The Shabbat was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the leadership of the State Religious Education system (Hemed), the supervision of the “Jewish Thought” subject, and Orot Israel College.
The event, organized by Beit HaRav Kook in Jerusalem, brought together teachers of Jewish Thought who chose to take part in a unique program dedicated to deepening the study and dissemination of Rav Kook’s teachings throughout this year.
The first lectures took place already on Friday at Beit HaRav, combined with a special guided tour led by Rabbi Avraham Taïtz, the CEO.
One of the highlights of the Shabbat was a panel discussion featuring prominent figures in the religious community: Rabbi Eitan Eisman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Orot Israel College; Rabbi Yoni Samuel, Head of Hemed; Rabbi Dr. Yochai Rudik, National Supervisor for Jewish Thought; and Rabbi Gilad Messing, member of Hemed’s Council and Head of the ORT Tiberias Yeshiva. The discussion, moderated by Rabbi Dr. Yedidya HaCohen, Head of the Jewish Thought Department at Orot Israel College, addressed key contemporary issues in the religious community — particularly the relationship between the growing influence of Chassidic thought among yeshiva, ulpana, and midrasha students, and the teachings of Rav Kook.
This inspiring Shabbat marked the opening of a special year-long program designed to bring educators and students closer to the philosophy of Rabbi Kook, led by the academic team at Orot Israel College, with the participation of hundreds of teachers and thousands of students.