Changing Geographies in Uncertain Times: Prophetic Guidance from Zechariah

Text study inspires historical imagination and sparks insight — particularly helpful in times of great social change. Change often evokes the archetype of the apocalypse. An end to history as we know it! The founding of a new order! Our biblical prophets use many metaphors for this apocalypse: coronation of justice, transformation of animal natures, re-sculpting of the earth’s surface. In this workshop, we will focus on metaphors of geologic change in Zechariah 14: moving mountains, flattening plains, sourcing new rivers. What contemporary guidance can we receive from these metaphors? We will explore the question in light of Zechariah’s overall teachings about human and divine intervention, midrashic and medieval commentary, and our own imaginative close reading of the text. Led by Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan.

Open to registered attendees of the OHALAH Conference.