The Eternal Jew’s Tale, #200, Crystal Haggadah, 11 |
In this episode, kisses and rejections, drashes and derisions at Isaac Luria’s seder.
The Eternal Jew’s Tale
A Pesakh Montage, The Crystal Haggadah
Midrashbase
Lurianic Seder Midrashim, Tsfat, 1570 CE
Now here presented is a summary of the logics and mystic analogs that the sages at the Ari’s* seder devised to answer his question,
“Who is the one who desires the kisses of your lips and yet is urging you to depart?”
* Isaac Luria, “the Lion of God”
It seems that those who know the least desire most to have a say. The Ari’s disciple, Yisri Sarug breaks the contemplative mood, hoping to prove his own word is equal in light to the others here.
“Surely, this is a voice well known. Shlomo, full of the urgings of youth, woos the kisses of the wild doe. But nearing his end and weary of life he urges us to reject this world and turn our steps towards Neshama.”
Rav Cordovero, aged and ill, yet responds with a patient smile.
“My son, Yisroyel, your word is true. Shlomo wrote both The Song and Kohelet, and yet, surely, our esteemed sage and visionary leader, Rav Luria, wants us to delve beyond the p’shat.* Still, I commend your willingness to open the door to our ascents.”
* obvious or literal level
Moshe Alshikh makes the next move, knowing the sages will tear his word like a loaf of challah, torn to shreds at Shabbat meals, but also knowing his midrash will shape all the rest, and lay the foundation for the palace they build.
“Surely this is the Lor’s........