A rabbi friend of mine recently changed his title at the synagogue.
Instead of describing himself as the "Rabbi" of the congregation, he is now known as the "Storyteller."
He is still a rabbi, of course. But instead of dwelling on the title, he is embracing his primary function: telling stories.
Bible and Story
Judaism is a religion of story. The Torah is the story of the journey of God's people from slavery to the promised land.
Other stories live within this bigger story. And the sages told many stories to illustrate key ideas and principles.
So what makes for a good story?
What about them makes us remember and retell them?
Many books have been written about this question, and send me an email if you'd like some recommendations. But here's what I've found in Jewish wisdom:
1. A character with a goal: In the Torah, the "character" is the Jewish people. The goal is to reach the promised land.
2. A guide for the main character: Think of Yoda serving as the guide for Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.
In the Torah, God is the guide for the Jewish people. God guides them through Moses and the words of the Torah.
3. High stakes: The main character needs a goal. But the goal needs to be something compelling. And it needs to speak to our basic human needs, fears, and dreams.
In the case of the Torah, the stakes are freedom over slavery. It is also redemption over idolatry.
Can the Israelites stay true to God's word and make it to the promised land? This question keeps us engaged and interested.
4. High points and low points: If a story is too predictable, we get bored. We need tension to raise our concerns.
This is true to life. Is life always easy and predictable? Of course not. it is filled with high points and low points.
In the Torah, we see a low point when Pharaoh and his chariots are chasing the Israelites as they journey toward the wilderness.
This is followed quickly by a high point of God splitting Red Sea and letting the Israelites cross, only to see the waves come crashing down on the Egyptians.
The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is also filled with high points and low points.
A low point is the construction of the golden calf. A high point is when God reveals the Torah amidst thunder and smoke atop Mount Sinai.
5. A message: Now this feature is not necessary for all stories. Some stories are just fun or frivolous.
But in Jewish (and often other) religious traditions, stories serve to convey sacred lessons.
Sometimes the message is simple and easy to understand.
When God sends the plagues to Egypt and Pharaoh doesn't relent, we know the lesson is not to enslave people and violate God's will.
But sometimes the message takes time to learn and digest.
Moses ends his journey atop Mount Nebo looking into the promised land. God does not permit him to enter into it.
What is the lesson here? Is it that we never reach the ultimate promised land here on earth? Perhaps.
Is it that every sin is punished, even for someone as righteous as Moses? Perhaps.
That's why we need teachers. That's why we read God's word over and over again. That's why we will be telling these stories for thousands of years to come.
What's your favorite story?