Thanks for another post that has me thinking from a different angle than previously. Am I sadder after reading this and thinking about our history, history itself going back to millenia, because of the immutability of evil in the world--in people? I think I am, but that's not necessarily bad. Being realistic is positive. That is as long as, as you say, "We carry on—not out of certainty about what lies ahead, but because, in persisting, we honor those we’ve lost and forge a path for those who will follow."
Rabbi Sacks and others have written that our focus on theodicy often distracts us from some of the harder questions about evil in humanity. I feel like we're living in times when this is becoming less theoretical (again) and demanding that we figure out how to fight back.
I absolutely agree- it’s hard to be back on the cutting edge. I appreciate your continued and determined push for meaning that speaks to these challenges
Despair has certainly been an under current trend these days. I find the story of Shem enormous comfort and inspiration. It is true that when things are the toughest, that is the most important time to have courage and step towards the moment in a fully grounded way, rather than retreat. It is so tempting to succumb and retreat. I will hold this Shem story close in the days ahead. More babies born need to be named Shem!!
Thank you for your suggestion at the end of your essay. This election is overwhelming and to shift the focus to a way to build helped me.
Thanks Stephanie! I feel the same way -
Thanks for another post that has me thinking from a different angle than previously. Am I sadder after reading this and thinking about our history, history itself going back to millenia, because of the immutability of evil in the world--in people? I think I am, but that's not necessarily bad. Being realistic is positive. That is as long as, as you say, "We carry on—not out of certainty about what lies ahead, but because, in persisting, we honor those we’ve lost and forge a path for those who will follow."
Rabbi Sacks and others have written that our focus on theodicy often distracts us from some of the harder questions about evil in humanity. I feel like we're living in times when this is becoming less theoretical (again) and demanding that we figure out how to fight back.
Another inspiring and thought provoking article. Thank you and Shabbat Shalom
Thanks, Todd!! Shabbat Shalom -
Wonderfully written essay. Today it hit quite close, and reading this felt therapeutic. Thank you, Mijal
I appreciate it, Eric. Was therapeutic to write as well :)
Love love your suggestion that Noah couldn’t bear to rebuild an imperfect world… beautiful writing and insights, Thankyou so much!!
I absolutely agree- it’s hard to be back on the cutting edge. I appreciate your continued and determined push for meaning that speaks to these challenges
Thanks so much, Sarah! I feel like this last year just pushes us to reinterpret so many stories that we thought we figured out..
Despair has certainly been an under current trend these days. I find the story of Shem enormous comfort and inspiration. It is true that when things are the toughest, that is the most important time to have courage and step towards the moment in a fully grounded way, rather than retreat. It is so tempting to succumb and retreat. I will hold this Shem story close in the days ahead. More babies born need to be named Shem!!
I love that suggestion - a generation of Shem babies. It's truly radical to double down on hope!