KOHELES INTRODUCTION

Welcome back to another episode of Nach Daily, with an introduction to Megilas Koheles.

Koheles was written by Shlomo Hamelech, the wisest of men. It could be said that it is the most controversial of all the books of Nach.

VaYikra Rabba 28:1 brings that Chazal actually wanted to hide Megilas Koheles, because it contains statements that taken out of context can seem like heresy! However, when Shlomo ended it with, “but know that God will call you to account on all these things,” they applauded him for writing it.

Shlomo Hamelech grapples with the question of the meaning and purpose of life throughout this sefer. This question is fundamental, but we too often try not to think about it. Hopefully our learning this megilah will lead to some clarity.

What is the purpose of our lives? When we clarify this question, for better or for worse, everything we do begins to head in that direction. We can spend our time seeking either pleasure, honor, wealth or any other substitute. However, your answer to this most fundamental existential question will be the orientation of your life.

Throughout Koheles, Shlomo Hamelech entertains all possibilities: Perhaps we were put on earth for pleasure, wealth, wisdom, power, fame and material gain. Shlomo turns each one over, leading the reader to believe that indeed it might be the purpose. At the end of each investigation however, he pronounces, “Hevel – futile, with no true purpose or value!”

As Shlomo goes through each one, he casts it aside, leaving us wondering what can be the purpose of existence. Perhaps it would be better not to have been born at all!

After turning this question over for 12 chapters, Shlomo Hamelech resolves that the true purpose of life and all of man’s existence is, “Fear God and observe His commandments, for that is the whole of man” (12:13).

The Ramad Walli explains that Shlomo wrote this sefer at the end of his life, when the good and bad of the physical world already held little importance for him. He had the perspective of years to be able to properly guide people towards a meaningful life.

The Ramad Walli adds that while there is considerable depth to this sefer, the main thing Shlomo wanted to accomplish was to help us recognize the fleeting and empty nature of this world, simultaneously putting us in touch with the true reality of Olam Habah, the world to come.

I hope that the learning of this Megilah will help motivate us to think about and effectively utilize our time here on earth. We each have a mission. If we are alive, we still have a purpose, and Hashem deeply cares about us. We were put here to make “tikkunim, spiritual soul corrections.” There is meaning to our existence, but this sefer demonstrates the need to grapple with the concept and think about it, as did Shlomo Hamelech.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily as we begin the

Megilah.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.