The Haftarah portion for Shabbat Vayishlah (Obad. 1:1-21) narrated in English by Ronald Guttman.
Questions for Discussion:
The prophet places God’s dominion in opposition to human arrogance, and specifically the arrogance of perceived invincibility, in this case at the national level. This arrogance manifests as—or leads to—the loss of wisdom and understanding, and insensitivity and passivity at the suffering of other nations. Ultimately, it paves the way for its own destruction.
• What signs of arrogance do you see around you in our culture?
• What are the costs of that arrogance?
• What role does religion have in restoring appropriate humility?

JTS wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the Jewish Publication Society for allowing us to use their translation.