Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alicia Suskin Ostriker’s "Meditation in Seven Days" is a richly layered and complex poem that delves into the intricacies of Jewish identity, history, and the intertwining of gender and faith. Structured as a meditation, the poem is divided into seven sections, each exploring different facets of the Jewish experience, with a particular emphasis on the roles of women within this tradition. Through a combination of biblical allusions, historical references, and personal reflection, Ostriker crafts a narrative that is both deeply rooted in Jewish heritage and critical of its patriarchal structures.

The poem opens with a direct invocation of the Shema, one of the most central prayers in Judaism, which declares the oneness of God. This declaration sets the stage for a contemplation of the nature of Jewish identity, particularly the matrilineal descent that defines who is considered Jewish: "If your mother is a Jew, you are a Jew." Ostriker immediately juxtaposes this matrilineal tradition with the overwhelmingly masculine imagery of God and Jewish leadership. She questions why, in a religion where God is depicted as "utterly, violently masculine," the transmission of Jewish identity is through the mother. This tension between the masculine divine and the matrilineal lineage introduces the central theme of the poem: the role of women in a male-dominated religious tradition.

The second section of the poem delves into the exclusion of women from the formal study of Torah and other religious rituals, as epitomized by Rabbi Eleazer's harsh statement: "Whoever teaches his daughter Torah, teaches her obscenity." Here, Ostriker explores the ways in which women have been historically marginalized within Judaism, depicted as "unclean" and associated with sexual temptation. The imagery of the "flying vagina," Lilith, and the "succubus" reinforces the idea of women as both feared and excluded from the spiritual and intellectual life of the community. The section concludes with the poignant question, "Of what is she the vessel," highlighting the paradox of women's exclusion despite their central role in the continuity of the Jewish people.

In the third section, Ostriker shifts focus to the historical and mythological figures of women who worshiped goddesses such as Ishtar and Ashtoreth, and who were ultimately condemned and persecuted for their practices. These women, who "offered incense to the queen of heaven" and were punished with death, represent an alternative, suppressed history within the Jewish tradition. Ostriker’s depiction of these women as vessels of memory, despite their persecution, underscores the tension between the dominant patriarchal narrative and the marginalized voices of women.

The fourth section returns to the biblical narrative, with a focus on the prophetic vision of Isaiah, where swords are beaten into ploughshares and a peaceful, just society is envisioned. Ostriker contrasts this ideal with the reality of Jewish history, marked by exile, persecution, and the ongoing struggle for justice. The young women and men of the 1880s, depicted in old photographs, embody this tension between the dream of a just society and the harsh realities they faced. These individuals, "partners of these serious young men," represent a generation striving to reconcile their ideals with the demands of survival in a world that is often hostile.

The fifth section introduces a more personal and contemporary reflection, invoking the voice of Elie Wiesel and the biblical story of Esau to explore themes of unanswered prayers and divine injustice. Ostriker questions the impact of suffering and unanswered prayers on the divine itself: "Does the unanswered prayer / Corrode the tissue of heaven." This section grapples with the profound sense of betrayal and disillusionment that can accompany faith, particularly in the face of historical atrocities and personal suffering.

In the sixth section, Ostriker brings the focus back to the domestic sphere, celebrating the Sabbath and the role of women in creating a space of warmth, nourishment, and spiritual connection. The imagery of food preparation, the lighting of candles, and the gathering of family around the Sabbath table evokes a sense of continuity and resilience, even in the face of adversity. The Sabbath, personified as a bride, becomes a symbol of the enduring bond between the divine and the human, mediated through the everyday rituals performed by women.

The final section of the poem returns to the theme of wrestling with history and identity. Ostriker invokes the Song of Solomon, with its imagery of renewal and rebirth, as a counterpoint to the weariness and despair described earlier. The "father" figure, once powerful and fearsome, is now depicted as exhausted and powerless, a fallen tyrant whose violence has left lasting scars. The poem concludes with a powerful image of the speaker, as a woman, standing at the threshold, hand on the latch, about to enter. This final image encapsulates the central tension of the poem: the struggle to reconcile the burdens of history with the desire for renewal and the possibility of transformation.

"Meditation in Seven Days" is a deeply introspective and intellectually rich poem that engages with the complexities of Jewish tradition, gender roles, and the personal and collective struggles of identity. Through its intricate weaving of biblical references, historical memory, and personal reflection, the poem invites readers to consider the ways in which they are shaped by their heritage, and how they might find a path forward that honors both the past and the present.

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