Book of the Month, January 2020 Ecclesiastes Annotated and Explained Translated and Annotated by Rabbi Rami Shapiro

While this work sits in the traditional Old Testament, it is a book of Philosophy, not really one of Theology. It is worth reading on two separate dimensions. First, written over 2300 years it is a very thoughtful perspective on priorities in life amidst the mysteries of time and space- and specifically, impermanence. The author, whose exact identity is not really known, presents a very thought provoking discussion of what matters in the face and what does not in light of impermanence in a very accessible manner- it is not a long or complex read -but it is timeless piece of reflection. Second, this particular version is heavily researched and annotated and the journey into how translations, especially of ancient languages, impact meaning and tone in philosophical works where precise language is so critical to the thinking- for those with an academic streak, you will enjoy that part of it and never quite look at a translated work the same way again. Almost any version is probably useful for the first dimension but this translation/annotation is unique for the second. I hope that you can find time to check it out!