A Note from the Pastor
In our Tuesday morning Bible Study, we have been taking a discerning look at the book of "Qoheleth," (or Kohelet), commonly known as Ecclesiastes. The name may be translated as "Master of Assemblies" or "Authors of Collections," although it is commonly translated today as simply "the Preacher."1
Biblical scholars do not agree on the authorship of Ecclesiastes, in spite of the general acceptance of Solomon as the author. Most agree that the dating of the book was between 300 and 250 B.C. However, later dates have also been suggested. Since the author writes that he was king, it is conjectured that Solomon may have written the work as he was nearing death. 2
In any case, this book is an interesting one that lends itself to introspection and the evaluation of one's own life and meaning. Our discussions in the weekly Bible Study have been lively and full of personal stories that relate to the major themes of the book. We have learned about how Elizabeth's mother's life was saved by a prisoner on work duty, and we have heard how Karen's faith as a child helped her to see her mother's death as simply an ascent to heaven.
Numberous other examples could be sited from our discussions of the meaning of life and the value of the things with which we fill it. As we journey through this challenging book, we will, at the very least, open our minds to search for new ways to make our lives more meaningful.
Please join us next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Coleman
1 JewishEncyclopedia.com
2 Ibid.
