Qohelet: Searching for a Life Worth Living

Join the Program in Judaic Studies on Monday, October 9, to learn about a striking new exploration of Qohelet.

In Qohelet: Searching for a Life Worth Living, philosopher Menachem Fisch and artist Debra Band together probe the biblical thinker’s inquiry into the value of life “under the sun” in this first illuminated manuscript of this text and first philosophical analysis tracing the coherent path of Qohelet’s full argument. Fisch uncovers Qohelet’s twin concerns: life is short, and situated as we are far below the heavens, we can never be assured of comprehending our world, nor understanding divine will and intent. In her 60 immersive and discursive illuminated paintings of the entire text, each accompanied by explanatory commentary, Band incorporates Fisch’s understanding of the text, employing the grandest of palaces, the Alhambra, as a central metaphor for the beauty and impermanence of human life and accomplishments. She fills its halls with often surprising imagery, symbolism and related poetry creating a visual midrash that relates Qohelet not only to biblical text and Jewish lore but also reveals its reverberations across Western civilization.

All are welcome to attend, but space is limited – please RSVP to judaic@princeton.edu. Light refreshments will be available.