When the pandemic hit, life as we knew it was upended overnight. The overwhelming uncertainty and isolation made many of us seek comfort and meaning in familiar places. For me, these sanctuaries became the Torah, film, and modern discourse—each offering a unique form of solace and a connection to enduring wisdom during the global upheaval.
More Than Just an Escape
Movies have always had the power to transport us, offering a break from reality and reflecting our deepest fears and hopes. Surreal and symbolic films like The Green Knight gained prominence during the pandemic. The film’s striking imagery—naked giantesses, a talking fox, and a massive, vine-covered combatant—captivated audiences. As director David Lowery described, “The Green Knight is a hallucinatory, dreamlike journey into the surreal and the subconscious, an exploration of fears, desires, and the nature of honor.”¹ These films were more than mere entertainment; they invited us to explore themes of courage, fear, and the unknown.
In a time when reality felt more surreal than fiction, these fantastical worlds provided a meaningful escape. They allowed us to step away from immediate chaos and engage with messages that resonated with our collective challenges, offering a unique perspective on our experiences.
Ancient Wisdom: Lessons from the Talmud
My quest for meaning extended beyond the silver screen to the rich allegories of Jewish tradition, particularly the Aggadata tales of the Talmud. These stories have long provided intellectual and spiritual nourishment, offering timeless lessons that resonate even today.
Consider the tale of Rabbi Akiva’s students, who perished in a plague. Rabbi Akiva, a towering figure in Jewish history, lost 24,000 students during a devastating plague. The Talmud attributes this plague to the students’ failure to respect one another.² This story is not just about physical loss but a profound moral lesson on unity, compassion, and mutual respect. It is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of our relationships, especially during global crises.
Modern Insights: The Timelessness of Torah
While some may view the Hebrew Bible as a relic of the past, I have found it to be a timeless guide offering wisdom for contemporary dilemmas. Professor Hazony’s Zoom course, “The Big Questions About Judaism,” reinforced this notion, showing how the Torah continues to illuminate human striving.
Hazony highlighted how the Torah addresses fundamental questions that are still relevant today. For instance, the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt is not merely a historical account but a meditation on leadership and the struggle for freedom—concepts that resonate deeply in our current world.³
Reflecting on the Parsha each week, I find Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ insights particularly illuminating. In his essay on Parsha Ki Tavo, Rabbi Sacks emphasizes that the Torah is more than a collection of laws or philosophical musings; it is a series of stories probing fundamental questions about identity and purpose. This perspective has deepened my connection to these ancient texts, helping me find relevance and direction in their teachings.⁴
Navigating a Sea of Knowledge
We live in an era of unprecedented access to information. A wealth of resources is at our fingertips, from Torah texts and commentaries to films and online courses. While this abundance can be overwhelming, it also means there is something for everyone, regardless of their spiritual or intellectual journey.
The saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear,” resonates deeply with me. Finding the right teacher has been crucial in my journey. My studies with Yehudis Golshevsky at Shiviti Yeshiva have been transformative, deepening my understanding and connection to these teachings. Shiviti Yeshiva offers more than educational instruction; it provides a supportive community focused on personal growth and spiritual development, integrating traditional Jewish wisdom with contemporary relevance.
A Journey Beyond the Pandemic
The insights I have gained during the pandemic will continue to guide me as we move forward. The Torah, film, and modern teachings have been more than sources of comfort; they have been essential tools for navigating our challenges. These resources will remain vital in helping us better understand ourselves and the world as we look ahead. This journey to find meaning is ongoing, and with each step, we inch closer to a clearer understanding of who we are and where we are headed.
FOOTNOTES:
- Lowery, David. “The Green Knight: A Hallucinatory Journey into the Surreal and Subconscious.” The Ringer, 30 July 2021, www.theringer.com/movies/2021/7/30/22599207/the-green-knight-david-lowery-hallucinatory-surreal.
- Talmud. Yevamot 62b. Sefaria, https://www.sefaria.org/Yevamot.62b?lang=bi.
- Hazony, Yoram. “The Big Questions About Judaism.” Zoom.
- Sacks, Jonathan. “Parsha Ki Tavo.” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, 2024, https://www.rabbisacks.org/essay-parsha-ki-tavo/.