Lamentation

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1. Eikha and the Power of Biblical Poetry

   Part 2

   Dr. Yael Ziegler | 37 minutes

   This second shiur in the Eikha series, drawing from academic literature, provides a basic introduction to Biblical poetry in general: the purposes and styles, with examples from Eikha and elsewhere in the Bible. Different types of imagery, metre, and structural styles (especially the acrostic and chiasm) are demonstrated in vivid examples from Eikha.

2. Eikha Chapter 1

   Part 3

   Dr. Yael Ziegler | 54 minutes

   The third shiur in this series explores Perek Alef (Chapter One), which is comprised of two halves. The first involves an objective narrator; the second is a first person collective perspective. The first, more accusing tone, appears to be the prophet's (God's perspective), and the second describes Jerusalem's grappling with grief and sorrow.

3. The Fate of the Kings of Yehuda

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   Yehezkel’s prophecy to the kings of Yehuda in this chapter is conveyed through two parables: in the first, the royal family of Yehuda is compared to a family of lions; in the second, to a vine. To understand the significance of the first parable, the prophecy is compared with the historical events to which it refers.

   This second parable does not appear to be directed at any specific king of Yehuda; rather, it marks the end of the monarchy of the kings of Yehuda collectively. This parable is noticeably harsher than the previous one. The outcome in the first parable is the capture of the kings alive, whereas in the second parable nothing remains of the vine at all.

   This prophetic unit is entirely devoid of any mention of God’s Name. The parable does not mention His Name, and – unlike the other parables that Yehezkel uses to convey his messages – no interpretation is supplied at its conclusion. This omission is especially glaring given the many instances in which Yehezkel’s prophecy is attributed to God.

   The description of the fate of the last king of Yehuda, Tzidkiyahu, appears as part of a series of prophecies in Chapter 21 that describe the end of the kingdom of Yehuda. The message it suggests is that the kings of Yehuda have been arrogant; they have not maintained, along with their role as kings, their subjugation to God and His charge. They have not upheld God’s sanctity. In this way they have brought about the Destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple.

4. The Beginning of the End

   God’s Sword in the Hand of the King of Babylon (Part 1)

   Dr. Tova Ganzel

   Chapter 21 mentions God’s Name fifteen times in different forms. This emphasis is meant to counter the popular perception – prevalent in pagan thought – that God would not destroy His own land, and to emphasize the events will come about by God’s will.

   Jerusalem will not be saved; not only that but the city is about to suffer a large-scale massacre, and the sword that slaughters will do so in the agency of God.

   The prophet addresses the sword of the king of Babylon.  The proximity of these two units highlights the idea that the sword of the king of Babylon is none other than the sword of God, in whose agency the king is acting.

5. Biblical Poetry and the Book of Eikha (Part I)

   Shiur #07

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   A sustained expression of anguish and woe, Eikha, like many compositions designed to convey human emotions, is a book of poetry, not prose. Designed to impact upon the reader’s passions, poetry offers the reader an emotional experience rather than a cognitive one, feelings rather than narrative. Prose aims to inform, but poetry seeks to have an effect.

   Due to the dense and terse nature of Eikha’s poetry, it is especially important to examine its techniques. A myriad of details convey the book’s themes, emotions, and theology. To understand this delicately-crafted poetic composition, we must pay careful attention to its details – its verbal nuances, sounds, rhythm and imagery.

   I will bring several examples from different categories of poetic techniques to illustrate the manner in which they contribute to conveying the themes and theology of the book. As we progress through our study of the book, I will examine these poetic features as they arise.

    

6. Biblical Poetry and the Book of Eikha (Part I)

   Shiur #08

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   In this class, we will continue to examine the meaning that emerges from poetic features of the book of Eikha.

   The myriad voices in Eikha call attention to the absence of God’s voice, which never appears. Divine silence allows this book to focus exclusively on its portrayal of the human tragedy, and on the manner in which people grapple with suffering. At the same time, God’s reticence appears deliberate, indicating His ire and punishment. The absence of communication suggests that God punitively “hides His face,” choosing to retreat from contact with His nation (e.g. Devarim 31:17-18). Silence communicates God’s unmitigated anger, His deliberate decision to withdraw into stony seclusion.

7. Eikha: Chapter 1

   Shiur #09

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   The opening of the book of Eikha reveals a melancholic scene. Formerly a bustling metropolis, Jerusalem is desolate; the sound of the priests mourning and the young women grieving eerily echo in the abandoned city. 

   Eikha’s initial chapter attempts to grasp the reason for this calamity. 

   Erratic movement between one notion and its opposite illustrates the chapter’s frenzied churn of emotions. Jerusalem is shattered. It is no wonder that this chapter fluctuates wildly between perceptions, experiences, and emotions.

   Nevertheless, the acrostic structure allows for a measure of order and even progression in this chapter. Indeed, we will see that the chapter moves steadily towards assuming responsibility for the events, towards admission of sin, which will allow Jerusalem to make sense of the roiling madness that has engulfed her.

8. Eikha: Chapter 1 (continued)

   Shiur #10

   Dr. Yael Ziegler

   Although Eikha lacks actual comfort, in recalling the greatness of this city, the initial verse makes the present situation slightly more bearable. It allows the inhabitants to retain a sense of self-worth and may even provide the reader with a flash of hope, however miniscule.

   This opening verse does not consciously foster optimism. Its primary intention is to utilize the contrast between past and present to magnify Jerusalem’s improbable plummet. Nevertheless, by recalling Jerusalem’s past, the book offers a snippet of dignity – miniscule, but perhaps sufficient to allow biblical readers to glimpse a modicum of hope in the undercurrents of the book. 

9. The Spiritual Rehabilitation of Bat Zion in Eichah 1

   Rabbi Dr. Joshua Berman | 57 minutes

   What is the purpose of Megillat Eicha? This lecture analyses the first perek of Eicha by defining two distinct voices throughout the perek, and highlights the 7-stage spiritual awakening that the characters experience. This allows us to attempt to come to an understanding of the destruction and exile, and brings to light a new interpretation of Megillat Eicha.