As we near the end of Kohelet, it is evident that there are a few motives behind Shlomo's writings. We see different examples of how different things in life are valued, how life itself is valued, how to live our lives, how to find meaning from our lives, etc. However, over the last few classes I have had a lingering thought; are these points what Shlomo is really trying to get us t takeaway from this sefer? My answer is no. What else is mentioned in Kohelet, one might ask? Well, I don't think the takeaway idea is necessarily mentioned in the Sefer, but rather is alluded to throughout all of the various viewpoints. The main focus is making use of your life and being thankful for the opportunities and time on this earth that has been so generously given to you.
How have I come to this crazy conclusion? Even though we always say "hakol hevel," the idea of appreciating life is not as far fetched as one might think. Yes, every character makes arguments about how life is meaningless/illogical/ephemeral, but the text is structured in a way that the reader almost always is shocked by what is being stated. and goes "What? Are you crazy?" I think this is the intended reaction from this Sefer. I think Shlomo wants you to see how there is so much more out there for people, and that life does not always have to be totally hevel. So, the next time you hear an intense argument explaining why there is no purpose in life, analyze the argument critically, remember you have so much to do and see in life, and realize that with the right perspective, nothing in life is hevel.
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