Repentence and the Mystical ‘Rope’: The Divine/Human Relationship in Jewish Thought
Part of the series JTS High Holiday Webinars 2024
With Dr. Shira Billet, Assistant Professor of Jewish Thought and Ethics, JTS
One of the most striking images of the divine-human relationship in Jewish thought is the kabbalistic image of a rope or cord that extends from God in the heavens into the soul of the human being. We explore a diverse array of Jewish thinkers over the centuries who have found this metaphor meaningful, especially in times of challenge and suffering, giving them hope to continue to strive to become closer to God. In the context of the High Holiday season, we give special attention to connections between this metaphor and themes and liturgies of the High Holiday season.
Dr. Billet referenced this short story by S.Y. Agnon during the session.
