Fuchs contributes book chapter on minor prophets
Rabbi Stephen Fuchs, with Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, was asked to contribute a chapter on the minor prophets in Jewish life today. The chapter was included in a book, “The Oxford Handbook of the Minor Prophets,” by Oxford University Press Editor Julia M. O’Brien, which published in February.
Fuchs began with the issue of gender, saying there was a time no one thought to refer to God in any way but in the masculine. This is not the case nowadays. The impact of female rabbis and modern biblical scholars have changed the way worship is conducted. Perspectives unheard of generations ago are gaining traction in today’s temples, while at the same time, not undermining the messages of the prophets. It is Fuchs’ wish that people would find in contemporary Jewish life a more peaceful, just, caring and compassionate world and it is Jewish study which can guide them to the goal.
Since the Jewish year begins with Rosh Hashanah, Fuchs’ looks to Hosea’s message on the sabbath, which falls between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The name of the sabbath is Shuva, which means both return and repentance. Hosea’s message is central to the message of the Days of Awe. It is a time of self-examination and repentance. Different examples are given to illustrate how even God showed a willingness to take Israel back after she had proved unfaithful by worshipping Baal and other idols.
The prophet Joel, who also preached repentance, is well known in Jewish youth movements. Debbie Friedman was inspired by his words to write a song, titled “And the youth shall see visions.”
Amos is among the best known of the 12 prophets among contemporary Jews. He was a champion of social justice, so it is not surprising his words, “Let justice well up like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream,” have been quoted by Martin Luther King Jr. Amos rejected what he saw as insincere or hypocritical worship. Fuchs’ remarks that there are many Jews who value social justice over ritual fidelity.
Obadiah was one of the minor prophets, whose influence is in the Haftarah for the Torah portion Va-Yishlach, where Jacob wrestles with the angel. He receives the name Israel. It also describes Jacob reconciling with his brother, Esau. Obadiah highlights a negative perception of Esau, which courses through rabbinic literature. Fuchs challenges the rabbinic tradition of the treatment of Esau, whom he feels is an innocent victim.
Jonah stands out from the other prophets. He has been said to be without insight, foresight, compassion and courage, energy and initiative. Yet, within the book of Jonah are the answers to important questions — Who am I? Why am I here? What provides meaning to my life? Jonah is read every Yom Kippur afternoon and the readers are aware they are being given a second chance, as was Jonah. The reluctant prophet’s story is a key to examining shortcomings and recalculating the paths of lives.
Micah’s words are about doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God. Rabbis support the notion by quoting the binding of Isaac on the morning of Rosh Hashanah. By so doing, they are illuminating another of Micah’s messages, which protests and rejects common pagan practice of human sacrifice. Micah’s further includes two original contributions: The hope that one day we shall all sit under our vines and our fig trees with nothing to cause us fear — this is surely the highest hope of God; and fervently endorsing the practice of not only tolerance, but respect and affirmation for other religions. The Jewish ritual of Tashlich is based on Micah’s words addressing a God who pardons sins, a God who does not retain anger forever, who will have compassion … and then Micha concludes, “You will cast (tashlich) all of our sins into the depths of the sea …”
The first armed struggle in history for the cause of religious liberty is celebrated each year as Chanukah the Festival of the Lights. The prophet Zechariah’s vision of a rebuilt temple is closely associated with the festival. The Haftarah for the sabbath during Chanukah speaks of Zechariah. The significance of his vision goes even further. Today it is understood to symbolize the future of Jewish life and as a reminder that no outside force has ever destroyed the Jews.
Malachi appears in two Haftarah readings. In the first, he joins Obadiah in vilifying Esau. His second contribution is more positive. On the sabbath before Passover, it is read how Malachi predicts a time when the world will live in peace and harmony, and he says Elijah will be the herald of such a time. Contemporary Jews welcome Elijah’s presence at the birth of a child, end of Shabbat, in the Passover seder and end of Yom Kippur. They cherish his role at each one and find inspiration in the rituals.
Fuchs concludes the minor prophets are not minor at all. They inspire efforts for social justice, encourage repentance and fuel hope the world can be better than it is.