New Books Network Erica Brown, "Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning" (Maggid, 2023)
Jan 6, 2026
Join Erica Brown, Vice Provost for Values and Leadership at Yeshiva University, as she delves into the timeless themes of Ecclesiastes, a profound exploration of meaning. She connects the book's reflections on mortality and happiness to contemporary struggles during COVID. Erica highlights the wisdom of companionship and the significance of embracing fleeting moments. She also tackles perfectionism using the metaphor of a fly in the ointment, advocating for appreciating life's transient beauty.
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Mentorship By Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
- Dr. Erica Brown describes her role at Yeshiva University and her connection to Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.
- She cites Rabbi Sachs as a formative teacher and inspiration for her work on biblical commentary.
Writing Ecclesiastes During COVID
- Brown recounts choosing to write Ecclesiastes after working on Jonah and Esther for the Maggid series.
- She notes COVID made the book's themes—mortality, work, meaning—feel especially urgent during writing.
Repetition Reflects Human Questioning
- Repetition in Ecclesiastes mirrors our repeated human questioning across life stages.
- Dr. Erica Brown argues the book's return to the same themes models how we revisit existential doubts with shifting perspective.
