Because of their poetic and mystical nature, Rav Kook's writings are difficult even for readers who are fluent in Hebrew and rabbinic texts. Sapphire from the Land of Israel uses a clear, succinct style to provide the reader with a window into Rav Kook's original and creative insights.

A companion volume to Gold from the Land of Israel, this book presents more of Rav Kook's thoughts on the weekly Torah reading (parasha). It elucidates his views on many topics, including:

Why do we find different names for God in the Torah?
Why are first-born donkeys holy? Why did the Torah need to give doctors permission to heal?
If "eye for an eye" means monetary compensation, why does the Torah not say that explicitly?
Why are only kohanim allowed to serve in the Temple?
Why doesn't the Torah explicitly state where to build the Temple?