Kohelet’s Pursuit of Truth: A New Reading of Ecclesiastes

A Discussion with Author Rabbi Benjamin J. Segal

In his book Kohelet’s Pursuit of Truth, Rabbi Benjamin J. Segal, former president of the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, presents an arresting new translation and commentary on Ecclesiastes that unlocks the ancient wisdom of one of the deepest and most controversial books of the Tanakh.

Segal’s most striking innovations include the tracing of change within the book, an exploration of the charatcer of the main speaker, an appreciation of the literary structure, and a sensitivity to the varied voices of the main speaker. A persuasive guide to the book Thomas Wolfe called “the greatest single piece of literature I have known,” Kohelet’s Pursuit of Truth demonstrates that Ecclesiastes is designed to empower the reader, emphasizing challenges rather than answers.

Dr. David Kraemer, Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, served as moderator.