Sukkot and Kohelet 5780

What is Ecclesiastes?
- Book in Tanach
- Read on Sukkot
- 12 chapters
- focuses on man's search for meaning of life, very philosophical

All of the other books were already placed as being read in public:

• Esther = Purim
• Eikhah = Tisha B'av
• Shir Hashirim = Pesah
• Ruth = Shavuot

Main reason a lot of people say is the connection of impermanence. Sukkot = impermanence of dwelling, Kohelet = impermanence of material things

"The strongest connection for me between Kohelet and Sukkot has to do with the "booth" that we are instructed to erect in Leviticus to remind us that we lived in these temporary structures in the wilderness after God took us out of Egypt. Both the scroll and the booth remind us of the fragility of life, the quality of being like havel or vapor that can be seen but seems to have no substance or form; it is elusive and disappears. In the sukkah, we are exposed to the elements-sun, wind, rain, and even snow-not to mention bees, bugs, and other animals.... Kohelet reminds us upfront that our life is temporary and fragile. Kohelet pushes us to open our souls, to look deep inside ourselves and humanity, into places that are often not navigated, full of shadows, darkness, and fear, to confront and consider that which may make us feel wobbly and vulnerable. Kohelet reminds us of that which we know, but do not wish to always be reminded of, namely that we are mortal, a blink in history especially as compared to God who is eternal and powerful. Kohelet makes us feel small, humble."
Dr. Roberta Louis Goodman (https://reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study/chol-hamo-eid-sukkot/everything-there-season-turn-turn-turn-kohelet)

“The world presents itself in two ways to me. The world as a thing I own, the world as a mystery I face. What I own is a trifle, what I face is sublime. I am careful not to waste what I own; I must learn not to miss what I face. We manipulate what is available on the surface of the world; we must also stand in awe before the mystery of the world… Faith is attachment…to the meaning beyond the mystery.”

(Abraham Joshua Heschel, Who is Man? ©1965. pp 88-89)

"Kohelet teaches us to concentrate on the matters that we can control without losing sleep over those we can't. We are off the hook from trying to change the rhythm of the seas and the stars. We are off the hook from trying to find the fountain of youth. We are off the hook from trying to find the magic insight that is going fix all of humanity and create a struggle-free life. Rather, we can live in the moment and infuse each breath with meaning. Kohelet says, "Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for Adonai has already approved what you do. Let your garments always be white, and do not let oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the person you love, all the days of your life of breath. . . . Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10). In other words, live every single moment under the sun that God has given you." Rabbi Mari Chernow (https://reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study/chol-hamo-eid-sukkot/hakol-havel-everything-breath)