Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook's Endorsement of Rabbi Dov Lior Revealed

A newly published letter reveals the strong support Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook, son of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, had for Rabbi Dov Lior during Lior's candidacy for the Chief Rabbinate of Jerusalem. The letter, appearing in the book 'Kruzei HaTzvi,' describes Rabbi Lior with exceptional praise for his Torah scholarship, piety, and dedication to the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

The correspondence was written during the period Rabbi Lior was a candidate for the Jerusalem rabbinate. In it, Rabbi Kook lauded Lior as a "master of Torah and pure piety, sanctifying God's name in his exalted personality and in all his ways for all of Israel, holy Torah, and the holy land."

Rabbi Kook also referenced Rabbi Lior's ten-year tenure as rabbi of Kfar HaRaiyah, a community closely associated with his father, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook. He praised Lior's work there, stating he "continued and increased his great Torah, the charm of his noble personality, and the abundance of his activity and affection for all around, to increase Torah, glorify it, and make it beloved."

Expressing his support for Lior's appointment as Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Rabbi Kook used celebratory language, calling it a divine blessing. He addressed both the electoral body and Rabbi Lior, urging action for his election and expressing anticipation for the redemption of Israel. The letter was signed "TzviYehuda Kook."