Rav Kook's Reaction to the Massacre

The Murder of Rav Kook's Grandson

In 1937, tragedy struck once again—this time, painfully close to home. Rav Kook’s grandson, Shlomo, was murdered in the Old City of Yerushalayim while studying in Chevron. In this final installment, we explore how Rav Kook’s teachings on suffering, redemption, and the hidden pathways of Divine Providence took on a piercing new dimension. This was not just a national loss—it was a personal wound. And yet, even here, the Rav’s legacy of faith, resilience, and spiritual vision remained unshaken.

Post Riots - Coming Back to Chevron, But Not For Long

In 1931, two years after the Chevron massacre, 200 brave Jews returned to reestablish a fragile community. With Rav Kook’s unwavering encouragement, and despite the silence of the political establishment, life slowly began to return—culminating in Rav Kook’s emotional 1933 visit. But just a few years later, Chevron was evacuated once again. This episode captures the heartbreak of fleeting return, the testimony of those who tried to hold on, and Rav Kook’s final cries that Chevron must never be abandoned.

Scraping Off the Blood

Six months after the 1929 Chevron massacre, a group returned to the bloodstained homes to collect the sacred remnants. Blood-soaked garments, shattered belongings, even the water used to cleanse the walls—everything was buried with reverence. In this haunting episode, we revisit the painful aftermath and Rav Kook’s halachic and spiritual response to this desecrated holy ground. As doubt and concealment clouded the redemption process, Rav Kook offered clarity, reminding Am Yisrael that beneath the darkness, unimaginable light was preparing to emerge.

To Rebuild or Not to Rebuild?

As a massive crowd gathered in the Yeshurun synagogue, on King George st. in Yerushalayim, Tisha B'av was felt in the air. It wasn't Tisha B'av, it was January 1930, exactly 6 months to the day of the massacre. 'Where do we go from here?' was the silent scream, emerging from the masses. As Rav Kook approached the podium, all hearts were wide open to receive the strength, direction and determination that was needed. In this week's segment, we learned Rav Kook's prophetic words, shared that bitter evening in Yerushalayim.

Rav Kook's Reaction to the Massacre

As tensions heated up in the summer of 1929, word reaches Yerushalayim regarding the horrific massacre of Chevron. How did Rav Kook experience it?