…”
„Rest is not merely a matter of necessity, but something fundamental. The intellect, in its depths, must exert itself at its source; whereas study, in its shadows, dims its lights. The intermittent rest comes and brings that brilliant light upon matters, spreading its cloud of radiance.”From Shemonah Kevatzim VI, 95
Sometimes we need a break — to stop the flow of ordinary life, to take a short or long vacation, to rest. Rav Kook teaches a novel idea: that this need is not required because of the weakness of matter, but is itself part of our work. The rest we need is an inseparable part of our building, just as hard work is a part of it. Some wait for their body to stop them and thereby win rest; this is one of the causes of illness — the body tells a person to stop, and if you will not do so on your own, I will force you.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.