Resentment and Admiration
This Shabbat, the Songs of Songs, “Shir Hashirim,” is read in Ashkenazi synagogues. The book hints to the time of ultimate redemption, which is very much connected to the Passover theme.
According to some interpretations, rather than look at the work of King Solomon, it actually has a plot.
It speaks of two lovers who express their undying love for one another. They believe their love is true. They are mocked by those around them. They separate the lovers for an extended period of time.
They write love letters to one another, longing for the time when they will be reunited. When that day comes, all acknowledge that their love really is true love.
The analogy is clear that it is speaking of Israel and the nations. They force Israel to be separated from their true love towards Hashem, with a long and bitter exile. When the House of Israel is rebuilt, the nations of the world will acknowledge that Judaism is the one true religion in the world.
It is interesting to recognize the reaction of individuals when confronted with a truly idealistic and G-d fearing person or couple, who live diligently according to the principles laid out in the Torah.
No doubt they live an exemplary life style filled with love and acts of kindness.
As a couple, those around them see two people deeply in love, that share common goals that allows them to build a beautiful family.
The reaction to such special people either brings out a feeling of respect and admiration, or serious resentment.
Admiration would be the healthy response and should be seen as an example of something to strive towards.
Resentment is a very negative response, but reflects that person’s low self esteem. Since he does not believe he can ever achieve such a high level of idealism, he begins to loathe these special people. His jealousy turns to anger and he wants nothing more than to see the saintly people fall. He becomes obsessed with the good ones, and can potentially cause them harm.
We see this in interpersonal relationships, and we see this in the attitudes of the nations of the world towards Israel and the Jewish people.
The miraculous rebuilding of the House of Israel in modern times, has elicited these two responses. Many, such as the Evangelical Christians, and the countless numbers of converts embracing Judaism, have chosen to admire and emulate us.
But as we grow into a superpower and continue to contribute so much for the betterment of mankind, we become resented and hated by a large part of the world. Their jealousy and obsession with Israel, has fanned the flames of anti-Semitism all over the world.
This is the subtle message alluded to in Shir Hashirim. The hopeful promise of our prophets is that the day will come when all of the nations of the earth will acknowledge the truth and beauty of Hashem and the Jewish people.