New Project Shares Rabbi Kook's Teachings in Memory of Fallen Officer

The 'Hit'or'erut' (Awakening) organization has launched a new project to disseminate the teachings of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook's "Orot Ha'Teshuvah" (Lights of Repentance), in memory of Captain Daniel Maimon Tuaf, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip. The initiative aims to make these spiritual concepts accessible to all of Israeli society.

During complex combat operations in Gaza, soldiers from the Shaked Battalion found time for spiritual connection, studying "Orot Ha'Teshuvah" together. Captain Daniel Maimon Tuaf, who served as deputy company commander and fell in battle on August 19, 2024, along with three of his soldiers, was among those who participated in these study sessions. The shared learning experience on the battlefield inspired the creation of this project.

The project features three-minute videos that present a passage from the book, followed by a simple explanation connected to daily life. This approach allows individuals unfamiliar with Rabbi Kook's philosophy to engage with his teachings. The 21st video in the series features Rabbi Yehuda Ben Hamo, head of the 'Emunah' Beit Midrash at the Lev La'Da'at Yeshiva in Sderot.

Rabbi Ben Hamo discusses repentance as a "medicine" that can save the world. He notes that while technology is advancing rapidly, much of its development focuses on external aspects. He observes a decline in inner life, including emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and a sense of identity and meaning, leading to increased sadness and anxiety. According to the great rabbis, he states, the cure for these issues is "Teshuvah" (repentance), which involves embracing new, value-driven desires and recognizing the people around us.