The last Shabbat in each month

Kohelet Study Group meets at 9:30–10:25am. This is for competent Hebrew readers who wish to study the text of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) closely. It is led by members of the community meeting on the last Shabbat in each month in the library. There is no charge.

Have you ever wondered what gives lasting meaning to life?  Well so did Kohelet who might have been (but probably wasn’t) Solomon, but he did write a book in the Bible called Ecclesiastes.  He came up with some pretty sound ideas, such as “the race is not won by the swift” and “a little folly outweighs massive wisdom”.  His world-weary and pragmatic views strike a modern chord, as he explains his fruitless search for a simple answer to life.  Its tempting to be cynical and not ‘be bothered’, but Kohelet argues that we need to be careful not to simplify life.  He was undoubtedly an early Reform Jew as he doesn’t rely on traditional ritual, but instead writes that we need to find our own path that is meaningful for us individually.   

At 9.30am in the library on the last Shabbat of each month, we are systematically studying the text of the book, translating from the Hebrew and then exploring its meaning using both traditional and modern interpretations.  Everyone is welcome – especially those interested in speculating what life is all about.  It’s great to join the group now as we are just about to start the juicy parts of the book.  Further details from either Helen Michaels or Jonathan Bergwerk.