Q&A: Rabbi Kook
Rabbi Kook
Question
Regarding the previous question about humility completing the will. Rabbi Kook of blessed memory writes in Midot HaRe’iyah, under “Humility,” as follows:
A. “Here I am” is an expression of humility and alacrity, because a humble person is quick to act.
B. Humility completes the will, and in this way it is the best vessel for receiving every blessing.
C. Humility strengthens memory.
From these statements a few more questions and points I don’t understand came up for me.
First, in B, what is the connection between the first half of the sentence and the second half?
And what is the connection between humility and memory??
Thank you very much!
Answer
The original question dealt specifically with A. Have you already understood that? If I understand correctly, his intention is that a humble person is quick to do what needs to be done, because he and his needs are not at the center. Naturally, things then also get done better and faster, and that is the meaning of B. The second half means that if you conduct yourself according to your will and your values, you will be better able to attain blessing.
And regarding memory, I’m not sure, but perhaps he means to say that remembering things means attending to things that are not you and do not come from you. If you are humble, you will remember more, because you are attentive to things outside yourself. Maybe “memory” here is in the sense that the Holy One, blessed be He, remembers us (the remembrance verses on Rosh Hashanah), meaning that He attends to us and our needs.