Description
Book SynopsisThere are no pre-packaged magic bullet solutions to life's anticipated and unforeseen hurdles. From Catastrophe to Hope: Five Voices of the Bible underscores the inevitable: everyone endures episodes of suffering and trauma. When this happens a person can choose to take baby steps to restore some semblance of psychological and spiritual balance. From Catastrophe to Hope unveils a blueprint for gradual recovery by looking to five books from the Hebrew Bible for inspiration. Read in light of each other, the books of Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Song of Songs, and Ruth forge a path that slowly moves from the shadows into sunlight.If Lamentations and Ecclesiastes have much to say about languishing in pits of agony and anguish, Esther shows how the will to survive can turn the tables on evil that relies on lies. To restore a measure of equilibrium opens the door to engaging the Song of Songs with its soaring proclamation that love is as fierce as death. The journey toward recovery cu
Trade ReviewIn Catastrophe to Hope, Harvey Meirovich offers an intellectually and religiously compelling reading of the Five Scrolls of Jewish biblical tradition, a reading that is simultaneously personal and scholarly. Drawing upon his considerable knowledge and insights as both an academic and rabbi, he offers an original sequencing of the books of Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Song of Songs, and Ruth and puts forth a novel theological perspective on the multiple meanings these works collectively contain. His message of hope and resilience in the face of the many trials which life presents marks this as a book that deserves a wide readership among religious seekers. I recommend it enthusiastically! -- Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
Is it possible to see the Bible through new eyes? To unite the wisdom of a scholar with the insights of a mystic and poet? In Harvey Meirovich’s masterful prose, we discover nuggets of joy, vision, and resilience in these ancient biblical writings. Hurray to the author, and blessed is the reader to get to journey with such a sage! -- Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, Professor of Philosophy, American Jewish University
Catastrophe to Hope takes readers on a journey into the scrolls, into themselves, and into the depths of biblical theology. Readers will emerge from this journey with new textual and theological insights with the capacity to enhance their spiritual lives. This is a rewarding intellectual experience. -- Micah Goodman, President, Beit Midrash Yisraeli – Ein Prat
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1 The First Scroll: Lamentations 2 The Second Scroll: Ecclesiastes 3 The Third Scroll: Esther 4 The Fourth Scroll: Song of Songs 5 The Fifth Scroll: Ruth Postscript Bibliography Index About the Author
