The rural roots of religious-Zionist philosophy

The article explores the profound influence of Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaCohen Kook's early life in rural Latvia and Lithuania on his religious-Zionist philosophy. Born in Griva, Latvia, Rabbi Kook's childhood experiences, including a prophetic game about going to Eretz Israel, took place in the now-restored Kaddish Synagogue. His studies at the Panevežys Yeshiva under the Chafetz Chaim, where he focused on Temple service laws, further shaped him.

• As rabbi of Žeimelis, Lithuania, he confronted practical agricultural halachic questions, leading to his deep understanding of farmers' needs and influencing his famous heter mechirah.
• In Bauska, Latvia, Rabbi Kook developed his inclusive vision of religious Zionism, recognizing the idealism of secular Jews and advocating for a unified Jewish faith and nationhood, a stance that diverged from many rabbinic leaders of his time.
• The article highlights that understanding Rabbi Kook requires not just reading his texts but also experiencing the landscapes and communities that molded his revolutionary ideas, with heritage tours now offered to trace his footsteps.