Rav Kook: Mystic in a Time of Revolution (Jewish Lives)

I confess that I just received this book, which I had pre-ordered, and couldn't put it down. No only is it the first in-depth, book-length intellectual biography of Rav Kook in English, but it sets a standard that may never be equaled. The author's knowledge of his subject is profound and thorough, his writing is a pleasure to read, the historical photos significantly add to the volume, and the classic design and production should please any book-lover. For seasoned students of Rav Kook's thought, it contains many new points of information and rich insights, while for those who are new to the subject, it will supply the religious, cultural and historical context needed to appreciate -- or at least, begin to appreciate -- this towering and complex modern mystic.

Readable, accessible but manages to capture the high level of Rav Kook's thinking and outlook during one of the most turbulent times in Jewish history before and after the founding of the modern State of Israel. The author clearly conveys the struggle's of Rav Kook's soul as he grappled with the seeming struggle between Orthodoxy and modernity. His view of it all being part of the dawning of Moshiach is very much relevant today and for all time. I highly recommend this book. I have the Kindle version which is convenient as you can read it on your phone, tablet or computer.

A good biography (even though the author has some strange negative subtext - not uncommon for an academic) of a wonderful person. Rav Kook was a very optimistic mystic who presented a religious philosophy that is hard to follow as it expresses belief in the goodness of man. His love of people, his religion AND his land was great and even if one cannot follow all the precepts, they are there to learn from and to wonder at. He was a very rare person with a great message and that does come through in this book.

This fantastic book about a fantastic theologian deserves to be 10 times as large. Rabbi Mirsky has delivered a biography of more than a man. He has opened the vista on a great number of religious philosophers that are buried in Judaic obscurity. This book is slow reading and demands a working knowledge of some of the subject matter of which Mirsky writes. No matter, the Internet will provide definitions and descriptions. But its not a fast read. You'll have to think and wonder; read and re-read. This is a story about a man among his kind that takes theology in to the far reaches of human cosmos. Kook was an intellectial giant of his time. A Stephen Hawking of Judaica; not easy to understand but very much worth trying to comprehend. And, because this is the first book (hopefully not the last) about a world hidden in its own cloisters it will surely create more questions than it answers. It will, if nothing else, get you to think and think it new and exciting new ways!

This book is very well-researched and I believe it is one of the definitive books to be written about the life and philosophy of Rav Kook. It is a very scholarly book and very thorough and edifying. I enjoyed reading about and learningf more about Rav Kook and I commend Dr. Yehuda Mirsky on this excellently written and informative piece of work that he has done. I look forward to reading more from Dr. Mirsky.Tina Kahn

This book introduced me to Rav Kook, an incredibly interesting and pivotal personage in Jewish and Israeli history who I was aware of but didn't know much about. R. Mirsky ably introduces the man, his life, his thought, and his impact. The writing is lucid and the style is clear, and oftentimes while reading it felt like the rabbi himself was in the room with me.

At a time when Rav AY Kook's legacy has been co-opted by the perspective of his son and the latter's disciples, this carefully researched book shows us that opponents of peace and demonizers of mankind do not have a monopoly on the Master's teachings. Besides presenting the humanist side of his teachings this volume provides a first rate biography and intellectual introduction to this unique figure in Jewish history.

Granted, I missed a great deal from an initial reading, but I also learned a great deal. There was supposed to be a presentation about Rav Kook, but it was canceled. I'm still glad I read the book.