In fact, it is the revival of the Nation’s physical strength which brings about a renewed spiritual strengthening, which we can see today as Israel has turned into the Torah center of the world.
“For the t’shuva of the Nation to succeed, along with its spiritual splendor, there also must be a physical t’shuva which produces healthy blood, healthy flesh, firm, mighty bodies, and a flaming spirit spreading over powerful muscles. Through the power of the sanctified flesh, the weakened soul will shine forth — like the physical resurrection of the dead” (Ibid).
Jews are not to be “nebechs,” weaklings whom everyone can push around. We need not be ashamed of our bodies. We must be strong to learn Gemara, and strong to build and defend the Land.
(The above overview was condensed from our book, The Art of T’shuva, an easy-reading guide to Rabbi Kook’s incomparable writings on the life-saving wonders of t’shuva.)
