הנהנה:

This week we talked about the viewpoint of the נהנה (pleasure-seeker).

When we were learning the first part of this section (ב: כד–כו), my jaw dropped. We were learning it in a Chavruta and I thought I had to be translating it wrong. It sounded way to positive to be in קהלת. The נהנה talks about how everything is from G-d, a good person is rewarded and a sinner is punished, and how man should enjoy the world G-d made. He even goes farther and speaks against the עמלֹ -- people who focus on person who works and toils to accumulate the things he created. The נהנה sees them as sinners: G-d already made everything..

Then we started reading the next part (ג: א–טו) and he starts explaining his philosophy. He tells how there's a time for every action and emotion: G-d has made a time for everything! He speaks against those who try to understand these times (חכם) -- they can't understand so they are wasting their time. He tells about how his life mission is to do good, be happy, eat, drink, work, and recognize that ALL comes from G-d. He sees that everything has been predetermined and thinks there's nothing to change: JUST CHILL OUT AND ENJOY. After reading this I'm like.. okay he sounds like he's on some kind of drugs.. But I guess that's nice. It kind of reflects גן עדן in the fact that all they have to do is follow G-d's מצוות, He's taking care of EVERYTHING! It's also similar to יצחק's philosophy that everything is up to G-d and He is in control.

So everything's going really well, I'm finally getting some positivity out of קהלת and then comes the next section (ג: טז–כב). Now he starts to think about what he said and he realizes: how is he responsible for his actions? How can he explain all the bad things in life? Judgement will take place in שמים, not now. He comes to conclusion that man is no different than animal if man has no responsibilities for his actions. Both die, they are no different: IT'S ALL הבל. 
Then he goes from enjoying what G-d gave him to a complete hedonist: nothing better for man than to rejoice.

Is there any hope for קהלת?! Is there purpose to anything in his eyes?! I feel like he takes ideas that make sense even, but then he goes to complete extremes.. is what he's saying even true? What do you think?

Story of קהלת's life.