I wonder if the prophetic tradition, including Jeremiah, is too centered on individual voices instead of broader movements comprised of many people, including those that speak out (and spoke out) but never got their own Biblical chapter or any other forum where their words could pass down through the generations. If only we could honor in art and monuments all those who speak out, act up etc.. This made me wonder, was Jeremiah really a lone voice? Were there others, maybe women or other marginalized people, who supported him but their voices/actions are now lost?. As for the modern day movements I so admire...debt abolitionists, prison abolitionists, those working to stop gun violence, domestic violence, and violence against indigenous women and so many others.
I think the airwaves and telewaves are thick with jeremaidistical rants from all corners. The pitch of anxiety and frenzy ramps up daily. Editorials sewn thick with predictions and all but the most well-wadded ostriches have doom on their minds. What is missing is the quality and depth of grief Jeremiah felt and expressed, the use of poetry as a way to tenderize the heart and to awaken the perception. He was a single figure crying in public and showing his breaking heart. Anger is not hard to feel, fear can't be avoided, but show me the man or woman in the public square who is grieving without the anger and blame and bitterness and you will show me that face of Jeremiah that can bring. my own tears.
the many speakers at pro-democracy rallies in Israel and the opinion writers in Haaretz and Times of Israel calling attention to the many problems (an understatement) caused by the current administration in Israel
Thank you for putting that accurately and with such clarity. It is my deepest prayer that I continue to be a Jeremiah in my own way. And that is honest to the truth I see.
R. Arthur Waskow has been a Jeremiah for me for many years...
I wonder if the prophetic tradition, including Jeremiah, is too centered on individual voices instead of broader movements comprised of many people, including those that speak out (and spoke out) but never got their own Biblical chapter or any other forum where their words could pass down through the generations. If only we could honor in art and monuments all those who speak out, act up etc.. This made me wonder, was Jeremiah really a lone voice? Were there others, maybe women or other marginalized people, who supported him but their voices/actions are now lost?. As for the modern day movements I so admire...debt abolitionists, prison abolitionists, those working to stop gun violence, domestic violence, and violence against indigenous women and so many others.
I think the airwaves and telewaves are thick with jeremaidistical rants from all corners. The pitch of anxiety and frenzy ramps up daily. Editorials sewn thick with predictions and all but the most well-wadded ostriches have doom on their minds. What is missing is the quality and depth of grief Jeremiah felt and expressed, the use of poetry as a way to tenderize the heart and to awaken the perception. He was a single figure crying in public and showing his breaking heart. Anger is not hard to feel, fear can't be avoided, but show me the man or woman in the public square who is grieving without the anger and blame and bitterness and you will show me that face of Jeremiah that can bring. my own tears.
the many speakers at pro-democracy rallies in Israel and the opinion writers in Haaretz and Times of Israel calling attention to the many problems (an understatement) caused by the current administration in Israel
Greta Thunberg!
Shabbat shalom, all. 🕯🕯
Thank you for putting that accurately and with such clarity. It is my deepest prayer that I continue to be a Jeremiah in my own way. And that is honest to the truth I see.