Ecclesiastes (“Kohelet”) is one of the five megillot (scrolls), part of the section of the Hebrew Bible called Writings, and is often read publicly on the holiday of Sukkot. Attributed in the book’s opening verse to a son of King David (traditionally identified as King Solomon) the book explores the meaning of life, reckoning with death, futility, and purpose. The book often suggests that “all is vanity” and “nothing is new under the sun,” but also concludes by asserting that life’s purpose can be found in fear of God and adherence to God’s laws.
