Ecclesiastes: Annotated & Explained

Book Summary

Twenty-three hundred years ago an unnamed Hebrew sage known only as Koheleth, the Teacher, rocked the ancient Jewish world with a critique of society that shattered conventional notions of God, piety, politics and power. Beginning with its opening broadside, "Hevel havalim!"--not futility or vanity as most translations would have it, but "breath, vapor and impermanence," Ecclesiastes teaches you how to live in a world where nothing lasts and justice is illusory; a world devoted to accumulating power, wealth, pleasure and even knowledge that leaves you drowning in anxiety and needless suffering. Neither revelation nor prophecy, Ecclesiastes is a rational and countercultural guide to living with joy in the midst of uncertainty and insecurity. Ecclesiastes' God demands neither sacrifice nor adherence to commandments, but offers instead a practical lifestyle rooted in moderation, meaningful work, and friendship. Rami Shapiro's translation of and commentary on Ecclesiastes restores this ancient text to its timeless placeas a guide to living sanely in an often insane world.

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