Young People

We must make it easy for our children to explicitly find in all areas of life the exalted ideals that come from keeping the Torah and its commandments. The Torah should not be "the word of the Lord, law by law, line by line, a little here, a little there" (Isaiah 28:13). The Torah should be a commandment that is all-inclusive and living, established and faithful—that brings the light of life and the halo of glory to each of our children and to the whole of our people.

Ikvei Hatzoan, p. 140

I was a child when I came to the land of Israel in 5683 (1902). At that time, my father brought me before Rav Kook. After speaking with me on Torah topics, Rav Kook told me to visit him a few times a week. On those occasions, he would test me and discuss Torah subjects that he was dealing with. His warm attitude toward me encouraged me greatly and inspired me to learn with great diligence.

In 5685 (1904), Rav Kook returned from his trip to the United States. The street was bustling with the throngs who had come to meet him. I pushed my way through the crowd and came close to his carriage. When Rav Kook noticed me in the crowd, he called to me, "Yishayale, come here!" When I approached the carriage, he pulled me up next to him. He asked how I was doing and how my family was, and he took interest in my learning with every sign of affection and attention.

Rabbi Yishaya Chalamish, Likutei Harayah, p. 398