There are many ways to describe the developing tensions that
have evolved between the religious and non-religious sectors
in Israel. Without proper guidance and teaching, one might
find oneself baselessly hating fellow Jews and causing a
severe rift.
Such guidance was recently provided by Rabbi Simcha HaKohen
Kook, Chief Rabbi of Rechovot, who is known as an
understanding and benevolent figure of Torah in Israel. As he
patiently explains the importance of continuing our heritage
here in Israel, it is inspiring to see Am Israel
united.
For the thirty years in which the Chief Rabbi of Rechovot,
Rabbi Simcha HaKohen Kook has been in office, the Rav has
taken the issue of instilling Jewish roots in children and
adolescents very seriously. Especially during the month of
Elul, when even secular schools prepare their students for a
brief introduction of the upcoming holidays, the headmasters
reluctantly open their gates and receive the Chief Rabbi to
lecture on topics of Jewish values.
"This is the hot season, and I have to make the best of it
before its over," the Chief Rabbi says. One can see the Rav
hurrying from school to school, familiarizing the children
with their heritage and introducing them to topics rarely
mentioned in their usual curriculum.
"If we don't make an effort to inform and educate these
children while they are young," Rav Kook fervently mentions,
"then in a few years the task will be increasingly difficult
due to the nature of negative exposure they received in
elementary school."
In his attempts to keep the channels open, the Chief Rabbi
hosted Rechovot's mayor at the Yeshiva of Rechovot before
Pesach, where a hachnosas sefer Torah was held in
honor of the late mayor's father, Mr. Forer.
It was a fantastic spectacle, seeing so many diverse people,
some enjoying this type of event for their first time, while
others were closely connected with the Rav and his
congregation. The mayor himself, who is truly fond of his
close relationship with the Rabbinic Council, praises the Rav
for his unbiased and considerate approach in dealing with
controversial issues. The Rav gives a weekly lecture at the
mayor's office for all managers and clerks on topics ranging
from Chumash to Halacha to Gemora. This
highly praised lecture is the gem of the community.
This last Pesach, there was an incident with a local pizzeria
that indicates the approach of the Rav. That establishment
decided to open during Chol Hamoed Pesach. The Chief Rabbi
has always emphasized that Shabbos and Passover are the
symbols of the city's harmony. A few individuals gathered
outside the store, reading Tehillim in protest.
The Rav happened to be passing by and was asked by the
protesters to join them. The Rav agreed since it was not an
organized protest, and there were only about ten or fifteen
people. In a matter of minutes the crowd grew and filled the
entire sidewalk as well as the street. All who noticed the
Rav slowly whispering the words of Tehillim felt
impelled to join him. Finally the owner of the store came out
and said he would respect their wishes and close down. A
peaceful solution has always been the Rav's motto.
Rechovot was blessed with a relatively large Russian
community. The Rav, with the aid of a handful of the city's
important members, formed kiruv institutions to bring
the communities together. Several Russian families enrolled
their children in religious schools, and some bochurim
joined the Yeshiva of Rechovot.
One can imagine what an immense endeavor it is to erect such
institutions. Nonetheless the Rav repeatedly exerts himself
and finds aid to these needy families.
