The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction
The Prophet Yirmiyahu, author of Megillat Eicha, witnessed the fall of the first Jewish commonwealth but what he saw did not happen over one day. It was viewed over the course of his life, its roots prior to his lifetime. Join Sepha Kirshblum as she traces his efforts and the challenges he faced in steering the Jewish People away from destruction, ultimately failing, but with hope never lost.
The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction: The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction:
In tonight’s class we will look at the historical context through the lens of Melachim which will help us understand both the spiritual and political situation of the people during the years Yirmiyahu will serve as a Navi. We will gain perspective of our fast days, and the tragedy that Yirmiyahu will have to convey and endure in his position. We will also learn his personal hakdasha and introduction to prophecy as he embarks on his most challenging job.
The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction: The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction
After we have gotten a sense of the impending job and fears Yirmiyahu has to endure, tonight we embark with him on his mission. We will start with going through 2 prakim that help give us a sense of Gds perspective and “emotions.” And then we travel through 2 more prakim and see how the people respond to the intense messages of Yirmiyahu.
The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction: The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction
Last week we got a taste of how challenging Yirmiyahus job was. The words of destruction were too terrible to even believe. Through the years Yirmiyahu met with tremendous opposition, but there were definitely individuals who would listen, support and internalize his words. In tonight’s class we will fast forward to see what happens to those select individuals. The shocking reality is how they are taken from him and exiled first! We will go through the history of what happened, Hashem’s explanation for its purpose, and a small insight to both Yirmiyahu and those who were exiled, perspective as well.
The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction: The Prophet Yirmiyahu: Witnessing Destruction
Over the last few weeks we have gotten a taste of the dreaded job Yirmiyahu was given. After understanding the hurt and disappointment of Gd, he helps us understand that the Babylonian exile is not all “bad.” There were people who did teshuva and stayed committed to Torah and Mitzvot. Those special ones were sent to Bavel 11 years prior to the destruction in hopes of their developing Jewish life outside of Israel. Tonight we will get to see the brief “other side” of Yirmiyahu’s prophecies. He has few, but incredibly meaningful, words of comfort for that generation, but I think even more significantly, for us.
Mrs. Sepha Kirshblum teaches Tanach and Jewish Thought at Midreshet Moriah. Sepha, as our students call her, has a genuine love for both her students and Torah, especially Tanach. She tries to create a balance of creativity, fun, humor and kavod Ha-Torah in the classroom to help her students love learning as much as she does. Before making aliyah, Sepha taught Tanach at the Ramaz Upper School, where she was also Senior Grade Advisor, Israel Advisor, and involved in extracurricular programming. Sepha received her BA from Stern College with a Major in Judaic Studies and a Minor in Psychology. She received a dual Masters in both special and regular Education from Hunter College. Sepha lives in Efrat with her family.