(6) "He has broken my teeth on gravel (Lamentations 3:16)": There is a story about the son of Rabbi Chananyah son of Teradyon who joined with bandits and revealed their secret, and they killed him and filled his mouth with dust and pebbles. Three days later they placed him in the casket and they sought to honor him because of the glory of his father. His father did not allow them. He said to them: "Allow it and I will speak over my son, and he began his sermon and said: "I did not pay heed to my teachers, Or incline my ear to my instructors. Soon I was in dire trouble amidst the assembled congregation (Proverbs 5:13-14)". And his mother called out over him: "A stupid son is vexation for his father And a heartache for the woman who bore him (Proverbs 17:25)". His sister called out over him: "Bread gained by fraud may be tasty to a man, But later his mouth will be filled with gravel (Proverbs 20:17)"....
"I forgot what happiness was": Rabbi Shimon son of Gamliel said: "This is washing the hands and feet after they have been washed."
Discussion Questions
- Eicha/Lamentations describes a dark world. What is the darkness that is described in these verses and their commentary? What emotions are involved?
- What do you think of the story about the son who revealed the bandits' secret? How does his family's reaction sit with you?
- What do you think it means to have forgotten what happiness is? Do you agree with Rabbi Shimon son of Gamliel's explanation?
- Can you find anything redeeming or hopeful about this text?