Vengeance
„We must understand the entire content of the expression of vengeance... that it comes to illuminate in the world all the treasures of good, to remove the causes that darken life and existence in general, which, so long as they are not eradicated from the world, darken it.”From Olat Re'iyah 54
The heart breaks before the might of death. All our senses cry out for vengeance against the enemy. Rav Kook distinguishes between impulse-driven vengeance and repair of the world. He explains that vengeance, when it does not come as something impulse-driven but from the knowledge of the enemy and the will for his elimination, cleanses and advances the world. Evil and the terrorists darken life, extinguish the light. Vengeance against them and their supporters rekindles the light and the hope, and it is a gateway to good. "Great is vengeance, for it was placed between two Names of God: 'God of vengeance, O Lord; God of vengeance, appear.'"
*
The study is dedicated to the safekeeping and return of Dror Or (48), who was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Be'eri together with his children.
From the community archive of Mishpetei HaRav Kook — studying Rav Kook's teachings since 2011.