(Courtesy of World Mizrachi) World Mizrachi is hosting an exciting new podcast called Orot MiMizrach. It will be a 12-part series about the teachings of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook (Rav Kook). The podcast will be led by Rabbi Dov Kidron, an experienced Torah teacher and Rav Kook’s great-grandson.

The 20-minute podcast episodes will each be about a different topic and will begin on July 30. The topics will be Rav Kook’s unusual greatness, towering halachic authority, attitude to non-observant Jews, the land and state of Israel, vegetarianism and animal sacrifices, a burning love for all, the singular importance of unity, unique approach to universality, Rav Kook’s general worldview, the breadth and depth of teshuva, the use of modern technology, and the hidden and the revealed. These episodes will also incorporate anecdotes and vignettes from Rav Kook’s life.

Rabbi Kidron was inspired to teach Rav Kook’s philosophies when he realized that in the Diaspora, many people only know the famous rabbi nominally and are unfamiliar with his opinions. Rabbi Kidron said, “We are excited to produce this series which will shine a light on this remarkable Torah giant.”

Although Rav Kook passed away in 1935, his teachings are incredibly relevant today. Rabbi Kidron said, “Today, in the 21st century, the dominant culture and ideology is far more individualistic and concerned with individual rights, liberties and expressions of identity. Rav Kook wrote extensively about the klal, the collective identity and mission of the Jewish people, and particularly in our times it is crucial for a new generation to learn his ideas and approach.” He plans to delve into this idea further in the podcast.

Through this combination of ideas and stories, Orot MiMizrach will shine a new light on the remarkable teachings of Rav Kook. You can subscribe and listen to Orot MiMizrach on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all of your favorite podcast platforms. You can find the episodes on mizrachi.org/OrotMiMitzrach