I ask Grok to critique Marc B. Shapiro’s new book:
Marc B. Shapiro’s Renewing the Old, Sanctifying the New: The Unique Vision of Rav Kook (published in 2025 by The Littman Library of Jewish Civilization) is a scholarly exploration of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook’s theological and philosophical contributions, with a particular focus on recently published writings that reveal previously underappreciated dimensions of his thought. As a respected historian and professor of Judaic Studies at the University of Scranton, Shapiro brings his characteristic rigor and clarity to this work, aiming to make Rav Kook’s complex ideas accessible to a broader audience. Below is a critique of the book, evaluating its strengths, limitations, and overall contribution to the study of Rav Kook and modern Jewish thought.
Strengths
Illumination of New Material: One of the book’s primary strengths is its engagement with Rav Kook’s newly published writings, which Shapiro meticulously analyzes to uncover ideas that have not yet permeated mainstream discussions of the rabbi’s legacy. These include Kook’s provocative views on non-Jewish religions, the nature of heresy, natural morality, and the potential abolition of animal sacrifices in messianic times. Shapiro’s ability to navigate the dense Hebrew texts and distill their significance is commendable, offering fresh insights into Kook’s intellectual audacity.Contextual Depth: Shapiro situates Rav Kook’s ideas within the broader framework of Jewish Orthodoxy and religious Zionism, providing a nuanced portrait of a thinker who was both a traditionalist and a radical innovator. For instance, Kook’s assertion that non-Jewish religions possess a “divine spark” and his reconsideration of biblical literalism (e.g., viewing the Genesis creation narrative as a moral allegory rather than historical fact) are presented as bold departures from conventional rabbinic thought. Shapiro’s historical grounding helps readers appreciate the revolutionary nature of these positions in Kook’s early 20th-century context.
Engaging and Accessible Style: Consistent with Shapiro’s previous works, the book is written in an engaging manner that balances scholarly precision with readability. He avoids excessive jargon, making the text approachable for educated lay readers while retaining the depth required for academic audiences. This accessibility aligns with Shapiro’s stated goal of broadening the reach of Kook’s teachings despite their inherent complexity.
Thematic Breadth: The book covers a wide range of topics, from Kook’s valorization of the “uneducated pious masses” as preservers of natural morality to his rethinking of animal sacrifices as potentially obsolete in a future messianic era. Shapiro’s thematic organization allows readers to see the interconnectedness of Kook’s ideas, painting a holistic picture of his vision for Judaism’s renewal and sanctification.
Limitations
Lack of Critical Thrust: While Shapiro excels at presenting Kook’s ideas with clarity and evidence, the book sometimes feels overly descriptive rather than analytical. He rarely challenges Kook’s positions or interrogates their implications for contemporary Orthodoxy. For example, Kook’s suggestion that animal sacrifices might be abolished could have been probed further—how would this reconcile with traditional views of an eternal Torah, and what resistance might it face today? A more critical thrust could have elevated the book from a scholarly exposition to a provocative intervention in Jewish thought.Audience Ambiguity: Shapiro aims to make Kook’s teachings “more broadly accessible,” yet the book assumes a level of familiarity with Jewish theology and Orthodox debates that may alienate casual readers. Concepts like “unintentional heresy” or the significance of Maimonides’ views on prophecy are explained but not unpacked sufficiently for newcomers. Conversely, for expert readers, some sections may feel redundant, as they reiterate well-known aspects of Kook’s biography and philosophy before delving into the new material.
Limited Engagement with Critics: Shapiro acknowledges Kook’s radicalism but does not deeply engage with potential critiques from traditionalist or secular perspectives. For instance, Kook’s openness to non-Jewish revelations might be seen as heretical by some Orthodox authorities, while secular Zionists might dismiss his mystical framework as impractical. Exploring these tensions could have enriched the book, offering a more dynamic view of Kook’s contested legacy.
Scope Constraints: At 212 pages (including bibliography and index), the book is relatively concise, which is both a strength and a limitation. While this brevity keeps it focused, it also means that some of Kook’s ideas—such as his views on science and evolution or his approach to Kabbalah—are treated briefly rather than exhaustively. Readers seeking a comprehensive study of Kook’s oeuvre may need to supplement this with other works.
Overall Contribution
Renewing the Old, Sanctifying the New is a valuable addition to the scholarship on Rav Kook, particularly for its focus on his lesser-known writings and its effort to bridge the gap between academic study and religious reflection. Shapiro succeeds in highlighting Kook’s relevance to modern Jewish Orthodoxy, showcasing how his ideas—on interfaith respect, moral evolution, and ritual adaptation—resonate with contemporary challenges. The book will likely spark discussion among Kook’s followers and scholars, as Shapiro predicts, especially given its timing in 2025, when religious Zionism continues to evolve amid global and Israeli societal shifts.
However, the book’s reluctance to push beyond exposition into deeper critique or broader application limits its transformative potential. It is a superb resource for understanding Kook’s unique vision, but it leaves room for others to build on Shapiro’s foundation with more polemical or practical explorations. For readers familiar with Shapiro’s earlier works (e.g., The Limits of Orthodox Theology), this book reinforces his reputation as a meticulous historian who challenges conventional narratives—here, by amplifying Kook’s voice as a thinker who defies easy categorization.
In conclusion, Renewing the Old, Sanctifying the New is a thoughtful, well-researched study that enriches our understanding of Rav Kook’s intellectual legacy. It is best suited for those with an interest in Jewish theology and Zionist thought who are willing to grapple with its complexities, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking a definitive critique or a beginner’s guide. Shapiro has once again proven himself a master of presenting challenging ideas with clarity, even if the book stops short of fully wrestling with their implications.
