RAV KOOK ON PURIM Part 1:Timna and Purim

The following description of Purim in Rav Kook’s house during the years when he served as chief rabbi of Jaffa (1904-1914) was related by Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg, headmaster of the Sha’arei Torah school in Jaffa: The joy overflowed in the Rav’s house during the Purim holiday. Breslov hassidim, who throughout the year were warmly received by Rav Kook, on Purim became the head merry-makers. Reb Meir Anshin and his friends would dance on the table, and the sounds of song and laughter drew many people to the Rav’s house. Between songs and dances, Rav Kook spoke about the holiday, making frequent interruptions to drink a lechaim. Any question or comment received an immediate rejoinder, with the Rav finding a direct connection to the holiday.