(Chief Rabbi of Eretz Israel, 1865-1935). Autograph Letter Signed, in Hebrew, on letterhead, written to Rabbi Yehoshua Szpetman of London.

In his beautiful poetic style, Rabbi Kook writes that even if those currently rebuilding the Land of Israel are unobservant, the religious Jewish community should increase their efforts in this area. “Thus we will inspire our brothers who are still distant from the truth to return to the source… Then the eyes of all of Israel will light up…with perfect holiness emanating from the source of the Jewish soul, from the well of Torah and the pure awe of God… With hope for salvation to see the palace…rebuilt in its place.” This letter was later published in Chazon HaGeulah, an anthology of Rabbi Kook’s writings on the rejuvenation and rebuilding of the Land of Israel. In the published version, the name of the respondent and the first sentence is lacking. The respondent, Polish-born Rabbi Szpetman (1887-1964) led the Nelson Street Synagogue in the East End of London for 35 years. He was the author of many ethical and sermonic works, including Chevlei HaNeshama (Warsaw, 1938) and Kuntres HaEmeth (London, 1942). See H. Rabinowicz, A World Apart (1997) p. 69.