From time to time, for my daily question, I will offer a creative (Midrashic) interpretation of a Biblical verse. In so doing, I will be asking about what it means to read the Bible or any ancient text we consider wise (and/or divine). Through my example, I hope to stimulate your own Midrashim. Today’s is inspired by the thought of Leo Strauss.
The wolf shall lie down with the lamb.” (Isaiah 11:6)
What is a wolf? A king.
And what is a lamb? A philosopher.
The messianic future will bring the philosopher-king.
But until such time, one must choose—wolf or lamb.
Politics or philosophy.
Faith or doubt.
What is Diaspora? The choice.
What is Called Thinking? is a practice of asking a daily question on the belief that self-reflection brings awe, joy, and enrichment to one’s life. Consider becoming a paying subscriber to support this project and access subscriber-only content.
You can read my weekly Torah commentary here.