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Kenneth Cohen

Kohellet

There are five Meggilot that are part of the twenty-four books of Tanach. Each of these Megillot is read on a different holiday.

Meggilat Esther is read on Purim. Song of Songs is read on Pesach. Meggilat Ruth is read on Shavuot. Megillat Eicha (Lamentations) is read on Tisha B’Av, and Kohellet is read on Succot.

Song of Songs and Kohellet were both written by King Solomon. Most opinions say that he wrote Song of Songs in his youth, and Kohellet in his old age. Song of Songs is a love story that seems appropriate to be written by a man in his youth. Kohellet seems to be more of an older person reflecting on his life.

There are other opinions that it was the reverse. He wrote Kohellet when he was a young “know it all,” and Song of Songs when he appreciated the love of his “wife of his youth.”

Kohellet is read on Succot in order to clarify what a person’s priorities ought to be. There is always a tendency to become complacent when someone feels financially secure. The fall was a prosperous time for the farmers, which is why they needed a reminder about not getting off track.

Shlomo Hamelech makes it clear that he has really been the perfect example of, “been there, done that.” He claimed to have tried every possible physical indulgence “under the sun.”

His important conclusion is that “all is vanity.” There simply is no material pursuit that will give a person lasting joy. Our imperfect world, leads to a great deal of frustration.

When all is said and done, the only pursuit in this world that gives meaning and contentment, is to “Fear G-d and observe the commandments, for this is all there is for man.” The simplest and most perfect joy is right in front of us. We only need to open our eyes to appreciate this truth expressed by the wisest of all men.

About the Author
Rabbi Cohen has been a Torah instructor at Machon Meir, Jerusalem, for over twenty years while also teaching a Talmud class in the Shtieblach of Old Katamon. Before coming to Israel, he was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City, Los Angeles. He recently published a series of Hebrew language-learning apps, which are available at www.cafehebrew.com