Machshava:

Ethics,  Rav Kook 

Collections: R' Shvat Ain Aya- Rav Kook's commentary on the Aggadeta of Masechet Shabbat

Description

Rav Kook explains why the constructive punishment for murder was the destruction of Y'rushalayim & exile from Israel. G-d loves life and is the force behind all life, and in fact, defines "Good" as "Life". The goal of the Torah is Tahara or Life, and accordingly murder, or the taking of life is not only tragic morally but ideologically and philosophically, stands, like Tum'ah, in total contradiction to the message of life, which supersedes the other mitzvot. The she'ur deals with the secret of Parah Aduma & Parshat Chukat. Israel is meant to be a life-educating "Light to the Nations" from Y'rushalayim, through building an ideal Jewish State, but if we aren't fulfilling that goal, then our capitol and national life are counter-productive. (Ayn Aya Shabbat ii, 230)