Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kuk Urges Continuous Torah Study for Ill Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov Kuk's Recovery
On Sunday evening, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kuk, head of the Maor HaTalmud Yeshiva in Rehovot, visited his uncle, Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov HaKohen Kuk, a revered kabbalist and pillar of prayer, at the rehabilitation center in Ness Ziona. The visit was deeply moving, with Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kuk offering a heartfelt Priestly Blessing and singing ancient family melodies alongside the ailing rabbi. Upon leaving, he urged those present not to cease reciting Torah before Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov, emphasizing the positive impact of Torah study on his condition.
Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kuk recounted a story about the Sanz-Kloiznburg Rebbe, who in his final days insisted on hearing Mishnayot despite his weakness, illustrating the vital role of Torah engagement for the sick. He stressed that Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov’s vitality depends solely on Torah study and requested continuous reading of Torah and new insights in his presence.
During the visit, Rabbi Kuk met with Rabbi Moshe Chaim Schneider, a close student of Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov and editor of the "Siftei Cohen" Torah newsletter. Rabbi Schneider shared a Torah insight from the weekly portion that Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov had taught two years prior, relating Pinchas’s spear to the 248 positive commandments, symbolizing purity before acting zealously. Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kuk expressed hope that this Torah innovation would bring a full recovery to Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov.
Rabbi Schneider also shared a story about the late Rabbi Rogatchover’s intense focus on Torah law, highlighting that Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov is similarly absorbed exclusively in Torah innovations, unaffected by worldly matters. Rabbi Kuk condemned recent rumors suggesting improvement in Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov’s health, calling such reports harmful as they may cause people to lessen their prayers. He called on all to persist in fervent prayer until the rabbi fully recovers and resumes his Torah leadership.
Before departing, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kuk thanked the medical staff and security personnel for their dedication in protecting the rabbi’s health by limiting visitors. He concluded with a public appeal for abundant prayers for Rabbi Chizkiyahu Dov’s complete healing alongside all other sick individuals.
