Meander

In brief: Ḥayyei Sarah translates to “Life of Sarah.” This section focuses on Sarah’s passing, the arrival of Rebekah, and Abraham’s passing and burial. It surprised me that the story of Sarah’s passing would be referred to as “life of Sarah.” A minute or two of searching around, and our old friend wikipedia offered up … Read more

In brief: 3 wise men visit Abraham and Sarah and make Sarah laugh, which seems to perplex or perhaps annoy God, who is super no-nonsense about the whole thing (I did not laugh, says Sarah. And God replies, “You did laugh.” So you know, cut it out.) The more likable Abraham I remember from my … Read more

This is a post of gratitude. A big overdue thank you to all for joining this trek. Grueling at times, for sure. But I feel like many of the folks on the thread do — weirdly proud to have this book under my belt thirty years after I never got around to reading it in … Read more

In brief: Far from the simple shepherd I’ve always pictured, So-called Abram turns out to be complex — a wealthy man, a traveller, a warrior, a slaveowner. Also Lots’ uncle. And a bit quick to say his wife is his sister. Moses gets foreshadowed. Hagar gets set up, but then she and Ishmael and their … Read more

This week it seemed like history and fiction were spinning faster and faster together in a tight grip, all I’m sure leading to a dizzying conclusion. We also got another quick recap of much of what’s happened before, another mad dose of the rhythm Rushdie has been laying down throughout. Back and forth, back and … Read more

Another wonderful section this week. A few thoughts: Much like Seth, the Raven could use more/better PR. On the other hand, the animals that creep are getting tons of screen time. Holding the child responsible for the sins of the parents. A simple idea with a sad legacy. The Flood may have been 40 days … Read more

Oh my goodness we are close to the finish line! Meanwhile, I’ve been busy writing my thesis on pickles and Midnight’s Children, aptly titled, Midnight’s Pickles. Pickle-shaped noses aside, this section was a particularly rich source of literary dill. Twenty-six pickle-jars stand gravely on a shelf; twenty-six special blends, each with its identifying label, neatly … Read more

In the Jewish tradition, there’s this idea of Torah portions — parashot plural and parashah singular — that you read each week for about a year. And it starts this week. This very one! Right now! With a couple other family members, I’m embarking on this wee adventure, to get from front cover to back, … Read more

Well, I cheated. Held off posting for an extra day to buy myself more time. But I finally caught up with you mighty Meanderers! And props to folks who are still reading and just a little bit behind. I am not in a judging mood, my friends. None of us perfectly pure. Faulty towels one … Read more

Friends, I have no one to blame but myself! I set us an ambitious goal and like a few fellow Meanderers, this is the week that tripped me up. Perhaps both the book and real life had just a little more plot than my brain was ready to handle. 🙂 With your indulgence, I’ll go … Read more