The soul of the Jewish people expresses itself in the striving for absolute justice, which, to be effectuated, must include the realization of all moral virtues. It is for this reason that any moral misdeed committed by an individual Jew weakens his link with the soul of the people. The basic step in penitence is to attach oneself
again to the soul of the people. Together with this it is mandatory to mend one’s ways and one’s actions in conformity with the essential characteristics of the people’s soul.
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. What does Kook mean by the "realization of all moral virtues?" Is this a driving goal of the Jewish people?
2. What does this text imply about the connection between individual and communal responsibility?
Time Period: Modern (Spinoza through post-WWII)