Welcome back to another episode of Nach Daily as we finish Koheles with chapter 12.

Mazel tov to everyone for finishing this Megila!

The depth and breadth of Shlomo’s Hamelch’s life experience is really incredible. Even more amazing is that he actually recorded his vast experiences for us to learn from. We were able to get a huge glimpse into the inner workings of Shlomo’s mind and heart at that stage in life. He struggled to search, clarify and make tikkunim by looking for truth no matter his circumstances. Ultimately, as we will see in this perek, Shlomo concludes that the only thing worthwhile is serving God. We’re looking forward to moving on to Megilas Esther, the last of the 5 Megilas, just in time for Purim.

This perek winds down Shlomo’s search for the meaning of life.

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before those days of sorrow come and those years arrive of which you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”

The simple meaning is to enjoy life while you’re young, because as old age sets in you will no longer enjoy things in the same way.

The Ramad Walli explains that a person shouldn’t wait until old age to learn Torah. Seize the moment and learn when you’re young. As you grow older, many things will be much harder for you, although it’s never too late to start learning any aspect of Torah that interests you. Just do a little bit every day!

In pessukim 2 through 8, Shlomo speaks about the decline of the senses and pleasure in old age as well as the natural decline and atrophy which takes place in the world at large. The sun sets and darkness prevails. When the windows are closed, light appears dim. When the door is shut, noise sounds faint. Sleep becomes difficult because you are wakened by every noise. Things become a burden, and eventually we die. All is hevel, total futility.

In passukim 9 and 10, the sefer interrupts itself with a mini epilogue about Koheles. In addition to being wise, Shlomo also wrote Mishlei with valuable sayings which incorporate much wisdom so people can discover truth.

In passuk 14, the end of the Megila, Shlomo says, “Ki as kol ma’aseh haElokim yavi v’mishpat al kol ne’lam im tov v’im ra. Sof davar hakol nishma es haElokim yira v’es mitsvosav shmore, ki zeh kol ha’adam – For God will call every deed to account, even everything hidden, whether good or evil. The sum of the matter when all is considered: Fear God and observe His commandments, for that is the whole of man. “

As we see, Shlomo concludes his memoir by saying that ultimately all we really have is yiras Hashem, keeping the Torah and mitzvos. They will never disappoint, bringing us happiness way beyond this world.

Mazel tov to everyone for finishing this amazingly profound Megila. Next we’ll be starting Megilas Esther, in time for Purim!

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day!