Kohelet

Ecclesiastes versus Song of Songs

Ecclesiastes is a cynical reflection on life’s futility. The constant sonorous repetition, visualizations, and references to breath serve as a sustained meditation to help free the reader’s soul from the agonizing struggle of life.

How subversive literature becomes normalized

The significance of Rashbam’s surprising observation about Kohelet for understanding introductions and conclusions to biblical books.

Qohelet says that simḥah (joy) is the best thing in life, but also that it is profitless and absurd. This essay will explore this fundamental contradiction.^[1]