Chapter 3:11
Oh daughters of Zion,
Come out and gaze upon King Solomon
with the crown his mother gave him
on his wedding day,
the day of his heart’s rejoicing
Love is never wasted. Even when I feel rejected or suspect that my love is not received; even if no one hears my song, reads my words or appreciates the effort… Each moment is an opportunity to love my life and be loved by it, and in doing this I am building the Palace of my Soul.
In the Fever of Love ©2008 Shefa Gold. All rights reserved.
Illustrations ©2009 Phillip Ratner, courtesy of the Dennis & Phillip Ratner Museum and the Israel Bible Museum collection. All rights reserved.
Practice
Chant: Today
Commentary
We are called to come out (from our blindness and complacency) to gaze upon King Solomon (the truth of our wholeness) who wears the crown that his mother (Shechina, the Divine imminence) gives him on this day that celebrates the marriage of all duality. This is the day of our heart’s rejoicing! The day when we see through the illusions of separation; and the truth of Unity is made known… Oh, that’s TODAY!
Bridge to Torah
Calling up our generous and willing hearts, we build the Mishkan with all its intricately detailed furnishings. As we gather up the gold, silver, brass, fine linen, spices, fine oils, and precious stones, the Song of Songs reminds us what all this beauty is for. The Mishkan is the vehicle that facilitates an intimate encounter with the Divine Presence. Its beauty lifts up the quality of our rejoicing as we meet, embrace and unite with the Beloved.
Click to see Exodus 35:1–38:20 in Hebrew and English (JPS 1985) or the associated Torah Journeys page.
Question for Contemplation
Can I rejoice in this day with all its possibilities for connection with the One?
Resources
View Love at the Center Resources.
Click to see Song of Songs Chapter 3:11 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation.