Machshava:

Yom Kippur 

Holidays:

Taaniot (fasts) 

Collections: R' Shvat on the Holidays

Description

For many, Yom Kippur & fast-days are just not eating. But Rav Kook deals with the question of "what not?" but "what yes?" to gain the spiritual benefit of these days. Moreover, if Judaism is against self-flagellation, why are there fasts? Among other benefits, we know that sick people inevitably turn to G-d in prayer, examine their priorities etc. and a fast is like a self-induced sickness, to reap the "benefits" without needing to get sick.