Why we read kohelet on sukkot

To hear decades later that it is regarded by some as a fit companion to a festival of joy shocks me. I resolved recently to revisit this enigmatic book and try to understand what has so long eluded me.

Your words have challenged me to find a new way to look at the words of the Teacher. Thank you. White , February 22, AM. Very intersting continue the good work on things that are relevent to ur way of living!

G-d's gift to us is life our gift back to G-d is what we make of that life. I only wish as a teacher that I guide my class to become independent thinkers and question a situation that can create bad feelings between themselves and others. And to participate in the world community at large. One way I tell the chidlren to remember the commandment "Honor they mother and father. No matter how many responses I see I explain to them that by doing what is asked of them they are learning to be independent and preparing to live on their own some day.

This premise is based on the fact that their parents will not always be around to pick up and clean up after them. THe other reminder is "do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Thank you so much for this wonderful article. It helped me a lot for a report that I have to write on Koheles. For anyone interested deeply in the book of Koheles and is seeking a very good english translation and commentary, www.

Another great article from Yaakov Astor, I really like this article, it really is great! This explanation just woke me up,often Iam into embellishment and style , like yummy icing on a cake, but the icing must never camouflage the true substance and flavouring of the cake Your email address is kept private. Our editor needs it in case we have a question about your comment.

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Secrets of the Cave of the Patriarchs. Dave Chappelle and the Space Jews. Torah Portion. Remembering the Mensch of Malden Mills. I, Pencil: The Movie. Our Modern-Day Hanukkah Story. Saying Hello to Hanukkah. Rabbis Without Borders. Approaching this enigmatic work as a statement of philosophy -- rather than an account of one man's search -- has confounded commentators across the centuries. Despite the cynical tone of Ecclesiastes, it has been given a place of joy and honor in the Jewish cycle of readings.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you. Join Our Newsletter Empower your Jewish discovery, daily. Sign Up. Discover More. If it is all Bible Ecclesiastes and the Quest for Truth Approaching this enigmatic work as a statement of philosophy -- rather than an account of one man's search -- has confounded commentators across the centuries. Study Ecclesiastes Despite the cynical tone of Ecclesiastes, it has been given a place of joy and honor in the Jewish cycle of readings.

Sukkot: Know what you have. Yom Kippur: Why does God forgive us? Pesach Freeing ourselves with faith. Simchat Torah: Embracing the Torah, away from the scroll. When it comes to Chanukah gift-giving, the ritual is whatever you grew up with. Which Purim Character are You? The vision of the Burning Bush. One of the works of Kabbalah says that Moshe is actually a reincarnation of Hevel hold on to your kippas, humor me for a moment, it might actually make sense in the long view of the subject of Kohelet - Hevel is validated, in this view.

He is the only one that began looking after the other, as expressed in his taking care of sheep. Remember the connection between Moshe and sheep? At first, Moses was Abel, who was the son of Adam. Later, he reincarnated into Seth , then Noah , and after that, into Shem , Noah's son.

Wisdom, the greatest accomplishment in Jewish tradition, is also hevel - transient. But it stays longer than other things. Think about Shlomo Hamelech - riches, power, wives, temple - nothing really survived.

Sukkot is the festival of transience and simcha, reminding us that the true staying power of happiness is found in wisdom. Texts Topics Community Donate. Log in Sign up.