Rabbi David Aaron – Kohelet

Kohelet 1 – Under the Sun

Rabbi Aaron first gives us an introduction to this short book that was almost excluded from the Bible canon! Then he discusses the famous phrase “…and there’s nothing new under the sun,” revealing the real secret of how we can distinguish what is really real in life.

Kohelet 2 – Do Good Now

With a quick review of Chapter 1, the problem established is that life from the ‘Under the Sun’ perspective is meaningless. Chapter 2 begins to solve this problem via Kohelet’s inner struggle and dialogue. He comes to a partial solution, but will it lead him to happiness?

Kohelet 4 – Companionship

There are different ways of dealing with the feeling of insignificance from the ‘Under the Sun’ perspective, cynicism and loneliness being popular ones. Yet these ways do not sit well with Kohelet, who seeks a more positive solution. He also attempts to understand to virtues of being watchful of one’s speech.

Kohelet 5 & 6 – Wealth

From the ‘Under the Sun’ perspective, the world seems to be an unjust place, and material wealth is often used in a way that aggrevates this injustice in the world. Yet people still make their goal the acquisition of money and possessions. But there is one thing that satisfies the soul more than all the wealth in the world. Kohelet himself will explain…

Kohelet 7 – Improvement

Here, Kohelet teaches ways to grow and improve: to healthfully deal with pain, to seek rebuke from men of wisdom, and find balance in self-image. We are also introduced to power of wisdom and how it can help us in life.

Kohelet 8 – Wisdom

Rabbi Aaron and Kohelet delineate the parameters and limitations of wisdom. They also outline the dangers of living a purely rational life, and explain the value of action and ‘faith’ in a healthy Jewish lifestyle.

Kohelet 9 – A Meaningful Life

Torah does not promise a good and easy life, but gives meaning, context, and the tools to handle life’s struggles. In this class, we learn how to live life from the ‘Beyond the Sun’ perspective, to find ways to truly appreciate what we have been given.

Kohelet 10 – The Fool and the Sage

Kohelet compares the characteristics of a fool to a wise man. Judaism says that a wise person is righteous and authentic while a fool who lives in the world of façade is only hurting himself. How can we lean to the side of the wise?

Kohelet 11 & 12 – Tzedaka and Good Deeds

In the last two chapters of the book, Kohelet emphasizes the importance of tzedaka, good deeds, and teshuvah. He wraps up his spiritual seeking with his conclusions about his life’s journey and gives us his ultimate advice on how to live a fulfilling life.