Replacing the watchtower of interpretation with an empty chair in a discussion circle
- Nir Topper
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
We have shared texts. Some are mythology, legends, and myths; some are historical testimony. We have shared songs, stories, interpretations, opinions, and thoughts. We share a common humor, dramas, and tragedies. We have great pain and deep sorrow in common, and we also have shared joys.
Sometimes, what we share feels like it's a part of me, describing me and what has shaped me. Other times, it's the furthest thing from me, something I look at with aversion and just want to get away from.
For the past three years, in my weekly writing of "Nir's Weekly Torah Portion," I have tried to approach this kind of shared text, mainly out of a desire to encourage others to know that the feelings that arise in each of us from reading a text are no less powerful than the feelings of any other commentator.
"Nir's Weekly Torah Portion," as well as "Thoughts for Shabbat" (you are all invited to join—link in the first comment), and my notebook that absorbs me and my thoughts, are all expressions of my desire for meaning. The insights that have emerged have illuminated the path in a new light and have led "Nir's Weekly Torah Portion" to become: "A Dialogue of Thoughts."
I want to replace the watchtower of interpretation with an empty chair in a discussion circle that invites dialogue and shared thinking (an interesting metaphor, not mine; the original creator gave me permission to use it).
Each week, I will present a thought. The goal is not to find answers, but to advance our thinking, to ask good questions, and to open a space together for the mind and the heart.
You are warmly invited to join the journey.
Nir
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