שבירה ShevirahXIXOrot HaTeshuvah
R. Abraham Isaac Kook · Jaffa–Jerusalem, 192515 lights

אורות התשובהOrot HaTeshuvah.

Return is not the soul’s sickness but its health,
a current older than creation, running through the person, the nation and all being back to its source.

Three Written Chapters

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  1. Iתשובה טבעית, אמונית, שכליתNature, Faith, IntellectBody, tradition and clear sight: three doors to one return.
  2. IIתשובה פתאומית ותשובה הדרגיתSudden and Gradual ReturnOne flash or a thousand small steps, arriving at the same light.
  3. IIIתשובה סתמית כלליתReturn Without a Named SinEven a nameless heaviness can be the doorway home.

Return of All Being

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  1. IVשמש התשובהThe Sun of ReturnReturn blazes from the sun of being in endless tongues of flame.
  2. Vההרגשה היותר בריאהThe Soul's Healthiest FeelingReturn is not the soul's sickness but its health.
  3. VIהחפץ אל השלמותLonging for PerfectionOur wholeness lies in the longing, not in never falling.
  4. VIIהתשובה קדמה לעולםReturn Before CreationBefore the first fall, the way back was already laid.

Thought, Pain and Will

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  1. VIIIהרהורי תשובהThe Mere Thought of ReturnA single thought of turning already holds a whole bright world.
  2. IXהסימנים היותר טוביםPain as a Sign of GreatnessOnly a lit soul can see its stains.
  3. Xהרצון הטוב הוא הכלThe Good WillTrue return does not break the will; it strengthens it.

Mind, Cosmos and Source

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  1. XIחשבון צלולReturn Opens the MindWisdom and return each unlock the other.
  2. XIIמהלך כל הישAll Being Is Built on ReturnThe whole descent of creation already carries its ascent.
  3. XIIIלשוב אל המקוריותRising With the BranchesWe rise to the source carrying all of life with us.

Self, Nation and Song

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  1. XIVישוב האדם אל עצמוReturn to OneselfComing home to oneself is the first step home to God.
  2. XVמשורר התשובהThe Poet of ReturnThe sorrow of return must become a song of revival.