"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine" is a verse from Song of Songs (6:3). This verse is a popular choice when purchasing Jewish Jewelry such as pendants and rings. This verse is an obvious choice for a couple pledging their loyalty to each other on their wedding day. But what does this verse represent in Judaism? We would like to explore this verse a little so that those buying items engraved with it can appreciate it that bit more…
"I am my Beloved's and my beloved is mine" appears in Song of Songs in Hebrew, "Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li" and in the conext, the Beloved refers to G-d and and "I" to the Jewish people. The Song of Songs is one of five scrolls that are in the Hebrew Bible. It was written by King Solomon and is an allegory of the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, written in the form of love between a man and woman. It is traditionally read on the festival of Passover that celebrates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.
At the time when the Sages decided which books will be included in the Bible, there were those who argued that the allegory was too earthy to be included in the holy Bible. Rabbi Akiva begged to differ, arguing that all the books in the Bible are holy/kedoshim; The Song of Songs is the holiest of holy/kodesh kedoshim.
The commentator, the Rambam explains that the highest kind of relationship between man and G-d is one based on love as opposed to one based on fear. He continues, saying that in the same way that when a man loves a woman he can't get her out of his thoughts, so too should be the intensity with which loves G-d.
Interestingly, the Hebrew month of Elul (אלול), the month leading up to the High Holidays and the one known for being a time of repentance and return to G-d, is said to be an acronym of Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li (אני לדודי ודודי לי)- I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. The Ba'al HaTanya explained that the month of Elul is a time when G-d's Presence is felt amongst us- in the same way that a King travels in the countryside and all are permitted to approach him. So too in the month of Elul, all are permitted to "approach" G-d and draw close to Him.
"I am my Beloved's and my beloved is mine" appears in Song of Songs in Hebrew, "Ani L'Dodi V'Dodi Li" and in the conext, the Beloved refers to G-d and and "I" to the Jewish people. The Song of Songs is one of five scrolls that are in the Hebrew Bible. It was written by King Solomon and is an allegory of the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people, written in the form of love between a man and woman. It is traditionally read on the festival of Passover that celebrates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt.
At the time when the Sages decided which books will be included in the Bible, there were those who argued that the allegory was too earthy to be included in the holy Bible. Rabbi Akiva begged to differ, arguing that all the books in the Bible are holy/kedoshim; The Song of Songs is the holiest of holy/kodesh kedoshim.
The commentator, the Rambam explains that the highest kind of relationship between man and G-d is one based on love as opposed to one based on fear. He continues, saying that in the same way that when a man loves a woman he can't get her out of his thoughts, so too should be the intensity with which loves G-d.
Interestingly, the Hebrew month of Elul (אלול), the month leading up to the High Holidays and the one known for being a time of repentance and return to G-d, is said to be an acronym of Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li (אני לדודי ודודי לי)- I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. The Ba'al HaTanya explained that the month of Elul is a time when G-d's Presence is felt amongst us- in the same way that a King travels in the countryside and all are permitted to approach him. So too in the month of Elul, all are permitted to "approach" G-d and draw close to Him.
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