Alas, my friends, we are nearing the end of of Kohelet. This week, we discussed the final speech of the Yirei Elokim, the sole individual on the island. He begins by responding to the tirade of the Chacham in his last speech. The Chacham thought he knew everything and was superior to G-d. The Yirei Elokim then stated to the Chacham that he (the Chacham) could not hear private conversations or know the inner thoughts of a person. Only G-d knows. In this response, the Yirei Elokim is also referencing the fact that the Chacham rebuked everyone for not accepting reality. However, now he is not accepting reality by complaining that he's not in control.
Anyways, the Yirei Elokim then addresses issues regarding the approach of the Amal. When we saw him last, the Amal was so terrified of imperfection that he didn't do what he had wanted to accomplish. The Yirei Elokim reassures him by acknowledging the fact that he can't be perfect; nothing will be perfect. However, he still has to act in the world, and continue to build and attempt to get rid of injustice. He also re-emphasizes the idea that the Amal cannot know everything. However, he CAN do things in the world and try to make progress.
The second issue the Yirei Elokim targets is that concerning the approach of the Chacham. He tells him that chachma can be good; it can provide enlightenment and understanding at times. But, there are also times that will be dark, when man realizes he is limited and cannot know/understand everything. However, if he accepts his limitations, he can use his wisdom to make the world a better place.
The Yirei Elokim then takes a break to collectively respond to all three characters. He urges them to participate in the world, but know that ultimately, they will be held accountable. The only thing that man knows is that he doesn't know everything.
Finally, the Yirei Elokim discusses the Neheneh. He beseeches him to recognize while he is still young, that he will die and that his body will eventually fail him. When he dies, his body will return to dust, but his soul will return to G-d. The Neheneh originally said that there was no G-d, nothing that controlled the world. The Yirei Elokim refutes him; recognize that there's a G-d and that you will be held accountable.
To summarize, the Yirei Elokim believes that if one recognizes that there's a G-d and who will hold you accountable for your actions in the world, and if you realize that you're limited in power and knowledge, then you can find meaning. Only then is everything transformed and you can use the physical (the Neheneh), the creative (the Amal), and the intellectual (Chacham) to find meaning in this world! Huzzah!
I personally like the approach of the Yirei Elokim. I think that this is how we live our lives as Jews. We recognize that we are not all-powerful. We will never be. Once we internalize that fact, we are able to find meaning in our lives. Ultimately, our purpose is to fear G-d and follow G-d's mitzvot. The problem with the first three characters was their attempt to evade that purpose, and that led them to find no meaning. The Yirei Elokim has an interesting and very realistic perspective. He tells them that their aspirations still have value. However, first they must recognize the power of G-d and that they will be judged for their actions. And then, only then, can they combine their aspirations to find this meaning they were all so desperately pursuing.
What do you think about the Yirei Elokim's approach? Do you think it satisfies/will satisfy any of the characters? If yes, how so?
I agree with you Noga, I like the Yirei Elokim's approach and I also think it can apply to our lives as Jews. I think it's a very optimistic approach and frankly, not one that other people follow most often. Sometimes it's really hard to find the motivation for trying and finding purpose in this world. Sometimes it's easier to fall back on the approaches of the other characters. Personally, I don't think the other characters will like this idea very much. Most people don't like being told that what they won't simply won't happen.
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